What to Expect while Recovering from Angioplasty at Home?
Symptoms You Must Remain Watchful of After Undergoing a Successful Angioplasty!
What Happens in the Hospital after Angioplasty?
After your angioplasty procedure is complete, doctor transfers the patient to a hospital room where the doctor monitors the patient closely. You will most likely need to remain overnight at the hospital. During this time, your cardiologist will take the following steps while you recover in the hospital:
- Pain Meds: Your vital signs will be checked regularly and also for any post-procedure chest pain, tightness in the chest, or any other pain. Doctor will give you medication to prevent pain and to help you relax.
- Bed Rest: You will be advised to rest in bed for 2 to 8 hours after the procedure depending on the results of your angioplasty and your condition thereon. If the doctor uses a transducer and leaves it in place at the insertion site, it is only after its removal that you will be able to take a light meal.
- Anticoagulants: You may also be given a low-dose aspirin, which is an anticoagulant to help prevent any blood clot formation. You should walk around as soon as possible after the procedure to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Use of Bedpan: You may feel a strong urge to urinate frequently because of the use of contrast dye during the procedure. For this, you will be advised to use a bedpan so that your affected leg remains straight and not bent.
- Drink Plenty of Water: You must drink plenty of water or other fluids in order to help eliminate the remaining contrast dye in your body.
- Care Plan for Catheter Insertion Site: You will also be instructed on how to take care of the incision site. It is important to keep the catheter insertion site clean and dry at all times. You will be able to shower the day after the procedure, but should avoid tub baths, hot tubs, and swimming for at least a week.
- Return to Normal Activity: You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days, but you will need to take it easy for a week or so. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when you can return to work and your other normal activities.
- Discharge Instructions: The doctor will give you a detailed discharge instruction sheet and care plan upon your discharge usually on the next morning.
What to Expect while Recovering from Angioplasty at Home?
It is important to take it easy for the first few days after the angioplasty. You should not lift heavy objects or do any strenuous activity at least for the following week or until your doctor says so. You will also need to take it easy on your incision site. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry and inform your doctor for any lumps. Doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent any post-procedure infection.
Symptoms You Must Remain Watchful of After Undergoing a Successful Angioplasty!
After having an angioplasty procedure, it is important to be aware of any changes in your body. You must report any new symptoms to your doctor. Some symptoms are chest pain or shortness of breath. These may indicate that the angioplasty was not successful and that you need further treatment. Other symptoms may be bleeding or swelling at the catheter site. These are usually not cause for concern and will resolve on their own. It is important to follow up with your doctor after an angioplasty. This is to ensure that the procedure was successful and that you are on the road to complete recovery.
Dr. Arun Is Your Go-To-Expert for Any Queries Related to Angioplasty!
Do you have any queries regarding the angioplasty procedure? Are you looking for the safest hands for undergoing an angioplasty procedure? Do you have post-procedure complications which you are unable to manage successfully? Well! You can contact Dr. Arun. He is a board-certified interventional cardiologist. You can get here the best care that you deserve!
