What Should You Expect After Stent Surgery?

Although tiny and made of metal mesh, stents can save your life. They’re used in the field of cardiology to expand blocked arteries and airways. This helps the blood to flow with ease, preventing cardiac arrest and other severe consequences.However, people often wonder what to expect after a stent surgery. Are you supposed to change everything about your life? Or do things stay the same? The answer, though, is a little complex.Since stent surgery is a serious procedure, it definitely requires basic lifestyle changes. But what do these changes include? To find out, keep on reading this blog.

Why Do You Need A Heart Stent Surgery?

Stents are typically used to treat angina and lower the risk of a heart attack. In case of recurring chest pain or blocked coronary arteries, stents are used to expand the artery. Due to their mesh body, it’s easy for the stent to balloon up, pushing against plaque buildup.Thus, once expanded, blood can easily flow through the previously blocked artery, preventing pain, blood clots, and even a heart attack. Moreover, stents are commonly inserted during an angioplasty.This is because, with the help of a balloon catheter, cardiologists can initially widen your artery enough to actually place the stent inside. After the placement, stents tend to stay permanently inside your system so that your artery stays open.

What To Expect After Stent Surgery?

There are numerous elements that change in your life after stent surgery. Mainly, however, you can expect small changes in your day-to-day life, including the following:

Plenty of Rest

If you’re a workaholic, you will have to step back and take some much-needed rest. It is important to take it light and easy. Limit your movements and try your best to recuperate from the intensive surgery.

Light Exercise

Ask your doctor for permission before exercising. Don’t jump right into lifting heavy weights or operating machinery. Instead, if your doctor gives you the green light, start walking and jogging. Then, slowly build up your stamina with light, minimal exercising.

Cardiac Rehab Programs

If you had a close call with death or your heart almost gave in on itself, your cardiologist might recommend you a cardiac rehab program. This will give you an insight into how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and provide counseling to relieve stress.

Changes in Diet

It’s pretty much crucial to make changes to your diet after an intrusive surgery such as an angioplasty. Given how a stent is placed to widen your arteries, it’s not wise to let fat buildup on its wall again. You will have to make serious alterations to your diet and start eating lean.

Keeping Up With Medications

Managing all your medicines is one of the most important factors you have to deal with post-surgery. If your doctor prescribes you painkillers or blood thinners, make sure to take them on time. In case of continuing other prescriptions, consult with your doctor beforehand.

Catheter Care

In the case of a catheter, make sure to take proper care of it. Keep the area bandaged at all times and avoid getting it wet. For this, you might have to keep away from bathing or showering for a few days to a week.

Basic Lifestyle Changes

All in all, you’ll start to notice gradual changes in your everyday life. There’s no definite list of what to expect after a stent surgery. But as long as you take it slow and steady, you can work on bettering your life and approach a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Simply put, you can’t generalize what to expect after a stent surgery. There will obviously be big changes in your life, but along with them will come small and minute changes as well. But don’t worry, with a team as supportive as NorthWest Cardiovascular Clinic, there’s nothing that can stand in your way.Nevertheless, for more information, give us a call at (281) 807-5253 or come visit our clinic at 18220 TX-249 Suite #230, Houston, TX 77070. You can find us opposite Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.