What Should You Avoid After Getting A Heart Stent Inserted?

What Is A Stent? 

A stent is a small, expandable, metal mesh tube that is placed in the coronary arteries (blood vessels that supply blood to the heart) to help keep them open.

What Is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)?

Coronary angioplasty, also called balloon angioplasty, is a procedure performed to open blocked blood vessels in the heart. A thin tube called a catheter with a tiny balloon on the tip is used to open the blocked artery. The goal is to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. 

Following this, a stent (metal mesh tube) is often put in place to help keep the artery open. Many coronary artery stents are coated with medication. These are called drug-eluting stents and they reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again.

Planned vs Emergency Angioplasty and Stent

Coronary angioplasty with stent placement is also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This procedure may be done as a planned intervention for chronic coronary disease (angina angioplasty) in patients with narrowing but not complete blockage of an artery. This procedure is performed with the goal of preventing a future heart attack. 

Coronary angioplasty and stent placement can also be done as an emergency treatment (heart attack angioplasty) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (a heart attack that occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked). 

Find Discounts On Your Heart Medications

Atherosclerosis, Angina, and Heart Attack

Cardiac angioplasty with stent placement is done to treat atherosclerosis (a buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls). Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, causing narrowed or blocked arteries. Atherosclerosis can have different names depending on the type of artery affected. 

For instance, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of atherosclerosis where plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. In CAD patients, the narrowing of coronary arteries can cause angina (chest pain) due to the reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. In addition to narrowed arteries, a heart attack can happen if the coronary arteries are completely blocked, shunting the blood supply to the heart muscle. 

Coronary artery disease can be diagnosed with a special type of X-ray called coronary angiography. In this procedure, cardiologists inject dye directly into the heart’s blood vessels to check for blockages.

Not everyone is a candidate for angioplasty. Some patients will require a procedure known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (open-heart surgery), in which the surgeon creates a new path of blood flow around a blocked artery.

Coronary Stent Recovery

What Happens During Recovery of Stent Procedure?

You will be observed in a recovery room for several hours after your coronary angioplasty. There can be some mild bruising and soreness at the site of the catheter insertion in your arm or groin. You may be able to leave the hospital the same day or stay overnight in the hospital.

How Long is Heart Stent Recovery Time?

Most patients can resume normal activities one week after a percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients whose jobs require heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity may be asked to wait longer before returning to work.

Do's and Don'ts After Coronary Artery Angioplasty and Stent

Activity restrictions in the early recovery period

Physical activity is important to strengthen your heart after a coronary artery stent. However, some precautions are necessary to exercise safely.

Your cardiologist will ask you to restrict strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 24-48 hours after your coronary artery stent procedure. During this time:

• Do not lift heavy objects weighing more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

• Do not push, pull, or twist.

• Do not do yard work.

• Do not drive. (If you drive a heavy vehicle for work, you may need to visit the vehicle licensing agency before returning to driving).

• Do not play sports.

• Do not take a bath (you can take a shower, but keep the catheter insertion site dry for the first 24-48 hours).

• Do not swim.

• Avoid sexual activity for 2-5 days or until your cardiologist says it is okay.

• Avoid stress. You can reduce stress in the post-procedure period through deep breathing and meditation.

Wait for your cardiologist to okay exercise

Do not start exercising or walking earlier than your cardiologist allows. Many patients feel better physically after an angioplasty and stent and want to immediately return to their pre-procedure routines and lifestyle. While angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, the heart requires time to recover.

Start slowly

Once your cardiologist allows, gentle walking is the best way to start exercising. Do what feels comfortable, even if for only a few minutes. After about 4-6 weeks, you should be able to exercise for 15-20 minutes at a time. The goal is to work up to 150 minutes of exercise each week.

Include aerobic activities

Aerobic activities are physical activities that make your heart beat faster and give your heart and lungs a workout. Examples include walking, swimming, and riding a bicycle. If you are unable to do these activities due to balance problems or arthritis, aqua aerobics is a great option.

Include muscle-strengthening activities

Experts advise muscle training on two or more days a week with exercises that target all the major muscle groups, including your arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, hips, and legs. You can work with your own body weight, dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands. Again, start slowly and work your way up to more strenuous workouts.

Attend the recommended cardiac rehabilitation program

Cardiac rehab therapy improves recovery after an angioplasty stent and other types of heart surgery. These customized programs are crucial for learning correct exercise techniques and avoiding injury. You will be monitored to ensure you are doing the correct kind and amount of exercise so as to avoid complications.

Know when to stop

Don’t push yourself too hard with exercise during recovery from angioplasty and stent placement. It’s okay to be slightly short of breath, but you shouldn’t be so breathless that you can’t speak. Stop exercising immediately and seek medical care if you develop dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

Dietary Recommendations for a Healthy Lifestyle

What Foods To Avoid After a Stent?  

You should avoid or limit certain foods after angioplasty and stent to lower your risk factors for heart disease and reduce the risk of complications from the procedure. These include:

• Processed foods

• Saturated fats and trans fats

• Fatty or oily foods

• Sugary foods

• Salty foods

• Red meat

Recommended Heart-Healthy Dietary Habits  

A heart-healthy diet can speed up your recovery from angioplasty and stenting and lower your risk of worsening heart disease. It can lower blood pressure and prevent weight gain, which are risk factors for heart disease. A healthy diet includes eating more of:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa

• Low-fat dairy

• Lean proteins such as skinless poultry and fish

• Healthy fats

• Nuts and seeds

Can I Drink Coffee After A Heart Stent? 

Your cardiologist will give you specific dietary recommendations, but in general:

• You should avoid caffeine until 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure.

• Start by drinking 1 small cup of coffee or tea a day and observe how you feel. 

• Stay well hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages, mainly water. 

• Take your medications and supplements away from caffeinated drinks. 

• Be mindful of how much sugar you add to your caffeinated drinks.

Can I Drink Alcohol After A Heart Stent? 

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe after angioplasty and stenting. However, you should talk to your cardiologist about drinking alcohol as it can lead to high blood pressure and interfere with some heart medications.

Medications After Stent Insertion  

Common Medications Prescribed

Your cardiologist may prescribe medications after you get a stent to prevent blood clots and help your coronary arteries stay open. These heart medicines may include: 

• Aspirin

• Antiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or ticagrelor (Brilinta) 

• Statins to lower cholesterol

• Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers

If you have had a heart attack, your doctor may prescribe medications to improve survival and lower the risk of a future heart attack. These may include:

• Aspirin

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

• Beta-blockers

• Aldosterone agonists

• Statins

What Medications To Avoid After a Stent?

• Do not take any over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, or dietary supplements without checking with your doctor, as these can interact with prescription drugs for heart conditions.

• Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve aches and pains or reduce fever.

• Avoid taking decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

Importance of Adhering To Prescribed Treatments  

It’s important to take all treatments, including antiplatelet medicine, that your healthcare provider prescribes after your angioplasty and stent. This will help maintain heart health after stent placement and prevent complications from the procedure. Continue taking the medications even if you feel well and do not have any symptoms. If you cannot take a prescribed medicine for some reason, call your doctor.

Recognizing and Responding To Post-Stent Complications  

Potential Risks and Complications of Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure and is generally safe. However, it carries certain risks, including:

• Restenosis of a treated artery: The treated coronary artery previously affected by atherosclerosis can become narrow again. This is more likely to happen if a stent is not placed. If a drug-eluting stent (a stent coated with medicine) is used, the risk is lower. 

• Blood clots: Blood clots can develop within the stent and block the artery, causing a heart attack. Your cardiologist will prescribe blood thinners to lower this risk. 

• Bleeding or infection: The site of catheter insertion during the percutaneous coronary intervention procedure can bleed or become infected.

• Damage to the coronary artery: Tearing or rupture of a coronary artery during angioplasty and stenting can occur and may require emergency open-heart surgery.

• Kidney injury: People with preexisting kidney problems are at risk of kidney injury. 

• Irregular heartbeat: The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly after a coronary intervention. An irregular heart rhythm may need further testing and treatment with medications or a pacemaker.

• Heart attack, stroke, and death: These are rare complications of coronary interventions. 

Watching For Problems From Vascular Stents  

It is very important to seek timely medical attention for any changes in your health status after an angioplasty and stent placement. For example, if the incision bleeds or you develop changes in the limb with the catheter insertion site. If you are unsure, call your doctor. 

You can lower the risk of post-procedure complications by keeping your appointments and taking medications as prescribed by your cardiologist. This can lower the risk of complications like forming clots in the stent.

When To Seek Medical Advice or Assistance

If you have undergone angioplasty and stenting, call your Cardiovascular Medicine healthcare team or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:

• Chest pain 

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting

• Pulse feels irregular, too fast, or too slow

• Pain, redness, bleeding, swelling, or drainage at the catheter site (where the incision or cut for the catheter insertion was made in your upper thigh or arm)

• Change in color or temperature in the limb where the catheter was inserted

• Fever

How Long A Person Can Live After Angioplasty?

Angioplasty can add years to a patient’s life expectancy. The exact amount depends on many factors, including age, overall health, and lifestyle changes made. Studies have shown that patients with coronary artery blockage who undergo PCI with stenting live longer than those who don’t.