What Precautions to Take After a Heart Stent Insertion?

What is a heart stent? A heart stent is a tube positioned in the blocked passage of the patient’s heart to unclog it and resume normal blood flow.

Stents are available in various materials like plastic, metal, or specialized fabric. Larger stents are used for larger arteries and are called stent grafts. But stents used in coronary procedures are auto-expanding small metal tubes. Doctors coat them with medicine to avoid re-blocking of the affected artery.

Heart stent insertion is an effective treatment for clogged arteries. But it comes with some post-insertion precautions patients must take. Let’s look at them.

Post-Stent Insertion Precautions

A cardiac stent takes time to heal. Hence, patients must adhere to the doctor’s instructions for a safer recovery. Here are some of them. You must consult your doctors for specific instructions in your context.

The incision made in the arm may open up and bleed, resulting in infection at the incision site. Hence, patients must ensure they keep the area clean and avoid straining. If the incision starts bleeding, pressure must be applied directly to the wound, and a bandage must be used daily on the incision till it recovers. Also, patients must avoid taking a bath for at least a week.

• Avoid carrying heavy goods or items.
• Refrain from indulging in sporting activities
• Keep yourself hydrated
• Avoid smoking and consuming recreational drugs.
• Avoid traveling long distances. If required, consult your doctor.
• Consume the medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly.
• Engage in regular physiotherapy sessions under a physiotherapist
• Avoid sex-related activities for at least a week.
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Avoid stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get help wherever required
• Never miss follow-up sessions with your doctor.

Still, have questions or want to consult our heart specialists? Connect with us at +91 20 2426 1600 to book an appointment.