Recovery after coronary stenting
A healthy heart is the key to a long and quality life. Some diseases cause malfunctions in the normal functioning of the body's main pump. It is important to learn how rehabilitation is carried out after myocardial infarction and stenting, how to adjust nutrition, and what degree of physical activity is really necessary.
The content of the article
What is stenting
Stenting is a minimally invasive surgical intervention in which a stent is placed inside the coronary artery. The need for this usually arises when the lumen of the vessel is narrowed, or completely blocked due to the growth of atherosclerotic plaque.
A stent is a metal lattice tube that is inserted by an endovascular method directly to the site of plaque localization. The technique can be planned, or it can be part of emergency care for myocardial infarction. Sometimes used in combination with angioplasty. The procedure is often prescribed for patients suffering from angina attacks or another type of arrhythmia.
In order for rehabilitation after stenting of the coronary arteries to be easy, and the result of the surgical intervention to be preserved for a long time, it is necessary to take some measures.
Goals of the postoperative period
The goal of rehabilitation after stenting is to help the patient return to a normal life as soon as possible. The recovery period can take place both in the hospital department and at home. All therapeutic methods must be agreed with the attending physician.
A well-established recovery process achieves the following goals:
- stops the progression of coronary heart disease;
- there are no complications after the intervention;
- improves the patient's well-being and endurance;
- return to normal vital signs.
Successful recovery after coronary stenting can stop the development of atherosclerosis. Although the placement of a stent does not eliminate medical treatment and dietary restrictions, the procedure makes it easier for the heart to work and improves its blood supply.
When the patient recovers from stenting, he begins to feel more strength. This is due to the fact that now the heart receives enough oxygen. Those loads that used to cause severe shortness of breath and were unbearable are now much easier. Before surgery, heart pain prevents many people from doing even the most ordinary activities. After a while after the installation of the stent, these pains disappear.
The emergence of new forces cannot be regarded as an opportunity for hard work. Rehabilitation after coronary stenting involves a whole process aimed at gradual changes in the body. Only over time, the patient will be able to realize the forces and energy that have appeared without negative consequences, and at first it is worth being careful and not overloaded.
Thanks to the right recovery procedures, the patient will soon notice the return to normal of such vital signs:
- pulse;
- pressure;
- blood picture;
- lipid balance.
When the condition improves, doctors should remain vigilant and try to prevent the occurrence of postoperative complications.
Possible Complications
One of the goals for the recovery period after coronary artery stenting is to reduce the risk of complications. The following factors may affect the patient's well-being after surgery:
an allergic reaction to the injected contrast agent;
- bleeding at the site of the skin puncture;
- infectious infection;
- arrhythmia;
- restenosis (repeated blockage of an artery).
A competent approach of the team of doctors and round-the-clock monitoring of the patient after the operation will help to avoid these complications.
Methods of postoperative recovery
What will be the rehabilitation period after the installation of the stent depends on how strictly the patients follow all the recommendations received. Recovery includes the following steps:
- the use of medications;
- diet;
- physical training;
- periodic inspection and examination.
It is very important to take the postoperative period seriously. How it passes depends on how long the state of health will be normal and no other interventions will be required.
What medications are prescribed
Medications after installing a stent on the coronary vessels can only be used as directed by a doctor! Self-medication can lead to tragic consequences.
Your doctor may recommend taking blood thinners and lowering cholesterol levels. Drugs are sometimes used to protect the heart from overload. Comprehensive treatment consolidates the effect obtained from the operation and serves as a preventive measure against the development of complications.
Diet after surgery
Following a diet after stenting allows you to supply the patient's body with important compounds, while at the same time limiting the intake of components that can cause harm.
In order for the heart to work normally, the following foods should be excluded from the diet:
- sweets;
- baking;
- soda;
- fatty meats;
- semi-finished products;
- margarine;
- fatty dairy products.
There should be a limit on the amount of eggs, cheese and coffee consumed. When choosing dairy products, preference should be given to products with reduced fat content. Coffee is allowed only natural, slightly brewed. You can drink such a drink only occasionally.
It is important to monitor the amount of salt consumed. You should not completely abandon the product, since this element is necessary for the body every day for full-fledged work. It is desirable that the daily amount does not exceed half a teaspoon. At the same time, we must not forget that salt is contained in a certain amount in purchased goods.
Nevertheless, the diet after stenting of the coronary vessels should include foods rich in valuable vitamins and microelements. The diet should contain:
- fresh fruits and vegetables;
- cereals;
- greenery;
- fish;
- lean meat.
Compliance with the diet will keep the vessels clean and the risk of secondary fouling of the stent with cholesterol is minimized.
Physical exercise after stenting
There is no single set of physical exercises after stenting. Depending on the patient's condition and the nuances of the operation, such a complex is prescribed individually. The type of physical activity can be discussed with the attending physician before discharge from the hospital.
Most often, doctors recommend such classes:
- fast walk;
- jogging;
- bicycle rides;
- swimming.
In order for the set of exercises after the installation of the stent to bring maximum benefit, it is important to follow some rules:
- classes should be regular;
- moderate intensity without overload is necessary;
- do not exercise for more than 45 minutes;
- There should be a 1.5 hour gap between training and eating.
Regardless of which type of training was chosen, if during training there was pain in the heart, or an arrhythmia began, you should immediately call an ambulance.
Physical activity has a beneficial effect not only on the state of the cardiovascular system. An active lifestyle allows you to maintain a high level of immune activity and resist infections. Moderate sport contributes to maintaining excellent shape. The person does not get better, which also facilitates the work of the heart.
After surgery, you should not begin to engage in heavy sports, such as weightlifting or boxing. Sports should bring joy. It is important to exclude any emotional stress and upheaval. Moral balance is an important condition for favorable rehabilitation.
Even if the operation to install a stent inside the coronary artery was successful and the patient does not feel any complications for some time, you should not refuse to visit a cardiologist periodically. Only a doctor can notice pathological changes in time that require correction. Perhaps he will prescribe the use of certain medications, with which you can extend the life of the installed stent.
If during the rehabilitation period you periodically visit a cardiologist, take the drugs prescribed by him, monitor nutrition and engage in moderate sports, he will be successful. Heart health can be maintained, and the quality of life will remain at a high level.
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