Health Resource Center
After Angioplasty
Aug 21st 2008
Angioplasty,
when performed by experienced and skilled cardiologists, has a very low rate of
complication. Patients should discuss the risk with their
cardiologist. Most patients spend one night in the hospital after and
angioplasty. Many patients are concerned about the possibility of
recurrent blockage. When blockage occurs again at the site of an
angioplasty the term “restenosis” is used. Lowering the restenosis rate
is one of the biggest challenges in heart disease treatment. Stents, particularly
the new drug eluting stents, can significantly lower the rate of
restenosis. The restenosis risk depends on many factors. Restenosis
is not likely to occur. Patients should discuss this with their
cardiologist. After angioplasty, a healthy lifestyle is mandatory,
including discontinuation of all tobacco products. Risk factors for atherosclerosis
must be treated. When and what kinds of physical activity is recommended
should be discussed with the cardiologist but most patients can look forward to
resuming normal activities soon after angioplasty