Discharge Instructions for Coronary Angioplasty

You just underwent an angioplasty. During your angioplasty, a doctor inserted a thin tube called a catheter into the blood vessel at your groin. The catheter was pushed through your blood vessel to a blocked area in one of your heart’s blood vessels. The doctor inflated a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter and stretched the blocked vessel so blood could flow freely. The balloon was then deflated and removed with the catheter. The doctor may have inserted a metal device called a stent in the blocked vessel. If so, the stent will help the vessel stay open.

Home Care

• Ask someone to drive you to your appointments for the next few days.

• Rest for 2-3 days after the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activity within a few days.

• Take your temperature and check your incision for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth) every day for a week. It is normal to have a small bruise or bump where the catheter was inserted.

• Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses. It is important to take aspirin or other similar drugs for as long as your doctor advises.

• Unless directed otherwise, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during your angioplasty.

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, salt, and cholesterol. Ask your doctor for menus and other diet information.

• Exercise according to your doctor's recommendation.

• Avoid swimming or taking baths. You may shower the day after the procedure.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.