Angioplasty - and Heart Care

A good health and fitness is of vital importance.  Mind and Body working in harmony helps us to keep moving on in life. We all grow up listening to this fact that ‘Health is Wealth’, but we hardly realize the importance and fall prey to unhealthy lifestyles and ultimately land ourselves into various maladies.

One of the most common health conditions people are falling prey to is unhealthy heart conditions. Abundant of stress in our life, lack of sleep, junk food / unhealthy eating habits, skipping meals, sedentary lifestyle/ no physical exercise, smoking / alcoholism etc. are the real culprits of present day diseases. Heart care requires just simple lifestyle changes.

In this article let us update ourselves a little bit on an endovascular procedure – ‘ANGIOPLASTY and care after the procedure’

(Endovascular – This is minimal invasive technique for treating problems that effect blood vessels).

Angioplasty – (Vascular interventions) – Contrary to a heart surgery or heart operation where heart is cut open, in this procedure a Heart Surgeon widens any  stenotic /narrow or obstructed arteries / veins, treating arterial atherosclerosis with the help of balloon catheter, inserting it in an artery in groin, hip or arm. (A stent may be inserted as per requirement). 

As already stated it is a minimal invasive intervention therefore patients are just kept in the hospital for overnight to check for any complications. Blood pressure is monitored regularly; procedure invasion site is carefully checked for any swelling, pain or bleeding.  Vitals of patient (Pulse, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate are regularly checked. This procedure is very simple and patient is able to walk within three to six hours.

Recovery and precautions:

• Avoid lifting any heavy weight objects                                                
• Avoidance of physical exercise or exertion                                           
• Patient should not involve in any hard work or strenuous activity
• All the medications prescribed by the cardiologist should be carefully taken on time. They should not be stopped without doctor’s discretion.
• Blood pressure should be monitored on regular basis even after being discharged from hospital.
• Do regular follow ups with the Doctor. Do not miss any appointment.
• Discomfort of any kind like pain or breathlessness should be reported to the doctor without wasting time.

Angioplasty is a temporary procedure. The Condition of blocked artery can revert anytime. So one needs to take care of certain aspects of life like-

• Good heart friendly and healthy diet. Eating right kind of food
• Undertaking mild exercise regime as ones health permits; do consult your doctor for exercise routine that can be taken after the procedure.
• Giving up smoking or alcoholism (or any substance abuse)
• Avoiding anger, stress, overwork or overload of any kind, investing in hobbies or fun activities as per interest at least ones a week
• For what to eat or for a better diet plan one can consult a dietician/ nutritionist. 

The simple rule to keep away any heart related problems is –

• Eat right food,
• Exercise regularly,
• Take prescribed medicines on time and
• Remain happy.

Staying fit will provide long term health benefits. Relax and go slow. Simple lifestyle changes provide good health benefits. Discuss any doubts or lifestyle issues with your cardiologist. Keep any anxiety or negative thoughts away. Keep channels of communications open, do not let any emotion pent up inside you, Join help groups, learn to share and discuss your problems with family or friends.

And friends we have Manipal Hospital providing best services to care for your heart like stent procedure, valve replacement, congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart operation etc.  Just have a look at their website for details regarding comprehensive heart related programs.