How is life after Coronary (Heart) Angioplasty with one Stent at the age of 46?

Inputs by Dr. SanjeevkumarKalkekar, Consultant, Cardiology, at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

A Coronary Angioplasty is a procedure that unclogs arteries and improves blood supply to the heart. During this procedure a balloon is used to open a blockage in a Coronary Artery that is narrowed by Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a medical condition in which the plaque accumulates on the internal walls of the arteries which transport oxygenated blood to the heart. A condition where atherosclerosis affects the Coronary Arteries is called Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

A cardiac stent is placed to open a narrowed or blocked coronary artery and recover the blood flow instantly after a heart attack. Cardiac stents are flexible coils made of a metal mesh. The cardiologist can place this stent during a nonsurgical/minimally invasive procedure called Coronary Angioplasty. The stent is designed to keep your artery open, support your artery walls, and improve the blood flow to your heart.

Lifestyle Changes: Recovery and Recuperation

Most individuals recover after Angioplasty and resume their jobs in about a week. After discharge, your doctor will keep monitoring your progress. He/she will examine you during the follow-up visit, make modifications to your medications if necessary, run required tests, and verify your general recovery.

Although Angioplasty can temporarilyrelieve the symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), the best way to help one overcome the disease is to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab aids people with heart ailments to get better faster and get back to their jobs and daily activities. It includes supervised physical activity and therapy to reduce the trauma and help the patient lead an active life.

In conclusion, you can perform all your routine activities after an angioplasty, provided you start gradually and increase slowly.