Going home after coronary stent implantation

Instructions for patients whose injection site was on the leg:

It is normal for there to be a hematoma/bruise around the puncture site. However, it is not normal if it suddenly starts growing. In this case, contact your doctor immediately!

If you have to sneeze, cough, laugh or defecate, gently press the spot
injection in the next 2 days.
You can shower 1 day after stenting.
Do not engage in heavy physical work for 5 days after discharge. For example: Do not lift anything heavier than 5 kg, vacuum, move furniture, climb stairs, run, swim…
Do not sit for more than an hour on the first day at home

Instructions for patients whose injection site was on the arm:

It is normal for you to feel slight tingling or discomfort in your hand for the next 3 days. If it appears severe pain, contact your doctor!

You can shower the day after the intervention. Do not strain your arm for the next 5 days (lean on it when you stand up or lift something heavy).

After stent implantation, you must not drive for 5 days after discharge. You must not drive alone! Someone has to take you home!

Physical activity: After the first 7 days, you can start with lighter physical activity (walking) –
at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Do not try to walk if you feel tired or if the weather is cold outside. If during physical activities, feel any discomfort (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or prolonged fatigue after walking) you should reduce your activity level.

If you have not been physically active until now, gradually increase the load. For example:

The first week – walk for 10 minutes twice a day
Second week – walk 400m for 10-15 minutes twice a day
Third week – walk 800m for 15-20 minutes twice a day
Fourth week – walk 1200m for 20-25 minutes once a day
Fifth week – walk 1500m for 30 minutes once a day
Sixth week – walk 2000m for 40 minutes once a day

After that, try to increase the walking distance and pace every 5 days to the limits of endurance.

Do not walk after eating. Wait 1 hour.

Cardiorehabilitation: If possible, it is necessary to join and perform a cardiorehabilitation program in a physical center or spa verified for this purpose.

Return to work: You can return to work one week after the procedure if you are working
paperwork. If you are returning to work that involves physical effort, you need the least
two weeks without work. However, just in case, consult your doctor of family medicine.

Sexual activities: During sexual activities, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and some people may experience shortness of breath or chest pain. However, if you can walk 500 meters or climb two floors without pain in
breasts or shortness of breath, you can continue with sexual activities.

Quitting smoking is MANDATORY!!

Diet: Many patients need a lifestyle change. It is necessary to increase the consumption of food that protects your heart. Healthy
diet can lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and reduce excess body weight
weight.

Tips:

Choose skimmed milk
Use low-fat cheeses
Prepare food with as little oil as possible (poach, bake or cook; do not fry!!)
Fish and chicken have less fat, so eat them more often
Limit eggs to 2-3 per week and eat them separately from meat and cheese.
If you must use oil in food preparation, use oil with less fat (olive, sunflower or corn)
Do not eat chocolate, sweets or pasta, they are extremely rich in fats and sugars!!
Eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible – remember: 4 portions a day!
Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) help lower cholesterol – add them to your diet.
Eat more fruits and vegetables: Aim to eat four servings of fruits or vegetables a day. Food rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eat as many different fruits and vegetables as possible. It can be fresh, frozen or canned.
Eat more fish: Eating fish and fish oils can help lower the risk of heart disease and improve survival after a heart attack. At least three portions of fish per week are recommended. Fish in which we have the necessary omega 3 fatty acids are herring, mackerel, sardines, sardines, salmon, fresh tuna. They are also found in almonds, peanuts, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans.
Reduce salt intake: A high level of salt in the diet is closely related to high blood pressure. In addition to high amounts of salt in food that you prepare yourself, pay attention to ready-made food that also contains high amounts of salt. It is better to prepare the food yourself in order to put as little salt as possible.
Reduce excess body weight: In this way, you reduce blood pressure and the load on your heart. Ask your doctor how much body weight is allowed for you!

IMPORTANT!!! Patients who have high blood pressure must maintain pressure values below 140/90mmHg. Patients who are in pain