6 beneficial habits you must adopt after angioplasty

6 BENEFICIAL HABITS YOU MUST ADOPT AFTER 

ANGIOPLASTY

Why is angioplasty indicated?

The built up of cholesterol infused plaque in coronary arteries, causes a condition known as "atherosclerosis." This plaque occupies a substantial space in the vessel and reduces the overall diameter, through which blood passes. An occluded artery poses a threat of cardiac arrest due to inadequate blood supply to the heart.

Angioplasty or "Percutaneous Coronary Intervention" is performed with the aim of increasing the diameter of the vessel and allow enough blood to pass through. The physician installs a balloon in the occluded artery. Upon inflation of the balloon, the cholesterol plaque is pushed against the wall of the vessel. This leads to a  wider diameter of the artery and adequate blood flow to the heart.

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A set of recommendations is advised to the patient, after the surgery. It is important for the individual to follow these instructions and incorporate them as habits in his life.

Here, we assembled 6 beneficial habits you must adopt after angioplasty.

1. Balance rest and physical activity

Your doctor might refer you to a Cardiac Rehabilitation team after performing angioplasty. It is essential to adjust the activities taught by the rehabilitation team, into your daily lives.

Cardiac physical therapy can help you in avoiding the next admission in the hospital due to a heart problem.

Along with practicing the activities instructed by physical care therapists, make sure to take rest when needed.

2. Plan your diet

Surgeries often cause significant weakness in the body. Nutritionists have set some guidelines that must be followed after angioplasty.

These guidelines are as mentioned below:

Ø The nutritionist might suggest taking clear fluids, while your body is in the recovery phase. These do not cause stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting, which are usually experienced after a surgery.

Ø Amount of sodium must be reduced to only 1500-2300 mg daily. This is indicated because sodium can cause retention of fluid.

Ø A low fat diet must be adopted to cut down the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.

3. Reduce risk factors that lead to further heart problems

There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiac episode. Hence, it is highly stressed upon to be careful and avoid the leading causes of heart cardiac arrest.

Some of these risk factors are as follows:

Ø Smoking: The tobacco in cigarettes participates in the formation of fatty plaques called "atheroma", in the arteries. This plaque plays as a direct etiological factor in causing cardiac attack, due to diminished blood supply to the heart.

Ø High blood pressure: Excessive blood pressure reduces the elasticity of blood vessels and can rupture them with its massive force.

Ø Obesity: People who are overweight experience various symptoms of decreased cardiac activity, as the heart has to pump blood to the extra bulk of tissues.

Ø Sedentary lifestyle: This habit is extremely discouraged as the human organs can lose function if not used for their purpose.

4. Be vigilant in recognizing abnormal symptoms

Patients who have undergone a heart surgery are trained in checking their heart rate and pulse independently. This lesson must be remembered at all time, so that any abnormality in symptoms is correctly judged by you.

Although it is great to know about symptoms, it is highly dangerous to self treat yourself. On experiencing unusual symptoms, you must consult the doctor without further ado.

5. Try cutting down stress from your life

Stress is classified into two types: Mental and physical

Mental stress, such as depression is a serious illness and can affect a patient who has undergone a major surgery. Sessions with a psychiatrist are seldom attended. The Cardiac Rehabilitation is a program that helps in the improvement of mental health of the patient. All patients must be encouraged to not ignore their mental therapy sessions.

Physical stress:  Overexertion falls under the category of physical stress. Daily activities, such as climbing up the stairs is discouraged for cardiac surgery patients.

They are advised to be patient when carrying out these daily activities and not exhaust themselves in doing those.

6. Abstain from consuming high sugar or high cholesterol diets

Why stop excess sugar intake?

High sugar drinks such as soda are the direct causes of obesity. A research was conducted to know about the harms of soda consumption. It was found that people who consumed soda on a daily basis, were more likely to have type 2 diabetes. Being overweight and diabetic can effectively reduce the heart's function and lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Why stop high cholesterol diet?

Fast food is rich in low density lipids (LDLs), which are commonly known as bad cholesterol. This bad cholesterol has the tendency to get deposited in the arteries and cause problems such as: hypertension and stroke. Hypertension will eventually lead to a heart problem.