How To Exercise Safely After Angioplasty
This article was medically reviewed by Dale K. Mueller, MD. Dr. Mueller is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with the Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates group in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Mueller has over 25 years of experience as a surgeon and he completed his fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in 1999. Dr. Mueller is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Cook County Alumni Association, and Rush Surgical Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgeons.There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 16,865 times.
When plaque begins to block blood flow to your heart, you have an increased risk for chest pain, heart attacks and other cardiac events. An angioplasty can help improve the blood flow to the heart. After this procedure, it’s essential to begin a heart-healthy lifestyle. Exercising after this procedure is generally an important part of your long-term recovery.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source Be safe and smart when it comes to the type, amount, and intensity of the exercise you choose. That way, you can allow your body to heal and work to prevent further cardiac issues.
What Is The Best Position To Sleep In After Otoplasty
Otoplasty surgery is one of the most life-changing cosmetic surgeries Dr. Nima performs at Eos Rejuvenation in Beverly Hills. Many people who choose to have this surgery do so because they have dealt with the unfortunate repercussions of their large or misshapen ears their entire lives. These patients can attest to the unfortunate fact that theres nothing like large, protruding ears to give a playground bully ammunition.
When Dr. Nima meets with his prospective patients during their one-on-one otoplasty consultation, hes often asked about the recovery process. More specifically, Beverly Hills patients want to know the best position to sleep in after their procedure. Because Dr. Nima believes in fully educating his patients and preparing them every step of the way, we want to take time to provide some specific recommendations to answer this question in this blog, so keep reading.
After The Procedure In The Hospital
After the procedure, you may be taken to the recovery room for observation or returned to your hospital room. You will remain flat in bed for several hours after the procedure. A nurse will monitor your vital signs, the insertion site, and circulation/sensation in the affected leg or arm.
You should immediately inform your nurse if you feel any chest pain or tightness, or any other pain, as well as any feelings of warmth, bleeding, or pain at the insertion site in your leg or arm.
Bedrest may vary from two to six hours depending on your specific condition. If your physician placed a closure device, your bedrest may be of shorter duration.
In some cases, the sheath or introducer may be left in the insertion site. If so, the period of bedrest will be prolonged until the sheath is removed. After the sheath is removed, you may be given a light meal.
You may feel the urge to urinate frequently because of the effects of the contrast dye and increased fluids. You will need to use a bedpan or urinal while on bedrest so that your affected leg or arm will not be bent.
After the specified period of bed rest has been completed, you may get out of bed. The nurse will assist you the first time you get up, and will check your blood pressure while you are lying in bed, sitting, and standing. You should move slowly when getting up from the bed to avoid any dizziness from the long period of bedrest.
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The Patient Must Consider Taking Up More Physical Activities
One of the most common causes of heart problems is that most patients are physically inactive. As such, once the heart condition is cured through angioplasty or stent implant, patients must ensure that they increase their physical activities as per due guidance from doctors. You can start with low to moderate physical activities like walking short distances or going up and down the stairs twice or thrice a day. They can also consider light stretching exercises and aerobics. However, one must avoid all forms of strenuous workouts altogether, such as lifting anything heavier than 5 kilograms, for at least six weeks after undergoing the procedure. Patients must also consult their doctor before resuming sexual activity.
Sleep After Heart Surgery
Many people complain of having trouble sleeping for some time after heart surgery. You may experience insomnia because of:
- The affects of anesthesia
- Changes in your daily routine
- Stress from personal concerns
If you cannot sleep following heart surgery, try these tips:
- If you have pain, take your pain medication about ½ hour before bedtime.
- Arrange the pillows so you can maintain a comfortable position and decrease muscle strain.
- Avoid napping too much during the day.
- Remember to balance activity with rest during recovery from open heart surgery.
- If you feel nervous or anxious, talk to your spouse, partner or a trusted friend. Get your troubles off your mind.
- Avoid caffeine in the evenings .
- Listen to relaxing music or a guided imagery audio program.
- Get in a comfortable position. Tense and relax muscles. Begin with your feet and work your way up to your shoulders.
- Ask your partner to give you a back rub.
- Take a relaxing shower.
- Get into a bedtime routine. Follow the same rituals to let your body know it is time to relax and get to sleep.
If these steps do not help you sleep, dont lose hope. Your normal sleep patterns will return within a few months following heart surgery. Call your doctor if:
- You notice a change in your behavior.
- A lack of sleep is causing problems in your life.
- Normal sleeping patterns do not return within two or three weeks.
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Care Of Insertion Site
Dressing
- You may remove the clear dressing or band-aid the day after the procedure, and replace it with a new band-aid.
- A small amount of dried blood on the old dressing and puncture site is normal.
- You may take a shower the day after your test, but do not allow the dressing to stay wet.
- Do not take a tub bath or cleanse the arterial puncture site for 48 hours after your test.
- You may re-apply a dry band-aid for a few more days in order to keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of trauma or infection. The band-aid may be removed 72 hours after the procedure.
- Try to avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing over the puncture site.
Insertion Site
Examine the insertion site each day and notify your physician if any of the following develops:
- An expanding lump or persistent area of redness and warmth
- Yellow drainage from the insertion site
- Increasing numbness in the leg, hand, wrist or arm
- Severe discomfort at the insertion site
Mild discomfort at the insertion site or in the forearm is normal and may be treated with Tylenol or the application of a warm, dry towel.
Diet
- You should try to drink more fluid than usual for 48 hours after your procedure. This will help your kidneys flush the dye from your system.
- You may resume your usual diet after discharge.
Bleeding
If there is a small amount of bleeding at the puncture site:
If the bleeding stops, stay still and keep the affected leg or wrist immobile for two hours.
Take Extra Naps As Required To Promote Healing
Normally, napping during the day is discouraged since it may stop you from getting to sleep at night.
However, when recovering from rhinoplasty surgery, napping as required may help to promote healing.
While you sleep, your body is resting, and focusing on healing itself.
This is why rest is crucial during the recovery period from any surgical procedure, including the rhinoplasty procedure.
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Nightly Breathing Troubles May Increase Risk Of Heart Attack Stroke Following The Coronary Procedure
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2016 — Sleep apnea may increase the risk of serious complications in people who have undergone angioplasty to clear blocked heart arteries, researchers say.
In angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention , blocked heart arteries are re-opened using a thin catheter inserted through the groin or wrist.
The new study included 241 patients who underwent angioplasty. Their average age was 64 years, and the patients were followed for about six years.
Of those patients, slightly more than half had sleep-disordered breathing, which includes sleep apnea and snoring. Sleep apnea is a common and chronic condition, according to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute . In sleep apnea, breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes, the NHLBI says.
Sleep-disordered breathing was detected through heart and respiratory monitors used overnight after the procedure, the researchers said.
During the follow-up, 21 percent of patients with sleep-disordered breathing had major heart events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure. In people who didn’t have sleep-disordered breathing troubles, the heart complication rate was just 8 percent, the study found.
People with sleep-disordered breathing were also more likely to die during the follow-up, the findings showed. However, the study can only show an association between these factors, not a direct cause-and effect link.
How You Should Sleep If Youve Had Heart Failure
If youve had heart failure, you should speak with your doctor about any sleeping positions that you should avoid.
Sleeping on your right side may be the best option for people with heart failure. Although some people think sleeping on your right side could restrict blood flow back to the heart, theres not enough evidence to prove that its harmful.
If you dont have sleep apnea or any breathing problems, sleeping on your back may also an option for you.
A 2015 study examined the effects of lying face-up in participants with stable chronic heart failure. The researchers found that lying face up was associated with poorer blood oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and blood movement compared to sitting.
Sleeping on your stomach may alleviate sleep apnea and snoring, but can also cause neck or back pain. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of heart failure , and many people deal with both.
If you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator , you may find it more comfortable to sleep on the opposite side that its implanted. Most of ICDs are located on the left side.
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Sleeping Positions After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Oct 31, 2016 | Rhinoplasty
Any surgery is painful and finding a suitable sleeping position one that wont affect the surgical area is integral to the healing process.
35-40 degree angle
After having rhinoplasty, to minimize swelling, its best if your head and nose are above the heart at least for awhile after surgery. Ideally, if you have a reclining chair, it would be best to sleep in it for about a week after surgery. Failing that you could use a few pillows to prop up your head. Sleeping in a midline position will not only reduce swelling but nasal congestion making it easier for you to fall asleep.
Your surgeon knows best
Its important to be a comfortable as possible and to try to be well-rested, but you also dont want to risk bumping your nose. Initially, lying on your side may cause asymmetrical bruising and swelling. You might inadvertently bump your nose this way as well. Your surgeon will give you the best sleeping instructions.
First few weeks are most important
Remember, your nose will be changing for many months after surgery and its during those first few weeks that sleep patterns have the most effect on the ultimate outcome. Sleeping on your stomach six weeks after surgery may cause your nose to swell slightly, but shouldnt affect the overall positive outcome of your rhinoplasty.
Sleep position is not the only factor
Caffeine-free
Facts And Myths About Angioplasty Recovery
Undergoing angioplasty can cause you to question everything you know about heart health. Find out the facts about angioplasty procedure and recovery, and what this heart disease treatment can and can’t do for you.
Approximately 600,000 angioplasty procedures are performed each year in the United States. After successful angioplasty, most people feel an overwhelming sense of relief when symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath have resolved. However, many people also have questions about their recovery and next steps.
Here are some common misconceptions about angioplasty along with facts you need to know about recovery and your health going forward.
Myth: I need complete bed rest when Im discharged from the hospital after angioplasty.
Fact: If you had an elective angioplasty procedure, you should be able to resume all your normal activities in about a week. Be sure to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until then or at least until your incision heals. Driving is usually off limits for about a week, too. But it’s important that you walk around. Most people are able to get up and move only a few hours after the procedure.
Myth: If I feel better after angioplasty, I dont have to take my heart medication.
Myth: Sex is off limits after angioplasty.
Myth: The angioplasty procedure and stent fixed my heart problems.
Myth: I can keep smoking after angioplasty. I could just have the procedure done again if I need to.
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Sleep Alone To Prevent Injury During The Night
Sleeping alone will prevent any damage to your nose from your partner, pets, or children.
Sleeping alone for at least the first week which also happens to be the most crucial period of your recovery can reduce the risks of unwanted damage to the nose.
Moreover, an unplanned hit to your nose at night can be the cause of excruciating pain, as your nose is already raw from the injury of the rhinoplasty procedure.
I always tell my patients to sleep solo for at least a week after the rhinoplasty procedure, to ensure the best results.
Sleeping solo also helps you relax and sleep well because you dont have to be constantly worried about unwanted hits during the night.
Life After Angioplasty Stent Placement
The good part is that researchers from Duke Clinical Research Institute have found that life expectancy after a stent implant does not change, However, the rehabilitation period following treatment can be lengthy, and the body might take its time regaining its strength. Its critical that patients continue to progress with each passing day and take some extra, important steps. After an angioplasty stent placement, the following lifestyle adaptations are recommended:
Patients who are inconsistent with prescriptions over time are quite common, as it may seem unnecessary. There is a common misconception that once the treatment is completed properly, the medicine can be stopped. Medications are required following stent implantation, despite common opinion, since they prevent a serious life-threatening condition known as stent thrombosis.
Following a healthy diet after stent placement is another important lifestyle modification to make. Patients are frequently recommended to avoid diets heavy in salt, cholesterol, trans-fats, saturated fats, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Foods suggested to be included in the diet:
- Green fruits and vegetables
- Fiber rich foods
- Dry fruits, and other foods high in iron and vital vitamins.
Ultimately, patients must eat nutritionally balanced foods, as recommended by a dietician or other healthcare practitioner participating in the treatment.
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What Are The Possible Complications After An Angioplasty
Some other not so common complications are hereby listed below for your better understanding:
Understanding Angioplasty And Stent Implantation & How Life Changes After The Procedure
The human body can withstand a lot of things. However as people age, their bodies also start becoming weaker. The years of wear and tear starts affecting the body. Sometimes, it becomes imminent for people to undergo several treatments, including various non-invasive procedures and invasive surgeries. And while your life can go back to the normal routine post any procedure, it can never truly be the same. You need to change your lifestyle to a great extent, to reduce any future incidents that can have a more severe effect on your body. For instance, people who go through an angioplasty and stent implantation have to make some radical lifestyle changes. This article explains what angioplasty is and how life is after angioplasty and stent implantation. Read on to find out.
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