Angioplasty is a procedure in which catheter is threaded through the coronary arteries and passed through the area of blockage. A balloon is then passed over it and inflated at an extremely high pressure to push the blockage to the wall of the artery.

One of the benefit of angioplasty is that the person can be discharged quicker (the next day or the day after that), and can start walking almost immediately after the procedure. After angioplasty, it is important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and to enroll in cardiac rehabilitation. There are some tips given by Dr. Dinesh Sehgal, the leading cardiologist of Sapra Multispeciality Hospital, Hisar. He said  that a person should follow these steps after angioplasty to keep heart healthy.

•    Once the patient return home they can begin a walking program as described

Week                                    Duration (mins)                                Times per day

1                                              5-10                                                       3-4

2                                              10-15                                                     3-4

3                                              20-30                                                     2

4                                              30-45                                                     1

• There can be individual variations in diet, but in general 50-60% calories come from carbs (peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables); 20-30% from fats (fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat,  butter, cheese and dairy foods); and 15-20% from proteins (fish, beans, poultry, nuts, and low-fat dairy)

•  Meal should contain one portion of protein, two portion of grains and three portions of vegetables.

• Avoid consumption of margarine, oily or fried foods, red meat, sweets preparations like cakes, pastries, and carbonated drinks.

• Foods high in magnesium like such as broccoli, potatoes, spinach, and wheat germ should be taken to keep heart healthy.

• Include fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables in a day’s diet.

• Decrease salt and sugar intake, and keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure value.

• Stop smoking and decrease intake of alcohol

• After angioplasty, one can resume driving and get back to work within a week, provided there were no complications after the procedure, and one has not had a recent attack.
• Continue your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before starting/initiating any of the activity