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Coronary angioplasty Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about coronary angioplasty

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Is it safe for me to exercise after angioplasty?

Yes, but it's best to avoid strenuous activity for at least a week after coronary angioplasty. Your doctor will advise you when to start exercising and the best way to increase your level of physical activity.

Explanation

If you've had coronary angioplasty you must keep physically active to help reduce the risk of further heart problems. It's important that you select an activity you enjoy and also one which helps your heart. The benefits of physical activity are best achieved from activities that are repetitive and use large muscle groups, such as brisk walking, cycling and swimming. You should avoid strenuous activities such as weightlifting and press-ups, and highly competitive sports.

It's very important that you increase your physical activity slowly. You should gradually increase the amount of time you spend carrying out the activity and the intensity of the exercise. If you feel dizzy or unwell you must stop exercising immediately. You should visit your doctor if the symptoms persist.

You may be invited to start a cardiac rehabilitation programme about four to eight weeks after having coronary angioplasty. This will give you information about healthy eating, exercise and emotional support. A nurse, physiotherapist or exercise specialist will design an exercise programme for you which will help to improve your fitness and health.

Further information

Sources

  • Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2004. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Physical activity and your heart. British Heart Foundation, 2005. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Cardiac rehabilitation. British Heart Foundation, 2006. www.bhf.org.uk
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How can I reduce my risk of further heart problems?

If you've had coronary angioplasty there are a number of things you can do to keep your heart healthy and improve the blood flow to your heart.

Explanation

If you've had coronary angioplasty it's important that you make some lifestyle changes to help protect your heart and prevent further problems.

If you're a smoker, then you should quit smoking as it's one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with someone who has never smoked. You should speak with your GP and he or she can give you advice on giving up. You may also find it useful to join a stop smoking group or talk to other people who have quit smoking.

If you have high blood pressure, it can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It's very important that you control your blood pressure. You can do this by becoming more active, eating a healthy balanced diet, and losing excess weight.

Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can reduce your risk of further heart problems. You should eat a diet which is low in saturated fat and high in fruit and vegetables and starchy foods such as wholegrain bread and pasta. If you eat too much saturated fat, it can raise your blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart problems. Try reducing the total amount of fat you eat and swap saturated fats, such as butter and lard, for unsaturated fats, such as olive oil. Eating oily fish twice a week can also help to protect against heart disease as it's high in omega 3 oils. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. You may find it helpful to count your portions or eat one or two portions with every meal.

Keep physically active. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the risk of further heart problems. Make sure you do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least five times a week. Moderate exercise needs to be intense enough to make you feel short of breath, warm, and to raise your heart rate. If you have recently had coronary angioplasty, it's important that you build up your level of physical activity slowly and seek advice from your doctor.

Further information

Sources

  • Cardiac rehabilitation. British Heart Foundation, 2006. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Smoking. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
  • Blood pressure. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
  • What is a healthy diet? British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 8 August 2008
  • Top tips to cut saturated fat. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
  • Fruit and veg. Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
  • At least five a week. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 5 August 2008
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I've heard I will need to take aspirin after coronary angioplasty. Is this true?

Yes, your doctor will recommend you take a small dose of aspirin daily to reduce the risk of further heart problems.

Explanation

Your doctor will advise you to take 75 to 150mg of aspirin daily. This reduces the 'stickiness' of your blood and stops blood clots forming and blocking your arteries. This will help prevent you from having a heart attack or stroke. You should take the aspirin at the same time everyday. Taking it with food reduces the risk of stomach upset.

You may be prescribed clopidogrel in addition to aspirin. This also helps to prevent blood clots forming. You will usually need to take this drug for one month after coronary angioplasty. You may need to take it for a year if a drug eluting stent was used. Ask your cardiologist what type of stent you have. It's dangerous to stop taking clopidogrel if you have a drug eluting stent. Check with your cardiologists before you stop taking clopidogrel. If you have asthma or a family history of stomach ulcers, your doctor may prescribe clopidogrel instead of aspirin.

Some people develop unwanted side-effects including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, nausea or bleeding of the stomach after taking these medicines. Very rarely, people experience taste disturbance or liver problems. If you experience any of these reactions, you should contact your GP.

Further information

Sources

  • Heart drugs. The British Cardiac Patients Association. www.bcpa.co.uk
    • , accessed 5 August 2008
  • Medicines for the heart. British Heart Foundation, 2007. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Glossary. The British Cardiac Patients Association. www.bcpa.co.uk
    • , accessed 5 August 2008
  • Personal communication, Dr Tim Cripps, DM, FRCP, Consultant Cardiologist, Spire Bristol Hospital, 14 September 2008
  • Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2004. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. 55 ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 129-132
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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