After Coronary Angioplasty and Intravascular Stent Placement

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Ambulatory
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

After coronary angioplasty and intravascular stent placement

, your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions to follow while you heal. You will also need to care for the catheter site to prevent infection and help it heal.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You have sudden shortness of breath or cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your leg or arm becomes numb, or your fingers or toes turn white or blue.
• Your catheter site is swollen, red, or has pus or foul-smelling fluid coming from it.
• You start to bleed from your catheter site again.

Call your cardiologist or doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Antiplatelets prevent blood clots from forming. You will need to take aspirin and another type of antiplatelet medicine. Take this medicine daily as directed. Do not stop taking aspirin or other type of antiplatelet medicine without asking your healthcare provider.
• Cholesterol medicine helps decrease the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Too much cholesterol in your blood may cause plaque buildup.
• Blood pressure medicine lowers your blood pressure.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding continues:

A small amount of bleeding from the catheter site is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.

Care for the catheter site:

Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Rest:

Rest for 1 or 2 days after your procedure. Slowly start to do more each day. Take walks around your house. Make a plan for rest during the day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities.

Activity limits after wrist insertion:

Activity limits help reduce pressure on your catheter site and prevent bleeding. Follow these guidelines for 1 week, or as directed:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 2 pounds.
• Do not push or pull with the arm used for the procedure.
• Avoid activities that use your arm or wrist, such as tennis, bowling, and golf.

Activity limits after groin insertion:

Activity limits help reduce pressure on your catheter site and prevent bleeding. Follow these guidelines for as long as shown below, or as directed.

• Do not have sex for 2 days.
• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 1 week.
• Limit stair climbing for 1 week.
• Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks.

Drink liquids as directed:

Drink extra liquids if contrast liquid was used during your procedure. Liquid will help flush the contrast out of your body. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Do not smoke:

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart, lung, and blood vessel damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), if directed:

Your cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab. This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and reduce the risk for more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.

Stent safety:

• Carry your stent card with you at all times.
• Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
• If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.

Follow up with your cardiologist or doctor as directed:

You may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer