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Life after treatment of coronary artery disease with angioplasty

Most patients return home on the day following an angioplasty procedure. Patients can return to normal work and sexual activity two or three days following the procedure, but are advised not to exercise vigorously or to lift heavy objects for the first few weeks.

Changes will be made to a patient’s medications following the procedure. These medications are important to prevent blood clots from forming, particularly in the treated part of the artery. Because blood clots can cause a heart attack, it is very important that all medication is taken as prescribed.

Angioplasty does not cure coronary heart disease. It can help reduce some of the symptoms, but the disease can continue to damage the coronary arteries. It is therefore important that patients make changes to their lifestyles that reduce their risk of advancing coronary artery disease (CAD). These include stopping smoking, reducing weight, more exercise and a healthy diet.

In the months following the procedure, the artery can become narrow again at the same place. This renarrowing is called restenosis and may require another procedure to open the artery again. The symptoms are generally the same as before the procedure, and patients must contact their physician immediately if symptoms return.