Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will give you guidelines for activities, diet, and medications. You should arrange for someone to take you home rather than driving yourself. You may be asked to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, for at least a week. Depending on your occupation, you may go back to work in 3 to 7 days. It is important that you discuss modification and treatment of risk factors. Your diet should be low in fat and cholesterol. Do not smoke. Smoking will increase the chance of renarrowing of the coronary artery. Consider enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program if it is available in your community.
Medication will be prescribed, such as aspirin and other anticoagulants, if you have a stent. You may also be put on other medications to lower your blood pressure, help to lower your cholesterol, or lower the workload of the heart.
The majority of patients who go home after successful coronary angioplasty have no further problems. However, if a repeat narrowing occurs, called "restenosis," you may need another coronary angioplasty in 3 to 6 months. If you experience more chest pain several months after the procedure, be sure to tell your doctor as this may be the first sign that you are developing a restenosis.
After undergoing coronary angioplasty you may feel better than you have for a long time - but don't take this for granted. It is very important that you modify your lifestyle and reduce your coronary risk factors. Coronary angioplasty is not the cure for coronary artery disease, it is only one type of treatment.