Key takeaways
- Never stop blood thinners after a stent without the cardiologist’s advice.
- Increase walking gradually; avoid lifting heavy weights early on.
- Cut down salt, fried food and sugar; quit smoking completely.
- Chest pain that does not settle with rest is an emergency — call 108.
Heart medicines
Patients usually go home on several medicines: blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medicines for blood pressure and heart rate. After a stent, blood thinners are critical to prevent the stent from blocking — they must never be stopped without the cardiologist’s approval, even for dental work. Use a pill box and a written chart to avoid missed doses.
Wound care
After angioplasty, the wrist or groin puncture site should be kept clean and dry and checked for swelling or bleeding. After bypass surgery, care for the chest and leg wounds as advised, and avoid pushing up with the arms or lifting heavy objects for several weeks to protect the breastbone.
Activity and walking
- Start with short walks on flat ground and increase the time gradually each week.
- Avoid walking immediately after meals and in the midday heat of Jodhpur summers.
- Stop and rest if there is chest discomfort, breathlessness or dizziness.
- Ask the cardiologist when it is safe to climb stairs, drive and return to work.
- Join cardiac rehabilitation if available.
Heart-healthy diet
Limit salt, pickles, papad, namkeen and processed foods. Choose whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dal and low-fat dairy. Reduce ghee, butter and deep-fried food. Patients with heart failure may be asked to limit fluids and check their weight daily — a sudden weight gain can mean fluid build-up.
Monitoring at home
Check blood pressure and pulse as advised and keep a written record for follow-up visits. Diabetic patients should keep sugar under good control. Home nursing can include BP monitoring, ECG at home and medicine management.
Warning signs — act quickly
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw or back.
- Severe breathlessness or breathlessness when lying flat.
- Fainting, very fast or irregular heartbeat.
- New swelling of the feet or rapid weight gain.
- Bleeding or swelling at the angioplasty site.
Call 108 / 112 for chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or severe breathlessness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery take after angioplasty?
Many patients return to light activities within a week, but full recovery and return to strenuous activity should follow the cardiologist’s advice.
How long does bypass surgery recovery take?
The breastbone usually takes six to eight weeks to heal, and overall recovery often takes two to three months.
Can a nurse monitor a heart patient at home?
Yes. A nurse can check blood pressure and pulse, record an ECG, manage medicines and watch for warning signs.
This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. Always follow your treating doctor’s instructions. In an emergency call 108 / 112.