Life After Cardiac Intervention: Your Guide to Optimal Recovery

Heart issues are significant and can cause serious health problems and heart attacks. Cardiac intervention procedures, such as stenting or angioplasty, are crucial in preserving the heart muscle and enabling it to function efficiently.

Recovering from cardiac intervention may seem daunting, but it's essential to return to a healthy, everyday life. At the Heart Clinic of Hammond, Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed offer coronary intervention procedures, including pacemaker insertions and cardiac catheterizations.

Understanding cardiac intervention

Interventional cardiology is a branch of medicine that uses minimally invasive procedures and catheters to diagnose and treat heart problems. Instead of extremely invasive open heart surgery, these procedures allow us to go through the blood vessels with tiny catheters to access the heart muscle.

Various types of cardiac intervention procedures work for different conditions. Some of the practices we offer include:

Angioplasty

During an angioplasty, we use catheters and a small balloon to widen narrow or blocked arteries that have a buildup of plaque, which can be dangerous.

Stent placement

After an angioplasty, we sometimes place a mesh stent inside the affected artery. The stent keeps the artery open to allow adequate blood flow to the body.

Valve repair

If you have a problem with a heart valve, we use catheters and minimally invasive techniques to repair or replace the affected valve.

Pacemaker insertion

We also offer pacemakers to help control your heart rate and rhythm. These devices are placed just under the skin and attached to the heart with electrodes, allowing the battery to control the heart's rhythm.

What to expect initially

Initially, after the procedure, you may have some discomfort and weakness, which is entirely normal and can continue for several days to weeks after the intervention.

You should take it easy for the first few days and only gradually increase activity when you're ready. Take medications as prescribed and monitor the incision sites for any issues.

It's critical to follow our discharge instructions carefully to ensure you recover properly. We encourage you to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program to help you strengthen your heart and body during your recovery.

Tips for an optimal recovery

Recovering after a cardiac intervention procedure is essential to your health. You must follow the discharge instructions and take it easy for a few days. We offer other tips to optimize recovery and heart health, including:

Gradually increase activity

You just had heart surgery, even though it was minimally invasive. Take it easy and rest for the first few days, and gradually increase activity over the next few weeks. Start walking for a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you abide by each activity.

Eat a healthy diet

A heart-healthy diet is essential for healing and maintaining a healthy heart. Cut back on foods with high sodium, saturated fat, and sugar content and focus on eating whole fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep is an essential aspect of the healing process. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep per night, and consider taking a nap during the day if you're tired.

Control post-operative pain

Although cardiac intervention procedures are minimally invasive, they still require small incisions. You may have some pain afterward, and it's essential to control it for a smooth recovery. Use prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers to calm discomfort.

Manage stress

Stress isn't good for the heart, especially after a cardiac procedure. Find healthy ways to manage stress, like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, especially while you heal.

It's also essential to keep an eye out for infection around the incision sites. Look for swelling, redness, or drainage that could indicate bacteria has entered, and call us immediately.

Don't hesitate to call the Heart Clinic of Hammond team today in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana, to discuss cardiac intervention procedures or request an appointment on our website.