Angiography and Angioplasty with Stent Placement

Care Before the Procedure

• Fasting: No food or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• Medication Review: Adjustments may be made to blood thinners or diabetes medications.
• Allergies: Inform the medical team of any allergies, especially to iodine, shellfish, or contrast dye.
• Pre-Procedure Tests: Blood tests, ECG, and sometimes echocardiogram.

Care During the Procedure

• Anaesthesia:  Local anaesthesia is applied to the access site (usually wrist or groin).
• Process: A catheter is threaded through arteries to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize blockages.
  If needed, angioplasty and stent placement are performed.
• Duration: 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity.
• Patient Experience: Mild discomfort may be felt during contrast injection (flushing sensation) or balloon inflation (brief chest tightness).

Care After the Procedure

• Immediate Recovery: Pressure applied to the access site to prevent bleeding. Bed rest for a few hours (longer if femoral access was used). Hydration to flush out contrast dye.
• Medications: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is critical (e.g., aspirin + clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots in the stent.
  Statins, beta-blockers, or other heart medications as prescribed.
• Activity: Avoid heavy lifting/strenuous activity for 1 week. Gradually resume normal activities under doctor’s guidance.
• Follow-Up: Regular appointments to monitor heart health and medication efficacy. Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended for lifestyle optimization.
• Lifestyle Changes: Heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat).
  Regular exercise. Smoking cessation. Stress management.

Note: This content is designed for patient education and clinical use. Always tailor advice to individual patient needs and institutional guidelines.