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During Your Recovery
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Once home, follow all your healthcare team’s instructions. This is
the best way to help your body heal – no matter which procedure you
had. If Cardiac Rehabilitation is prescribed, be sure to go. A
rehab program can help you feel better faster. It can also reduce
your risk of future Heart Problems. |
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Back at Home |
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Each person recovers at a different rate. For best results, be sure
to:
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Take medications as directed by your doctor. This is crucial to
the success of any procedure.
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Shower or take sponge baths if you had Bypass Surgery or a
Catheter was inserted in the groin. Don’t take a tub bath until
your doctor says it’s okay.
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Avoid lifting items over 5 to 10 pounds. Your doctor can give
you specific guidelines, depending on your procedure.
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Increase activity over time. Ask your doctor when you can
resume driving, work, exercise and sex.
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Change for Your Health |
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Your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to help your heart.
He or she is also likely to suggest making a few changes in the way
you live. To take care of your heart:
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Take medications as directed. Doing so can reduce the risk of
heart attack. Expect to take certain medications for the rest
of your life.
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If you smoke, quit. This may be the most important thing you do
for your health.
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Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week. Walking is
a safe, easy way to reduce your risk of heart attack.
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Manage related health problems, such as Diabetes, High Blood
Pressure, High Cholesterol and Obesity.
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Follow Up as Directed |
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See your doctor as often as directed. This helps assure
your future health. Making heart-healthy changes will
reduce your chances of forming new Artery Blockages. |
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If Symptoms Return |
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An Artery can re-narrow (Restenose) after Angioplasty and Stenting.
If it does, it will most likely be within 3 to 6 months after the
procedure. Contact your doctor right away if symptoms, such as
chest pain or discomfort, return. Stress testing may be done to
determine if more treatment is needed. |
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Cardiac Rehab: What’s involved |
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Your doctor may prescribe a Cardiac Rehab Program. These supervised
sessions provide a structured way to improve heart health. Programs
include training in exercise, nutrition and counselling.
Once enrolled, you’ll work with a team of specialists. These may
include doctors, nurses, exercise specialists, dieticians and
counsellors. Cardiac Rehab can help you feel better now. It also
can teach you how to improve your health for the rest of your life. |
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Here’s What You’ll Learn |
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Cardiac Rehab can help you learn how to manage your risk factors.
Sessions can be held in a hospital, a clinic or a doctor’s office.
Program specifics may include:
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Exercise. You’ll learn how to exercise safely.
Your program will include exercises to increase strength and
endurance.
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Nutrition education. Working with a dietician,
you learn which foods promote better health. You’ll also learn
to use this knowledge when you shop, cook and eat out.
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Help with managing risk factors. You’ll learn
about controlling related conditions. These include High Blood
Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes and being Overweight.
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Counselling. You’ll get help dealing with the
emotional aspects of Heart Disease and its treatment. This may
include help with depression and anxiety. It may also include
practical advice and support for stopping tobacco use, losing
weight and being more active. Information on how to maintain
your sex life is also available.
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Family education. If they want, family members
can learn with you. This way, they can help you stick with your
new skills and knowledge even after the rehab program end.
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Diagnosing CAD
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Treating CAD
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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
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Recovery |
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List of Doctors |
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