Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting - Information for ... - Library

YOUR WOUNDLeave your dressing or your plaster on for 2 days after yourprocedure and then remove it and leave the puncture site exposedto heal. Some bruising and discolouration may develop at the sitebut it is not serious. Paracetamol can be taken for minordiscomfort. However, if at any stage you are concerned about yourwound site, may be it is very swollen or has an enlarging painfulbruise over it, please contact either your GP or the ward you stayedfor advice.WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION FOR STENT IMPLANT?You will be prescribed a medicine called Clopidogrel, which stopsblood cells (platelets) sticking together on the stent implanted inyour coronary artery. You will be given specific instructions forhow long you will need to take this for. The hospital pharmacy willprovide you with a supply for 1 month, so you will need to get arepeat prescription from your GP if you are required to take it forlonger. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist on the ward will adviseyou. You will need to continue to take aspirin as you have beendoing.INTRODUCTIONThis booklet has been developed to help you understand what toexpect before, during and after your coronary angioplasty andstent implant. If you have any questions that the booklet does notanswer, please do not hesitate to ask the nursing or medical staffwho are looking after you.CORONARY ARTERY DISEASECoronary artery disease is the term used to describe furring andnarrowing of the arteries (blood vessels) in the heart that provideblood flow to the heart muscle. The gradual build up of fattymaterials in the inner lining of the arteries is the most commoncause of narrowing of the coronary arteries. Angina is the namegiven to the symptoms that happen when the build up is enough torestrict the blood flow down the artery and therefore the heartmuscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen. Thesesymptoms may include chest pain or discomfort as well asbreathlessness.Diagram of the Heart:ON DISCHARGEWhen you return home which should be within 1 or 2 daysfollowing your procedure, you should take it easy for at least 2days and slowly increase your activity. Ask your doctor or nurseabout returning to work as this often depends on your occupation,but the general rule is that we advise you to remain off work for 1week. Avoid lifting heavy objects and activities such as hoovering,mowing and lifting heavy shopping for 2 days and then return tonormal activity, as you feel able. Information is available on theward on lifestyle adjustment or through your local CardiacRehabilitation team.-9--2-