15 Things To Avoid After Heart Stent Surgery

Getting a heart stent surgery is a major approach to good heart health. But recovery does not stop at the door of the hospital. Post-operative care is a must to recover well and maintain overall well-being. What to avoid after heart stent surgery can make a huge difference in your long-term health. This blog will guide you on things to avoid to maintain a healthy heart. 

What to Avoid After Heart Stent Surgery? Here are the 15 Things

We have listed the things to stay away from after a heart stent surgery:

1. Heavy Lifting 

• Do not practice heavy lifting, particularly in the initial recovery period, as there might be a chance of bleeding because of the catheter inserted.

• It can also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can strain the heart and increase the risk of a heart attack. 

2. Driving

• You need some healing time after the surgery because you may experience fatigue and discomfort in the stent area, and driving requires physical coordination and alertness.

• Also, the prescribed medicines can impact your reaction time and alertness, making driving unsafe. 

3. Work

• Pause your work as the area where the catheter is inserted needs some time to heal. This prevents the risk of bleeding or infection.

• The heart may also require additional time to heal, especially if the surgery was performed post-heart attack. Therefore, you need to be extra cautious.

4. Sex

• Just after the surgery, sex should be avoided as it will worsen the bruising inside the heart because of unnecessary movements.

• Therefore, wait a few weeks to get time for your full cardiac stent recovery.

5. Traveling

• Traveling, especially long flights, can slow down the flow of blood because of the low air pressure and long hours of immobility, which can increase the chances of blood clots.

• Moreover, pressure and altitude changes during air travel can also cause stress on the cardiovascular system, which can worsen existing heart issues. 

6. Spicy Food

• Spicy foods may interact with prescribed medicines, which can reduce the effectiveness of the medications and cause unwanted side effects.

• Spicy foods contain compounds that can trigger the digestive system, which can contribute to an upset stomach, heartburn, and other digestive issues, which might be undesirable after surgery. 

7. Processed Meat

• These meats contain high sodium, unhealthy additives, and unsaturated fat that can make your heart health worse.

• This, in turn, can lead to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. 

8. Unsaturated Fats & Trans Fats

• Taking foods rich in these fats can increase bad cholesterol levels and reduce good cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

• An excessive amount of saturated fats can lead to the formation of plaque in blood arteries, interrupting blood flow and contributing to further heart issues. 

9. Refined and Processed Grains

• These foods can adversely affect cholesterol levels and increase blood sugar levels, which can create problems during the recovery period.

• Consuming an excessive amount of refined grains can lead to a high chances of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack.

10. Food and drinks with added sugar

• Sugary foods can quickly cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can stress the blood vessels and heart.

• They can also contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, which are the risk factors for cardiovascular issues.

11. Drug Intake

• Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and Naproxen can interfere with medicines like blood-thinners, which are prescribed post-surgery, which can increase the risk of blood clots.

• Some decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can cause a spike in blood pressure, which may be undesirable after a heart stent surgery.

12. Alcohol Consumption 

• Alcohol can increase blood pressure levels, which can put excessive pressure on the heart and damage the stent.

• Moreover, alcohol can interact with heart medicines, which reduces the effectiveness of these medications and leads to adverse side effects. 

13. Smoking 

• Research reports that smoking can cause restenosis (marked by narrowing of the blood artery where the stent is placed) because of its effects on platelet & endothelial function.

• It can also reduce the effectiveness of antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel and aspirin, prescribed to prevent blood clotting and keep the placed stent open. 

14. Caffeine

• Caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can slow down the healing process and further lead to complications.

• Also, it can contribute to dehydration and stomach irritation, which are unpleasant after the heart stent surgery. 

15. Sleeping on the Stomach

• Sleeping on the stomach can put pressure on the chest, where the stent is placed, which can cause discomfort and delay recovery.

• The strain on the chest can also limit the ability of the heart to take deep breaths, which are essential for alleviating pneumonia and other respiratory issues post-surgery.

What to Do After Heart Stent Surgery: Living with Stent

Consider these things to speed up recovery and maintain good heart health:

• Take Medicines as Prescribed: Take the medicines, especially blood thinners, as advised by your doctor to alleviate the risk of blood clots around the placed stent.

• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Visit a doctor to keep a watch over your recovery and adjust the treatment plan if required.

• Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet: Add fruits, lean proteins, leafy veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats to your diet as they improve cardiovascular functions and protect heart health.

• Practice Light Physical Activities: The best exercises after stent placement include walking and swimming, as they are appropriate for early recovery. Increase your activity only under a doctor’s supervision.

• Join Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: If a doctor recommends, join rehabilitation therapy to safely rebuild strength and learn heart-healthy habits.

• Quit Smoking: A study says that quitting smoking can lower the risk of heart issues such as heart disease and heart attack.

• Manage Stress: Engage in practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga poses, deep breathing, and meditation to reduce stress.

• Watch for Symptoms: If you experience chest pain, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath after the surgery, immediately report it to your doctor.

Diet After Heart Surgery: Nutritious Foods to Have

A well-balanced diet is a crucial step to ease recovery and prevent further complications. Add these heart-healthy foods to your diet:

1. Fruits & Vegetables

• Examples include leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits.

• A great source of vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants that help lower inflammation and promote blood artery health.

2. Whole Grains

• Examples are oats, whole wheat bread, barley, quinoa, and brown rice.

• Being high in fiber, these foods help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol.

3. Lean Proteins

• Examples are legumes, skinless chicken, eggs, and fish like salmon.

• Offer vital nutrients like healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids for protecting heart health.

4. Healthy Fats

• Examples are avocados, seeds, olive oil, and nuts.

• Aids in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

5. Plenty of Water

• Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water improves cardiovascular function and helps with the proper absorption of medications.

What to Expect at Home After A Stent Surgery?

After a heart stent surgery, these things are expected:

• Pain in the incision sites, like the arm, groin, or wrist (caused by an inserted catheter)

• Bruising around and below the catheter

• Tiredness and weakness

Care Tips:

• Give rest to your body when feeling tired.

• Take all the prescribed medicines as recommended.

• If you experience any issues that last longer or cause discomfort, see a doctor.

When to See a Doctor to Receive Care After the Surgery?

The care team will tell you about the symptoms to watch for to prevent further complications. Those include:

• Bleeding from the entry site 

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Irregular heartbeat

• Chills or a fever above 38.3°C

• Swelling, cramps, numbness, or discoloration of the leg or arm

If you experience any of these, seek medical help immediately. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding what to avoid after heart stent surgery can help speed up recovery and maintain overall well-being. By avoiding these common dietary and lifestyle factors, you can ease your healing and support a healthier future. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, and if you have any questions or concerns, seek guidance.

Practice and use healthy things! Do not stress your heart with unhealthy habits!