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Recovery
After Angioplasty:
After Angioplasty:Understanding Short-Term ComplicationsTranscriptAfter you get home from the hospital following your angioplasty, you are at anincreased risk for some short-term complications. You may not experience any;however, here’s what to look for and what to do if you do notice symptoms that maysignal a problem:Check the catheter insertion site every day for signs of infection. Call your doctor if thesite is red, swollen, warm to your touch, or draining; if you have a temperature over100 degrees Fahrenheit; or if you have any swelling, numbness or weakness in the legor arm used as the insertion site.Some bruising is normal. It may spread from the insertion site down your leg or arm,and change color from purple to yellow-green before gradually fading away.Watch for bleeding at the insertion site. If you see a small amount of blood, don’t beoverly concerned but do let your doctor know. However, if the bleeding is heavy orforceful, put pressure directly on the insertion site or have someone do it for you. Andcall 911 immediately. To control the bleeding, lie on a flat surface and with a cleancloth, put firm pressure directly on the wound.If you have chest pain once you are home, do the following: take a nitroglycerin pill orspray as directed, and call your doctor. If you don’t have nitroglycerin, or the pain doesnot improve with nitroglycerin, call 911 right away.Nitroglycerin pills and spray are both used in the same way. Sit or lie down beforetaking your nitroglycerin. If the first tablet does not relieve your angina symptomsafter three to five minutes, you may take another – up to three tablets in ten minutes.If your pain persists after three tablets or ten minutes, call 911. If you notice you feellightheaded or dizzy, stop taking your nitroglycerin. Be sure to tell your doctor of anychest discomfort, even if it does go away with treatment.20% gradient meshAs you recover from angioplasty, take added care to watch for signs and symptomsof short-term complications. Getting quick treatment can help prevent serious healthproblems.healthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_ha_10214_98_en_t00002.pdf © Milner-Fenwick, Inc.healthclips5% gradient mesh
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Watch how this possible complication of angioplasty develops, and how to recognize its signs and symptoms.
Understand what is provided in a cardiac rehabilitation program and recognize how it contributes to you living a long, heart healthy future.
See what to expect as you recover from your angioplasty and stenting procedures.
Become familiar with the medications you may receive and the restrictions you will have during your brief stay in the hospital.