Boost Heart Health After Cardiac Catheterization
If a person just underwent cardiac catheterization, either a physician is screening for potential issues or heart problems were already found, and the procedure is aimed at correcting the underlying concerns. Thankfully, the process is minimally invasive, and most people can go home the same day. Understanding why the procedure is recommended and how to navigate life afterward not only improves recovery rates but can be the starting point for better heart health.
Why cardiac catheterization is used
As mentioned previously, cardiac catheterization can be a diagnostic tool or a treatment solution. The procedure is often used if a patient has a history of arrhythmia, chest pain, heart valve issues, or other heart-related concerns. Similarly, a person diagnosed with coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, small vessel disease, or coronary microvascular disease may require cardiac catheterization.
What happens during the procedure
During a cardiac catheterization, a healthcare provider will place a tiny tube into a blood vessel that feeds into the coronary arteries. Doing so allows experts to look for potential issues such as blockages, damage to blood vessel walls or the heart, and to check oxygen levels, blood flow, and pressure in the heart. Cardiac catheterizations can be combined with other treatments, such as stent placements or balloon angioplasties. Depending on what is discovered, further procedures may be recommended, and a better diagnosis can be given. To maximize recovery, consider following the tips below.
1. Stay hydrated
As with any type of surgery or medical procedure, recovering patients are urged to drink plenty of liquids. Beyond simply staying hydrated, doing so will help to flush out any of the imaging liquids that were used during the catheterization. Depending on whether the catheter was inserted in the arm or groin, some individuals may want to invest in a bedpan due to required bed rest.
2. Avoid strenuous activities
Regardless of whether a catheter was placed in the arm or in the groin, experts recommend avoiding any strenuous activity that can irritate the incision site. For femoral catheter incisions, avoid lifting items heavier than 10 pounds and pushing or pulling heavy items for the first week. For radial catheter incisions, avoid strenuous activities like running or tennis for the first 2 days.
3. Don’t skip follow-up appointments
Because cardiac catheterizations are either diagnostic or treatment procedures, sticking to a follow-up schedule and recommended life changes is critical to gain any benefits. Whether adopting a healthier dietary plan or incorporating medications with regular checkups, embrace the changes required to achieve better health outcomes.
A second chance at heart health
Prioritizing heart health is critical, considering how vital the cardiovascular system and the heart, in particular, are to the body. Undergoing a cardiac catheterization is a serious process, and prioritizing recovery is critical. Individuals with more questions about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure should speak with a cardiologist.
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