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Undergoing angioplasty with one or more stents being placed in the coronary arteries is a frequent talking point in many homes or social or family gatherings,because both the disease (coronary artery disease) and the procedure to treat it (Angioplasty) are increasing in incidence year by year. The physicians or health care-takers are facing good number questions like Do’s and Don’ts during the care of such patients.

Angioplasty (also called PTCA/ Stenting) is a repair work on a diseased blood vessel by which the blood flow to a part of the heart is restored/ improved by clearing the obstruction. This procedure is done by skilled Cardiologists, with no more than a mild sedation, most often through the artery in the fore-arm. The patient will be ready for discharge within 1 or 2 days with minimal discomfort. Most patients will recover very well and resume duties by 1 week after the procedure and will be able to lead an active pain-free life. Because of the less discomfort and safety compared to bypass surgery, it is more preferred by the patients. Taking adequate care of such a patient is important to optimize the benefits of angioplasty and prevent reblockade of the stent that was placed.

The basic principles include

1. Control of risk factors
2. Blood thinners and statins life-long and
3. Treatment of co-morbidities

The following list of Do’s and Don’ts and the recommendations are based on current scientific recommendations

Important DO’s

1. Quit smoking totally
2. Keep your BP, lipids and sugars within limits:
3. Understand the targets [see table below]
4. Low fat/low salt/ high fiber diet
5. Regularity in exercise and sleep
6. Resume your work as early as possible on doctor’s advice
7. Take medications regularly and go for follow-up check-up

Important DON’Ts

1. Stop prescribed medicines without doctor’s advice
2. Indulge in smoking, excess alcohol, salt and fast foods
3. Walking with full stomach
4. Avoid a scheduled visit to your cardiologist

Common targets/ recommendations

Smoking	Total quitting ; avoid second hand smoke also
Alcohol	Avoid or minimize
Foods	Avoid fast foods aerated drinks Plenty of salads, nuts and fruits Whole grains rather than refined foods Avoid too much oil and salt in food
Exercise	At least 30 minutes of brisk walking/cycling
Blood pressure	Systolic- 130 to 140 mmHg Diastolic- below 90 mmHg
Blood sugars	Fasting – 100 to 120 mg% Post meal- 160 to 180 mg% HbA1C – close to 7 (Doctor will give more precise target)
Blood lipids	LDL – 70 to 100mg% [ Lower is better] HDL- around 40 mg% [ higher is better] TG – around 150 mg%
Body weight	See for optimal weight chart for your height and gender
Sleep	At least 5 hours of good quality