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Lifestyle Advice After an Angioplasty

Lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce the progression of heart disease.

When recovering from a heart event changes to your lifestyle are important. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses and the Coronary Care Nurses will discuss this with you, in hospital or when they meet you in a few weeks. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team will contact you after your discharge.

Smoking

  • If you are a smoker giving up is the most important thing you can do to avoid future heart problems.
  • If you need assistance, there is a smoking cessation service available in the hospital. Talk to the doctors/nurses if you are interested in information or advice and they will organise this for you. Alternatively you can ring the Smoking Cessation Service on 01-2214958.

Exercise

  • Exercise is encouraged and necessary after an angioplasty.
  • Most people find walking the easiest.
  • Start on flat ground and you may progress to hills, as you feel able.
  • Start your walk with the breeze behind you. In winter make sure to wrap up well before going out.

Week 1: 5-10 minutes at a time. You can go out two to three times in the day if you wish.

Week 2: 10-15 minutes at a time.

Week 3: 15-20 minutes at a time.

Week 4: 20-30 minutes at a time.

Week 5: Aim for 30-45 minutes, walking most days of the week.

  • If you are limited by joint pain or a medical/surgical condition, shorter sessions of 15 minutes are more useful.
  • If you prefer, try cycling to take the load off your joints. Remember listen to your body.
  • Avoid swimming and physical sports until your groin has healed.

Healthy Eating

  • Enjoy a low fat diet, choosing from a wide variety of foods.
  • If you have been given specific advice, try to follow it.
  • Include plenty of fruit and vegetables, aim for five servings a day.
  • Chicken and fish are healthy choices.
  • Include lean red meat three or four times a week.
  • Include oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herrings) once or twice a week.
  • Include eggs if you wish, up to four a week is a general recommendation.
  • Use low fat spreads and low fat/light milk.
  • Avoid frying. Grill, bake, poach, microwave, dry roast, steam or stir-fry in very little oil. Vegetable oil such as sunflower, corn, soya, rapeseed, or olive is a healthy option when used in small amounts.
  • Aim to use less salt; use pepper, herbs, spices, vinegar, mustard etc., for flavour.
  • Consumption of caffeine containing drinks should be in moderation.
  • Keep chocolate, sweets, cakes and biscuits for treats/special occasions and have a small amount.

Blood Pressure

  • If you have high blood pressure it is important that you take your medication as prescribed.
  • Eat a healthy low fat diet.
  • Avoid salt or reduce your salt intake as much as possible.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise daily; this helps to lower your blood pressure.
  • Learn to relax and to manage your stress.

Cholesterol

  • Find out what your cholesterol level is. These are the current recommendations although this may vary according to your consultant.
  • Your Total Cholesterol should be less than 4.5 mmol/L or as recommended by your consultant.
  • LDL Cholesterol should be less than 2.5 mmol/L or as recommended by your consultant.
  • HDL Cholesterol should be greater than 1.0 mmol/L. (Small variations in your cholesterol are not significant).
  • Triglycerides should be no greater than 1.70 mmol/L.
  • A healthy lifestyle will help improve your cholesterol level.
  • Take your medication as prescribed.
  • If you are diabetic your cholesterol levels should be even lower, your doctor/nurse will discuss this with you.

Alcohol

  • Drink in moderation and preferably with meals.
  • Avoid drinking to excess on any one occasion.
  • Taking cardiac medication and alcohol is generally safe, but avoid taking both at the same time.

Medication

  • Get your discharge prescription filled the day you leave hospital and be careful not to miss a dose.
  • It is very important that you take your medication as prescribed.
  • Don't stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.
  • Take you medications with water. Grapefruit juice has been shown to interfere with certain medications. Please check with your pharmacist or GP whether this applies to you.

Please note this information is intended as a guide only; please follow individual advice given by your doctor or nurse, if necessary.