Performing angiography in order to diagnose heart diseases and part of their treatment is one of the most common medical procedures. Patients usually have many questions about post-operative care methods. The author of this article, Dr. Seyed Alireza Najafi, a cardiologist with more than 30 years of medical experience in this field, will introduce you to comprehensive care after angiography at home.
Care after angiography through the femoral artery (groin)
If angiography is performed by inserting a tube or catheter into the groin, care after angiography is of great importance to speed up the recovery process and prevent side effects.
In general, care after angiography at home includes the following:
- After angiography, absolute rest for several hours is necessary.
- Another care after angiography is to keep the tube entry site clean and dry. Pay attention not to press this point and avoid rubbing it.
- Doing strong and fast movements and lifting heavy objects after angiography is prohibited.
- Avoid eating fatty and salty foods and follow a healthy and light diet.
- In case of bleeding or severe swelling of the foot, inform the doctor and use the painkillers prescribed by the doctor to relieve the pain.
- Bathing is allowed when the doctor has determined for you.
Care after angiography through the radial artery (arm)
Angiography through the hand vein is a more advanced method and has fewer complications than the tube insertion method through the groin. In general, care after angiography through the hand includes the same things related to the groin, such as a healthy diet, absolute rest for a few hours after angiography, refraining from heavy activities, and avoiding fatty and salty foods.
Additionally, applying a pressure bandage over the catheter entry point can help the wound heal faster. It should be noted that if you feel fever, swelling in the hand, heart palpitations and dizziness, severe swelling of the wrist and excessive bleeding, it is necessary to see a doctor.
Hand pain treatment methods after angiography
Usually after hand angiography, the most common complication that occurs is hand pain. This pain is felt for a number of reasons, including limited damage to blood vessels and inflammation in them. To treat and reduce this pain, it is recommended to rest and avoid vigorous movements, use a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, keep your hands up, massage very gently in the painful area, and use prescription painkillers.
Take care of the catheter insertion site!
Caring for the place where the catheter or tube was inserted in order to prevent infection, bleeding and reduce pain are among the important cares after angiography at home. It is very important to keep the site clean and bandaged for as long as the doctor prescribes. Avoid scratching or squeezing and rubbing this area. Avoiding strenuous activity for the organ where the catheter is inserted will help it heal. Applying an ice compress on a thin cotton cloth reduces pain and swelling. In case of severe pain and bleeding or discharge of pus, be sure to see a doctor.
What should we eat after angiography?
Since after the operation, the body's need for energy to repair tissues and heal wounds increases, and the immune system is strengthened with proper nutrition, which prevents infection in the body, the type of food the patient eats is one of the most important aspects of post-angiography care at home.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and lower cholesterol.
- Using whole grains also improves bowel function due to high fiber content.
- Eating low-fat dairy products as rich sources of calcium and protein bring health to muscles and bones.
- Nuts and seeds also have healthy fats and vitamin E and fiber, which are recommended to eat as post-angiography care at home.
- It is necessary to avoid eating fried and processed foods because of fats harmful to the heart and high sodium.
- Reducing sugar consumption is recommended to prevent weight gain and diabetes.
- Red meat and egg yolk in large quantities also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- It should be noted that diets based on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and useful oils are useful for nutrition after angiography.
Liquid consumption including post-angiography care at home
In line with post-angiography care, fluid consumption is very important. Consuming fluids helps to compensate for the amount of fluid and blood lost during angiography and to eliminate as quickly as possible the substance that enters the body through angiography. Also, preventing dehydration prevents severe side effects such as dizziness and increased heart rate.
What liquids should we drink at home for post-angiography care?
The best and easiest liquid to consume is drinking water. Natural juices without added sugar also have high amounts of vitamins. Eating soups containing fresh vegetables and chicken also provides nutrients in addition to providing fluids. Black and green tea also have antioxidants and it is recommended to eat them. If you use coffee, make sure that it is consumed without milk, sugar and additives and with a low concentration, provided that you do not have an allergy.
What points should we follow when consuming liquids?
The amount of water and liquid consumption should be sufficient as determined by the doctor. Liquids should be used regularly throughout the day and at lukewarm or cold temperatures. Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks is also prohibited.
Exercise the best post-angiography care item at home
Having a light activity or an appropriate exercise is considered as one of the post-angiography cares at home, provided that you consult your doctor. These activities should be done gradually and carefully under the supervision of a doctor. Sports such as swimming and stationary cycling are recommended as low-impact sports and yoga to improve and strengthen heart muscles. Remember that during the first weeks after angiography, heavy activities such as weight lifting and fast running and contact sports are prohibited. Also, avoid doing sports that increase your heart rate.
The importance of walking in home care after angiography
Another care point after angiography at home is walking. Walking after angiography is very useful because it strengthens the heart muscles, reduces the risk of blood clots and improves blood circulation, reduces stress and increases the body's energy. The point when you can start walking depends primarily on the doctor's opinion.
But in general, you can start walking whenever you feel that there is enough energy in your body and you don't feel pain or discomfort. Note that you should first walk slowly and in short periods of time. Choose smooth paths without steep slopes and take a break whenever you feel tired or short of breath.
Is driving allowed after angiography?
Since some of the drugs that are prescribed after angiography may cause dizziness or drowsiness in the patient, and in addition, possible recovery and fatigue after angiography affect the person's ability, it is recommended not to drive for at least 24 hours after performing angiography.
After that, you can start driving if you feel ready and do not have any symptoms affecting your consciousness and consult a doctor.
Air travel is prohibited for angiography patients!
After angiography, air travel may be restricted for the patient for some reasons. Changes in air pressure caused by the increase in altitude, lack of oxygen and blood clotting during flight are among the reasons that lead to the possibility of heart risks.
The most important factor in issuing permission for air travel after angiography is your doctor's opinion. But in general, it is recommended to avoid air travel for at least 24 hours after simple angiography and 48 hours after angioplasty. If flying after angiography, drink enough water during the flight and get up and walk continuously. Wearing varicose socks also prevents blood clots.
Return to work after angiography and angioplasty
It should be said about when it is possible to return to work and resume professional activities after angiography: this depends on things such as the type of operation, the general condition of the patient and his occupation. Patients who undergo angiography return to work sooner than those who undergo angioplasty People's age has a direct impact on their resting time after angiography. Older people need more time to recover.
Having underlying diseases and side effects such as infection and bleeding are also effective in prolonging the time of recovery and return to work. Finally, the type of job the patient has is also a determining factor when returning to work. If your job requires physical and heavy activities, your return to work will definitely be longer. Be sure to consider your doctor's opinion to determine the time to start working activities.
