Recovery after angioplasty and stent (PCI): day by day

The ranges describe a planned procedure. If your angioplasty followed a heart attack, NHS.UK says it may be several weeks or months before you recover fully and return to work, and the Hull leaflet says driving and work depend on how well the heart muscle is pumping. This is a general guide, and your discharge letter takes priority. The procedure is described in the guide to PCI linked below.

Your procedure was most likely done through a blood vessel in the wrist or the top of the leg, and the Hull leaflet says some bruising is common. Rest the limb, keep the dressing on for 48 hours, then shower as usual; the same leaflet advises waiting a further two days before a bath and not using talc or cream on the puncture site. NHS.UK says the site may be sore for a few days and that your chest may feel tender but usually settles. Paracetamol is suggested for pain, avoiding other aspirin-containing painkillers on top of your prescribed aspirin, per the Hull leaflet.

A pea-sized lump is just the scar, according to the Hull leaflet, but a lump larger than a 10 pence coin or any bleeding needs prompt advice. The Leeds leaflet suggests having someone with you for the first 24 hours after a wrist procedure.

NHS.UK says you will usually be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about a week or until the wound has healed. The Leeds leaflet suggests 1 to 2 weeks without heavy lifting, pulling or pushing with the arm if the wrist was used. Those with a heavy job may need two or three days off at least, according to the Leeds leaflet, while NHS.UK says planned-procedure patients should be able to return to work after a week.

If you have a glyceryl trinitrate spray, the Hull leaflet explains how to use it for chest pain and when to dial 999, so keep it with you. Take your tablets exactly as scheduled.

NHS.UK says cardiac rehabilitation begins in hospital and that you should be invited back for another session within about 4 to 8 weeks after leaving. The Hull leaflet says patients who have had an angioplasty are referred to the community service, which contacts you at home. The Leeds leaflet says an outpatient appointment is made around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the procedure.

Lifestyle changes carry weight here: NHS.UK lists stopping smoking, weight management, a diet low in fat and salt, and regular activity. The Hull leaflet says repeat narrowing, called restenosis, usually appears in the first 6 months and needs further treatment in around 1 in 10 patients, according to that leaflet.

NHS.UK says most people need blood-thinning medicine for up to one year, usually low-dose aspirin plus clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor, and warns that stopping early greatly increases the risk of a heart attack from the treated artery blocking. The Leeds leaflet gives a period of 3 to 12 months depending on the stent. After that, NHS.UK says most people continue low-dose aspirin for life.

The Hull leaflet says stent blockage by a clot occurs in around 1 in every 100 patients, most within the first 7 days, which is why chest pain after the procedure warrants a 999 call. Increased bruising is normal on these medicines, but unexpected bleeding or blood in the stool or urine should be reported.

Driving: NHS.UK says not for a week after a coronary angioplasty. The Hull leaflet, quoting DVLA recommendations, says one week after a planned angioplasty, four weeks if a weakened heart muscle follows a heart attack, and at least six weeks for a group 2 licence. GOV.UK separately says you do not need to tell the DVLA about angina on a car licence unless symptoms occur at rest or while driving, and that failing to follow medical advice may affect insurance validity.

Work: about a week for planned procedures. Flying: the Hull leaflet says you may be able to fly after 2 days following a routine angioplasty, with insurance checks advised. Sex: NHS.UK says that if angina had limited your sex life you may have a more active one as soon as you feel ready, and says sex is equivalent in strain to climbing a couple of flights of stairs. Ask your GP if concerned.

NHS.UK says contact the hospital unit, your specialist nurse or GP for increasing pain and swelling around the wound or a high temperature. Dial 999 for bleeding that does not stop or restarts after ten minutes of pressure, severe chest pain that does not ease, or a cold, discoloured or numb arm or leg on the side of the procedure, and do not drive yourself.