Recovery after angioplasty and stent fitting (PCI)

The BHF says a narrow flexible catheter is passed through the wrist or groin up to the narrowed coronary artery. A small balloon widens the narrowing and a metal mesh tube, the stent, is left to keep the artery open. The patient is awake under local anaesthetic, and the BHF says the procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Because there is no large wound, the recovery issues are mainly the puncture site, the medicines and the underlying heart disease, rather than healing of a surgical incision.

For planned procedures the BHF says most people go home the same day or the next day. You will be told how to look after the wrist or groin site and who to contact about pain, redness, swelling, worsening bruising or fever at the catheter site.

Emergency angioplasty during a heart attack means a longer hospital stay and a recovery that follows the heart attack pathway rather than the planned one. Many of the activity and driving rules depend on that distinction.

The BHF says patients receive antiplatelet medicines, including aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel, to reduce the risk of clots forming on the stent, and may also be given a statin to lower cholesterol.

Do not stop these tablets without speaking to your cardiology team, even before dental work or another procedure. The team will say how long your regimen should last, since this depends on why the stent was placed.

After a planned stent the BHF suggests avoiding demanding activity, such as heavy lifting, for a week or so, and says most people feel back to normal within a few days. Longer recovery applies after an emergency procedure.

The BHF says that if you had emergency angioplasty you may be invited to a cardiac rehabilitation programme, a course of exercise and information sessions to help recovery. People who had a planned stent are not routinely offered the same programme in all areas, so ask if you want structured support.

The BHF says not to drive for at least a week after angioplasty and stent fitting, and longer if you also had a heart attack, where it can be up to 4 weeks. Heavy vehicle drivers must tell the DVLA.

For a planned procedure without complications, the BHF says you may be able to return to work within a few days depending on your job. After emergency angioplasty or a heart attack, several weeks off may be needed.

Chest pain after a stent should not be ignored. The BHF advises resting and using your GTN medicine as instructed, and says that pain which persists after two doses needs emergency services. Do not wait to see whether it passes, and do not drive yourself.

The BHF says there is no reason you cannot enjoy a healthy sex life once you have recovered, and some people notice better energy from improved blood flow. It also acknowledges that anxiety, fear and worry are natural, with support from cardiac nurses, talking therapy, groups and its helpline.

A stent treats one narrowing but not the cause. Stopping smoking, regular activity, healthy eating, blood pressure and cholesterol control and taking medicines as prescribed protect the other arteries.