are connected to the heart. Often people get a sense of relief after a successful angioplasty, as the potential risk of having a heart attack is prevented. After undergoing angioplasty one can have several questions regarding its recovery phase. What are the Dos and Don’ts? Is it a safe and reliable treatment option? Can angioplasty fix underlying heart disease?

You can come across many tips and instructions to be followed but how many of them are true? Misconceptions associated with the entire recovery process of angioplasty terrify people restricting them from timely treatment. However, angioplasty is one of the more successful treatments helping people control the symptoms. Here, we have broadly discussed the facts, while debunking myths about recovery and next steps to improve overall health conditions.

Myth 1: You can stop heart medications after a successful angioplasty

Fact: Often a stent is placed during or immediately after angioplasty to prevent the artery closing up again. Blood-thinning medications are prescribed to avoid recurrence of blood clots. Some of the medications should be taken for at least a month, if bare-metal stent is used, while in case of drug-eluting stent, one may have to continue it for at least a year. Stopping medications without doctor’s advice can increase the risk of developing another blood clot.

Myth 2: Angioplasty can fix your heart problems.

Fact: Angioplasty can treat narrow blockages, it can be one or more. The procedure can treat and relive the issues while placing multiple stents. However, the cause of blockage such as excess build-up of cholesterol or plaques in blood vessels. Heart issues or diseases need to be managed with other lifestyle precautions and medications.

Myth 3: Sex is restricted after getting angioplasty.

Fact: Sex is permissible, In fact, you can continue to have more active sex life after an angioplasty. If the procedure was pre-planned, then you may need to wait only a few days. If angioplasty was performed after a heart attack, then you should wait for a month or month until full body recovery, says cardiologist of AMRI Hospitals. Also, if a catheter is inserted in your groin for the angioplasty, then consulting your doctor before resuming normal sexual activity is advised. It will be good to wait until the wound is healed completely. Each person’s recovery will be different, so the ability to have sex depends on the overall health.

Myth 4: Smoking after angioplasty is fine.

Fact: No, smoking doubles up the risk of blockage in your arteries, causing blood vessels to constrict. Once the body has already experienced the narrowing and damage, loading it with the same risk is not a good idea. In fact, the first step of recovery is to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Improving your lifestyle and adopting a healthy routine is what your cardiologist will suggest to you to alleviate future complications.

Myth 5: Exercise is not advisable after angioplasty.

Fact: While one can return to a normal life after angioplasty, a structured exercise routine will be planned as a post-surgery rehabilitation program by the surgeon. Exercises are suggested to build muscle strength and stamina in one’s body which lowers the risk of blocked arteries in the future. You should start moderate activities and resume normal routine activities, but consult your cardiologist before starting any exercise regime, especially if you had a sedentary lifestyle before angioplasty.

Conclusion-

There is no rule book to follow for recovering from angioplasty! Still, it can take a few handful of myths and misleading information that divert one's mind. If you have doubts regarding the treatment, don’t hesitate in discussing with your doctor and get the right treatment to improve your quality of life.