St Vincents Private Hospitals

Recovering at home from heart stent surgery

Recovery times will vary by patient depending on the number of stents required, and the reasons for the procedure. Once you are discharged from hospital, it’s important to follow the treatment plan as set out by your doctor. You’ll be given a personalised recovery plan that includes instructions for exercise, medication, follow up appointments and ongoing care. On arriving home from hospital, you are likely to feel tired and sore at the incision site (either in the groin or the wrist), symptoms which typically subside within two weeks. Your doctor may recommend that you attend a cardiac rehabilitation program to help with your general recovery from surgery. Here you will benefit from a team of trained healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, and social workers that will all guide you through the recovery period. This dedicated team will help evaluate your personal needs, including any emotional support you may require after surgery, as well as talk to you about the tools and strategies that aim to get you back to a healthy and active lifestyle. These include:
 

• Any risk factors – such as smoking, diet and anxiety or depression
• Medication requirements
• What to expect at each stage of your recovery
• How your family and friends can support your rehabilitation
• How to meet your personal recovery goals

  
  

Medications required after heart stent surgery

After heart stent surgery, patients are generally given medication that will lower the risk of any complications or future cardiac events. The medication aims to stop blood clots forming, reduce cholesterol levels and control high blood pressure. These work best in conjunction with a holistic approach to health that includes a nutritional diet and regular exercise.

What to look out for at home

Talk to your medical team at once if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent bleeding, soreness or swelling at the catheter insertion site (either wrist or groin)
• Any chest pain or shortness of breath that doesn’t go away
• Any dizziness, fainting or fatigue
• Fever
• Coughing up mucus

Average Recovery Timeline

Days 1-2

• Monitor your catheter insertion site and watch for signs of swelling or infection
• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Rest for the first few days while you recover from surgery

Week 2

• Driving is now permitted on the advice of your doctor
• Any commercial driving may require further testing and approval
• Continue to increase your walking distance 
• Talk to your doctor about returning to work
• Your doctor may recommend attending cardiac rehabilitation