Detailed guide after a heart catheterization procedure
Physical activity
Walking can be commenced 2-3 days after discharge from the hospital.
If you have not done physical aerobic exercise in the past start walking for 15 minutes in the morning and evening and increase to half an hour once a day for most days.
Rest and sleep
It is important to rest after the procedure.
Bathing
Refrain from bathing/showering in very hot water as this as this expands your blood vessels and can lead to lowered blood pressure and a feeling of weakness. Wash, but do not rub the catheterization area.
Physical Effort
In the first weeks refrain from activity requiring extensive physical effort. Afterwards you can resume regular physical effort.
Back to work
You are entitled two 2 days sick leave from work at the office and 2 weeks if you are involved in physical work.
Driving and travel
Refrain from driving 2-3 days after discharge from the hospital to prevent bleeding. Travel insurance is limited for 6 months (check this out with your insurance agent).
Sexual activity
Normal sexual activity can be resumed 2-3 days following your discharge from the hospital or according to consultant physician.
Diet
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Healthy dietary habits for a healthy heart. Four main risk factors for coronary heart disease: High blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes and overweight. There is a direct connection between the food you eat and a healthy heart.
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Foods rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber and other nutrients: Vegetables, fruit, whole fish products, legumes
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Source for good fat: -olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, avocado, sesame Fish containing omega 3 fats should be eaten at least twice a week
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Low fat milk products Turkey and chicken in moderate amounts, and lean beef in small amounts can be eaten.
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Approximately 3 eggs a week
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Drink lots of water and tea
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Broaden your use of herbs
Important:
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Refrain from eating foods containing trans and solidified fats
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Refrain from drinking sugary drinks and sweetened foods. Reduce your salt intake.
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Consult your dietician at the local health fund for advice and explanation.
Managing your medications
The medications listed below will prevent recurrent heart disease. Take the pills according to your cardiologist's/physician's instructions. Ask your physician if you are treated with one of the medications listed below.
Aspirin:
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drug function: anticoagulant
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Instructions for use: Swallow once a day after a meal
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Do not take before going to sleep. Take according to recommendation of your physician.
Clopidrogel (PLAVIX) drug function:
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prevent blood clotting after stent implant. Also given to patients with severe coronary heart disease who cannot undergo \ therapeutic catheterization.
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Instructions for use: Swallow once a day after a meal
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Important:
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Continue taking the drug and do not stop without physician's approval.
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Blood count one month after discharge from hospital
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In the event of blood in the urine or stool, rash, or change in blood report refer to your physician. In some cases a kidney function test is necessitated 7-10 days after the catheterization.
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Report taking this medication when undergoing invasive treatment (dentist, tests etc)
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First Aid
Should you feel pain or pressure similar to what you experienced before referring to the hospital, sit or lie down for 5-10 minutes. If the pain does not pass, contact the emergency ambulance service of Magen David 101 or a private service to which you may belong.
Remember: It is recommended not to increase risk by coming to hospital in a private vehicle, but rather by ambulance.
Contact the department
In event of the following:
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Large or gradual swelling in groin or arm
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Continued pain in catheterization area (groin or arm)
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Discharge from catheterization area, fever following catheterization.
Medical follow up
It is important to be checked by a cardiologist a few weeks after a cath procedure. You can consult with your family physician. Bring with your discharge letter, catheterization report, echo report and ECG. Make a copy for your family physician, keep a copy for yourself and keep a third copy to present to the cardiologist on your next visit.
Cardiac rehabilitation a supervised program
Program objective: to help individuals recuperate from the cardiac event and return to normal physical and emotional living.
Balancing the risk factors through healthy living and balanced medication and improved quality of life. The program is run by a professional team and is included in the basket of services for three months. Individuals with complementary insurance can extend the program. For information on the rehabilitation program contact the cardiology department and/or your health fund.
Understanding your condition via meetings. It is important to get information from the medical and nursing staff on your treatment, its causes and prevention of the disease. Contact the staff to find out when and how you can get further information.
