Recovering From Your Coronary Stent Procedure

Activities and Exercise
Medications
Your cardiologist may prescribe medications to thin your blood and prevent blood clots from forming and adhering to the surface of the stent. You should not stop taking these medications unless you are asked to stop by the doctor who implanted your stent. If you stop taking these medications before being instructed to do so by your cardiologist, the chances of blood clot formation on the stent, subsequent heart attack or even death are increased.
If surgery or dental work is recommended which would require you to stop taking these medications prematurely, you and your doctor should carefully consider the risks and benefits of this additional surgery or dental work versus the possible risks from early discontinuation of these medications.
If you do require premature discontinuation of these medications because of significant bleeding, your cardiologist will carefully monitor you for possible complications. Once your condition has stabilized, your cardiologist will probably put you back on these medications.
For more information about medications specific to your stent, please check out the patient guide for your stent model.
Regular Follow-Up Visits
Stent Implant Card
When to Call Your Doctor
Your healthcare team will provide specific guidelines for when you should contact them. But be sure to call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
- Chest pain (angina) or more severe or frequent chest discomfort, especially in the first month after your procedure, as these symptoms may indicate a re-narrowing of your coronary arteries
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
- Pain, bleeding or infection at the entry site in your arm or leg
- Any other unexplained symptoms