Results

Coronary angioplasty greatly increases blood flow through the previously narrowed or blocked coronary artery. Chest pain generally should decrease. You may be better able to exercise.

Having angioplasty and stenting doesn't mean your heart disease goes away. You'll need to continue healthy lifestyle habits and take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

If you have symptoms similar to those you had before coronary angioplasty, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, contact your doctor. If you have chest pain at rest or pain that doesn't respond to nitroglycerin, call 911 or emergency medical help.

To keep your heart healthy after angioplasty, you should:

• Quit smoking
• Lower your cholesterol levels
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control other conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Get regular exercise
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor

Successful angioplasty also means you might not have to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery, a more invasive procedure that requires a longer recovery time.