Cómo reiniciar la vida tras la colocación de un stent cardíaco

Title: How to Restart Life After Getting a Heart Stent Author: Tan Chuyi, nurse in the internal medicine department at Beijing Alliance Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Co-Author: Ma Fangfang, Institute of Medicine of China, Beijing Xiehe Hospital, Internal Medicine Specialty, Deputy Nursing Director. Co-Author: Xia Ying, Deputy Chief Nurse of the internal medicine department at Beijing Xiehe Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Reviewer: Shen Jianzong, Beijing Union Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Associate Physician.

The implantation of a heart stent is not the 'final point' of heart problems, but rather the starting point for a health reboot. For most individuals, postoperative recovery only requires scientific management of daily details to return to a safe and quality life.

Busting Myths:

The stent is not a definitive solution: it serves as a 'temporary rescue equipment' for blood vessels, yet the underlying disease of atherosclerosis persists. Approximately 30% of patients who do not receive appropriate management will experience a recurrence of cardiovascular events within five years.

The stent will not shift or dislocate: three months after surgery, the vascular wall will 'seal' it in place, meaning daily activities and even exercise will not be affected.

Symptoms resolved ≠ healing: even if chest pain disappears, it is essential to continue medication and lifestyle adjustments to prevent other vascular diseases.

Pharmacological treatment: preventing thrombosis is the 'baseline for saving lives'.

During the first six months post-surgery, there is a high risk of thrombosis. Stopping medication on your own can lead to a heart attack or even sudden death.

Dual antiplatelet therapy: a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel/ticagrelor for at least 6-12 months, followed by long-term treatment with aspirin.

Statins: Reduce 'bad cholesterol' to less than 1.4-1.8 mmol/L; if the target is not reached, it may be combined with ezetimibe.

Other common medications: beta-blockers (control heart rate and lower blood pressure), ACE inhibitors/ARBs (protect the heart and kidneys, and lower blood pressure), dosage adjustments should be made under medical prescription.

Healthy diet: low in salt, low in oil, balanced and varied.

Key principles: daily salt intake < 5g, oil 25-30g, limit sugar and alcohol.

Exercise and rehabilitation: step by step, safety first.

An individual's common safety routine (adjusted after medical evaluation).

Postoperative week 1: slowly walk at the bedside for 5 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day.

One month after surgery: brisk walk for 15 to 20 minutes a day, divided into 2 to 3 sessions.

Three months post-surgery: swimming and cycling are allowed, 3 to 5 times a week, with sessions not exceeding 30 minutes.

Dangers of risky actions: lifting heavy objects suddenly, performing intense exercises in the morning.

Adaptive psychology: say goodbye to anxiety and rebuild confidence.

Some patients experience 'stent anxiety' post-surgery, such as fears of stent displacement or sudden death, or exhibit self-denial emotions.

Practical coping methods:

Meditate for 10 minutes a day, listen to soft music; share experiences with patients; communicate promptly with partners and family.

Recontrol and alertness: regular monitoring and timely intervention.

Postoperative at 1 month: complete blood count, biochemical analysis, lipid profile, creatine kinase.

Postoperative every 1-3 months: follow-up at cardiology clinic.

Complete cardiovascular evaluation once a year.

Signals that require immediate medical attention may include the following:

1. Severe chest pain - especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, pain radiating to shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw.

2. Heart discomfort - such as palpitations, chest tightness, or extreme fatigue.

3. Shortness of breath - suddenly feeling breathless or unable to breathe normally.

4. Sudden paralysis or numbness - especially if numbness affects one side of the body, which may indicate a stroke.

5. Severe headache - a sudden severe headache, possibly accompanied by vomiting or blurred vision.

6. Bleeding - significant bleeding or uncontrolled bleeding.

7. Coma or loss of consciousness - an inability to awaken or a state of unclear consciousness.

8. Severe allergic reaction - allergic reactions accompanied by swelling, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

9. High fever or signs of infection - persistent high fever accompanied by chills or rashes.

If any of the above signals occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.

Chest pain or tightness lasting more than 20 minutes.

Persistent gum bleeding or black stools (be alert for anticoagulant overdose).

The core of stent rehabilitation is the ABCDE strategy:

A (antiplatelet agents + ACE inhibitors)

B (blood pressure control + beta-blockers)

C (quit smoking + reduce lipids)

D (blood sugar control + diet)

E (Exercise + Education)

For most people: consistency is more important than intensity. Adhering to standardized rehabilitation can increase the 5-year survival rate by 40%. The stent is not a shackle but a reminder for a healthy life - treating the heart well is treating life itself.

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