How Long Does It Take to Recover from an Angioplasty Procedure?

An angioplasty procedure is commonly used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow, particularly in the legs. This minimally invasive procedure aims to improve circulation and reduce complications associated with PAD. By using an image-guided approach, angioplasty opens up blocked arteries, preventing further health risks.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered, and a catheter is inserted through the groin. A thin wire is then advanced through the catheter to reach the blockage. A balloon is inflated inside the artery to compress plaque against the arterial walls, which widens the artery and improves blood flow. This treatment not only enhances mobility but also reduces symptoms of PAD. Angioplasty provides lasting benefits and allows for a safer and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgeries.

Angioplasty Recovery Timeline

Recovery from angioplasty can be broken down into three phases: immediate, short-term, and long-term recovery. While the first two phases focus on healing and rehabilitation, the long-term phase involves implementing lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of PAD. By following these steps and understanding the recovery process, patients can improve their vascular health and maintain long-term recovery.

Immediate Recovery (First 24-48 Hours)

After the angioplasty is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery area, where you will be closely monitored by medical staff. The medical team will track your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) and regularly check the puncture site where the catheter was inserted, typically in the groin area. Nurses will also monitor for any immediate signs of complications such as bleeding or infection. If there are no complications, you will be able to go home the same day, but please make sure someone can drive you home. Once you’re home, here’s what to expect during the first 24-48 hours post-procedure:

• Rest and Elevation: You will be asked to lie flat for a few hours after the procedure, with your feet elevated above the level of your heart. This helps promote healthy circulation and minimize swelling.
• Groin Site Care: The puncture site in your groin may cause some swelling or bruising in the first few hours after the procedure, which is normal. This should subside over time as blood flow improves in the treated artery. Your medical team will provide instructions on how to care for the incision. 
• Incision Site Care: After your procedure, the incision site may be covered with a dressing that should remain in place for 24-48 hours. You will be advised not to get the area wet during this period. When removing or replacing the dressing, follow your doctor’s guidelines carefully to prevent infection.
• Take Prescribed Medications: It’s important to take the medications prescribed by your doctor. These may include blood thinners to prevent clots from forming in the newly opened artery, pain relievers to manage any discomfort, and possibly antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is important for your recovery. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush toxins from your body and promote the healing of your vascular system. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the first 24 hours, as they can dehydrate you.
• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet is equally important. Stick to foods rich in nutrients, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid salty, fatty, or highly processed foods, as they can raise your cholesterol and blood pressure, potentially interfering with the healing process.
• Activity Restrictions: In the initial 24-48 hours, you should avoid any physical activity that could strain your body or affect the healing process. While rest is essential, it’s important to begin gentle movements, like short walks, as soon as you’re able. Start with light, frequent walks around the house to improve circulation without overexerting yourself.
  • Avoid Lifting: Do not lift heavy objects, such as groceries or heavy bags, for at least 3 days after your angioplasty. Lifting could put too much pressure on the incision site, leading to complications or delays in healing.
  • No Strenuous Exercise: Refrain from jogging, heavy exercise, or yard work during the first few days post-procedure. These activities can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, placing unnecessary stress on your body.

Short-Term Recovery (1-2 Weeks)

During the first 1-2 weeks after your angioplasty, you’ll need to continue to rest and gradually increase your activity level to help your body heal. Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect during this stage of recovery:

• Medications and Blood Thinners: During the short-term recovery phase, you’ll likely still be taking medications prescribed by your doctor, such as blood thinners, pain relievers, and possibly medications to manage cholesterol.
• Incision Site Care and Monitoring: By this point in your recovery, the incision site should be healing well, but it’s important to continue monitoring it for any signs of complications. The swelling and bruising should be subsiding, but some discomfort is normal. The site may still be tender to the touch, so avoid putting unnecessary pressure on it.
• Returning to Work and Daily Activities: Most patients are able to return to work within a week of the angioplasty procedure, particularly if their job doesn’t involve strenuous physical activity. However, if your job is more physically demanding, you may need to extend your time off work if your job requires lifting, bending, or standing for an extended period to prevent putting strain on your body.
• Gradual Increase in Physical Activity: While resting during the first few days after angioplasty is important, you should gradually increase your activity level as you move into the short-term recovery phase.

• Walking: Begin walking short distances around your home, progressively increasing the duration as you feel comfortable. Walking is a great way to stimulate blood flow and support healing your newly opened arteries. Aim for short, frequent walks—about 5-10 minutes at a time—and gradually increase the duration as you feel more confident. 
• Stretching Exercises: Light stretching exercises can be beneficial to maintain flexibility and blood flow, especially if you’ve been less active during the early days of recovery. However, avoid any stretches that put too much strain on your body. 
• Avoid High-Impact Activities: During the first 1-2 weeks, do not participate in any activities such as running, high-impact aerobics, or any other strenuous exercises that could stress the treated artery. Pushing too hard, too fast could lead to complications, such as blood clots or re-narrowing of the artery.
• Follow-up Appointments: Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress within the first two weeks of recovery. This appointment may involve imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or angiogram, to assess the procedure’s success and ensure that the artery remains open and blood flow is adequate. Attending all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery, discuss any concerns, and adjust your recovery plan if needed is important.

Long-Term Recovery (1-3 Months and Beyond)

Long-term recovery is focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent PAD from recurring. This part of the recovery involves incorporating habits that will support overall vascular health and ensure the arteries remain open. 

• Quit Smoking:  If you haven’t already quit smoking, now is an excellent time to do so. Smoking is one of the major risk factors of PAD and can significantly impact blood circulation, slow down the healing process, and increase your risk for another blockage. Your doctor can help connect you with resources to support smoking cessation.
• Diet and Nutrition: Continue to drink plenty of water and eat foods that support healthy arteries and lower cholesterol, such as leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins (like chicken, turkey, and fish), and healthy fats (such as those found in olive oil and avocados). These foods help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, aiding in faster recovery.
• Reduce Sodium Intake: Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, negatively affecting circulation and overall vascular health. Be mindful of your salt intake, and focus on natural, unprocessed foods when possible.
• Regular Exercise: Exercise is a main component for your long-term recovery from angioplasty and is essential for improving circulation, reducing symptoms of PAD, and supporting overall vascular health. If you weren’t very active before the procedure, it’s important to ease into a regular exercise routine. Start with light activities and gradually increase the intensity as you feel more comfortable.
  • Brisk Walking: One of the best exercises for PAD patients is walking. Aim to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Walking increases circulation, strengthens the muscles around the arteries, and can help prevent further narrowing of the blood vessels.
  • Low-Impact Activities: Other forms of low-impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, are also excellent for improving circulation without putting undue stress on the joints.
  • Strength Training: Once you’ve built up some stamina with walking, consider adding light strength training exercises to your routine. These exercises can improve muscle tone and enhance overall circulation. 
• Monitoring and Managing Health Conditions: Managing any underlying health conditions that can impact the healing process, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, is important for long-term recovery.
  • Blood Pressure Control: High blood pressure can cause plaque buildup and narrow arteries. Work with your doctor to monitor and manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications.
  • Managing Diabetes: If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is important. High levels can harm blood vessels, increase plaque buildup, and slow healing. Regular monitoring and following your treatment plan can help prevent complications.
  • High Cholesterol Management: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of blockages recurring. Adopting a heart-healthy diet and taking prescribed medications can lower cholesterol and reduce this risk.

Key Factors That Affect Angioplasty Recovery Time

While angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery time, multiple factors can influence how quickly a patient returns to normal activities. The presence of a stent, underlying health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, lifestyle habits like smoking and diet, and overall age and physical condition all play a role in determining the recovery timeline.

By following doctor’s recommendations, adopting healthy habits, and managing existing health conditions, patients can ensure the best possible recovery outcome and reduce the risk of future arterial blockages.

Recover from Angioplasty with American Endovascular

At American Endovascular, our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care to guide you through your angioplasty recovery process, from pre-procedure consultation to post-procedure follow-ups. Our team offers convenient scheduling, telemedicine appointments, and comprehensive support throughout your recovery.

If you’re considering angioplasty or have questions about your recovery, contact American Endovascular today to schedule an appointment or request more information to learn more about how we can help treat PAD.