Medications: Take your medications as your doctor directs. If you have side effects, call your doctor.

You may have been prescribed a medication called Plavix, which is taken along with aspirin to keep
clots from forming in your stent. Ignore prescription labels that say not to take Plavix and aspirin
together. If you cannot take aspirin and/or Plavix, notify your doctor. If you have minor surgery or dental
work, let that doctor know about your current medications.
Activity: Increase activity as able. Your first days at home should be limited to walking, light physical
activity, and no driving. Do not lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds for 1 week. This is to
prevent injury to your groin. Avoid hot tubs or bathtubs for 3 days to allow the puncture site to heal.
Diet and Lifestyle: Please follow a heart healthy diet as described in the Cardiac Diet & Nutrition
handout. If you did not receive this, call (916) 733-1789. Do not smoke. Smoking worsens heart
disease. Consult your physician for help to quit smoking. Free smoking cessation counseling is also
available by calling 1-800-NOBUTTS.
Wound Care: Gently clean the puncture site with mild soap and water. Watch for any bleeding, either
outside the body or under the skin. Bleeding under the skin causes swelling or increased firmness
under the puncture site, known as a hematoma. If you had a hematoma before discharge you should
know that as it heals, the bruised area may enlarge and/or change color, but it should remain soft. If
your puncture area bleeds, swells or becomes increasingly firm, lie flat and have someone place firm
pressure above the puncture site(s) with their fingertips. If nobody else is available, you may do it
yourself. The pressure must be great enough to stop ALL bleeding. Gradually release pressure over
the next 15-20 minutes. If bleeding occurs again, continue to apply enough pressure to stop the
bleeding. After pressure is released, stay flat and quiet. Call the doctor immediately. If you are unable
to stop the bleeding, call 911. Keep pressure on the site until the ambulance arrives.
Vascular Closure Devices: Remove dressing after 24 hours and care for site as stated above.
Notify your physician: Call your doctor if you have a temperature greater than 100 and/or your
puncture site is red, swollen, or warm. If you have chest pain or pressure after your procedure, the
artery may be re-closing. Notify your physician. Use 1 nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue every
5 minutes, up to a total of 3 tablets. Sit or lay down when taking nitroglycerin because it may lower
your blood pressure and cause dizziness. If pain/pressure continues after the third nitroglycerin,
call 911. A burning or stinging sensation is normally felt under the tongue when nitroglycerin is fresh.
Keep nitroglycerin in the original dark container and replace every 6 months. It loses its potency with
light exposure and time.
Referrals: Make a follow up appointment with your doctor as directed. For more information about
Cardiac Rehabilitation, recommended by our cardiologists, call (916) 733-1789.
I have read and understand the above instructions.
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Signature of Patient or Responsible Party (& Relationship to Patient) Date
__________________________________________________________ _________________
Signature of Nurse Date
Patient Identification

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

A Sutter Health Affiliate

Heart Catheterization/Angioplasty/Stent
Post Procedure
Discharge Instructions
00749 (6/15/09) Original – Chart; Copy – Patient PLACE IN FRONT OF CHART