There have are more and more people being treated with angioplasty, and more questions about aftercare, so I thought it might be good to summarize here in a note for reference.  

Your doctor will have an individualized plan for you.  Make sure to talk this all over BEFORE having angioplasty.  Meet with your IR, make sure you understand all of the tests and medications.  There is not one standardized aftercare program....yet.  There will be in the years to come, but the IRs and vascular doctors are learning as they go.  And each patient is a different, unique situation.  Your aftercare may be very different from someone else's.

Before anyone is treated with angioplasty, I recommend knowing what your blood coagulation numbers are.  This can be accomplished with a variety tests.  Depending on your doctor or GP, they may use: 

PT time

d-dimer

INR

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/coagulation_factors/test.html

Don't assume your doctor will test for this first.  Ask them.  We have seen too many people with undiagnosed coagulation issues get treated, and thrombose after angioplasty.  If you have a coagulation disorder, you need to know prior to treatment.

After treatment--again, there are many ways the IRs are handling after care.

I heartily recommend reading the Endothelial Health program and incorporating as many vein and blood healthy aspects as possible.  This includes no smoking, no excessive alcohol, good hydration, moderate exercise, sunshine, no heavily saturated or trans fats or processed foods-  (like fast-food, pastries, margarine, full-fat dairy products, fatty cuts of meat)    Here's the program:

http://ccsvialliance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=112

Here are Dr. John Cooke's basic diet recommendations for cardiovascular health from his book,

The Cardiovascular Cure:

http://www.suite101.com/content/heart-healthy-diet-a27219

As far as anticoagulants and antiplatelets, they are two different means of preventing clotting.  We call them "blood thinners" but they really are "anti-clot" meds, and they have different mechanism of action. Here they are, and here's what they do:

Anticoagulants are warfarin, coumadin, heperin, etc.  All of these inhibit clot formation.  Here is more specific information, with drug names, risks and drug interactions.

http://www.drugs.com/cons/anticoagulants.html

When you are on an anticoagulant, you need regular blood checks to keep an eye on your INR/PT time. There is a specific "zone" of anticoagulation your doctor will want you to remain on for weeks after your procedure.  This simple blood test can be done in a GP's office once a week.

Antiplatelets are aspirin, plavix, etc.  These drugs stop platelets from adhering to an area of the vessel wall after it has been injured during ballooning or stent placement, and stop clots from forming.  Antiplatelets do not have as many risks as anticoagulants, and do not need weekly blood checks for INR, but there can be side effects such as bruising and excessive bleeding.  They have a different method of action in the body, and are not a replacement for anticoagulants.  Some doctors prescribe both, some one, some another.  Talk to your doctor, ask them why they use a particular method.

Here's a great site for patients explaining anticoagulation in clear language---

http://www.ismaap.org/index.php?id=44

Hydration-it's essential to keep blood volume levels optimum with adequate H2O intake.

Here's a handy daily water/fluid calculator, to give you an idea how much daily intake you'll need-

http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm

Again, here's the endothelial health program for more ideas on how to keep the lining of the vein, called the endothelium, healthy and keep inflammation down---

http://ccsvialliance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=112

Physical activity--This needs to be discussed with your treating doctor.  Take it easy right after your procedure, and get plenty of rest and hydration before returning to a regular exercise program.

Many have found it helpful to work with specialized MS physical therapists after angioplasty.  This has helped them avoid injury from overuse of muscles that might have atrophied over the years.  My husband was always physically active, so this was not an issue for us, but it will be for most.  

Some level of physical activity will be useful for those treated.  Activity increases endothelial health by creating shear stress in the vessels and enhancing nitric oxide function.  Activity keeps blood volume levels in check.  It is good for the overall cardiovascular system.

A couple of the doctors recommend avoiding exercises that will keep the head in a lowered position for extended periods of time.  This would include inverted poses in yoga, like headstands. But yoga positions that maintain upright head and neck posture are fine, and encouraged.

Stretching, biking, elliptical/stairmaster machines, swimming, walking, jogging, weight bearing exercises are all good, depending on your level of ability.  I would caution doing heavy lifting or any strenuous activity until getting your doctor's OK.  And if you are weight lifting, always make sure to breathe throughout, and do not hold breath or strain (valsalva manuever) 

Jeff has found hydrotherapy (a jetted tub or spa) to be the perfect solution to tired, sore muscles and occasional neuropathic pain from his exercise routine.  In the vascular paradigm, this makes sense.  Warm (not too hot), pulsing water increase endothelial function and vasodilation, and is good for the cardiovascular system.

Rest---Finally, it seems obvious, but as Denise has wisely stated....you'll have to remember to rest.  With all of the new energy, you might be tempted to keep going all the time.  But the body and mind need to slow down. This is good for the vascular system and the nervous system.   Practicing deep breathing, yoga, meditation and prayer are all ways of quieting the mind, focusing on breathing and calming the spirit.  Taking a cat nap is a good idea...you'll still have energy when you wake up.  Get good sleep at night, stay on a schedule.  All this will help your recovery. 

If you have more suggestions on aftercare, please leave in the comments section, and we can incorporate them into this note.  I hope this is helpful.  Remember, I'm not a doctor, more of a "collector" of information....so, this is really about each person having a good dialogue with their treating doctors.

be well!

Joan