A responsible adult MUST drive you home. You will not be able to leave the hospital unless there is someone available to drive you home.
If you have more than a two-hour drive home, we suggest that you stay overnight in a hotel for your comfort. Then have your family member drive you home the next morning, after you have rested.
During your drive home, stop every hour and walk for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are traveling home by plane, stand up to stretch your legs and walk in the aisle at least one time every hour.
Please ask your doctor when you can drive again.
Call 999 (or 911 if you are in the US) or go to your local emergency department right away if you have:
Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure after the procedure (for example, twice a day for 2 weeks). If your blood pressure is high (more than 150/90) on a regular basis, call your doctor’s office to let them know.
Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to your regular activities. In general, you will need to take it easy for the first two days after you get home. Expect to feel tired and weak the day after the procedure. Take walks around your house and plan to rest during the day.
Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Most times, it is safe to drive within 24 hours after you go home.
Call your Cleveland Clinic or local doctor if you have:
Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Ask your doctor for specific guidelines for your return to your job.
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids (water is best) to flush the contrast material from your system after your procedure.
Restenosis is a blockage in the treated artery that happens within the first 6 months after your procedure. It is caused by a build-up of scar tissue at the treatment site. The risk of restenosis depends on the type of treatment you had and the result.
If you have symptoms like the ones you had before your procedure, it is possible that you have restenosis or a new blockage. Call your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. If symptoms last longer than 5 minutes, call 911.
Interventional procedures open blocked arteries, but they do not CURE carotid artery disease. You still need to reduce your risk factors and make changes to prevent new problems and keep the disease from getting worse.
The best results come with a commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Your healthcare team can help you reach your goals, but it is up to you to take your medications as prescribed, make changes in your diet, quit smoking, exercise regularly, keep your follow-up appointments and be an active member of the treatment team.
If you aren’t sure about the changes you need to make, as your doctor or nurse.
A cardiac rehabilitation program that includes education and supervised activity may help you make healthy lifestyle changes. Ask your doctor for more information about programs in your community.
We will contact your referring or primary care doctor by phone or fax to discuss the results of your procedure. Please call your primary care doctor as soon as you return home to find out when you need to be seen.
Your doctor will receive a written report from Cleveland Clinic by mail. It includes a general summary of your medical condition, including the procedure you had done, the medications you were prescribed and your care plan.
© Copyright 2017 Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. All rights reserved.
This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala Healthcare, and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
Visit our FAQs page for answers to common queries.
Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.
Search for specialized doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.