Do’s and Don’ts (MUMH)

There are going to be instructions to follow when you get home. There might be a lot of instructions, but there are really good reasons you should follow them. Remember, the doctor went into an artery to look at your heart, and we don’t want that procedure site to bleed. As a result, there are some things for you to avoid and some things for you to do that are important for your recovery.

• Do have someone to take you home
• Do have someone stay with you for 24 hours after you get home
• Don’t make any major or legal decisions for 24 hours
• Don’t do strenuous activity for at least a week
• Don’t drive until you get the OK from your doctor
• Don’t have sex until you get the OK from your doctor
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or use over-the-counter medications containing alcohol for 24 hours
• Do talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work
• Do care for your puncture site
• Do weigh yourself daily
• Do take your temperature
• Do fill your prescriptions and take them as directed by your care team; these medications are a key part of your recovery
• Do schedule and attend your follow-up appointment with the cardiologist or vascular specialist

Make sure to follow up with your care team if you have any questions about these guidelines.