Suggest Precautionary Measures For Coronary Blockage While On Hiking Trip

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a coronary blockage on Sept 1st resulting in a stent on Sept 5th. I' feel good and am planning on a week hiking trip in two days. What if any precautions should I take.

thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Mr. XXXX! Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I am Dr. Meriton and carefully read your query.

I will start my answer with an analogy. Stent implantation for coronary artery disease is as curative as antibiotics are for a sore throat. There are some precautions that should be undertaken to keep the stent patent, and lower as much as possible, the risks for within-stent re-blocking, such as smoking cessation and use of clopidogrel (or other anti-aggregant therapy, depending on clinic or country protocols). I assume these precautions were provided and said to you in your discharge. The hiking trip you are planning, is safe after stent implantation. It has been three weeks now and I do not see any inhibition to do this. On the other hand, precautions would have been necessary if this stent was implanted on a heart which was undergoing an acute attack, in which case, these precautions would be needed to prevent decompensation of a heart with diminished function. If this stent was implanted in a scenario where an elective, recommended coronary angiogram was performed, during which a significant coronary stenosis resulted and stent to treat it was implanted, then my opinion is that no precautions are needed and you can continue to live a normal, same-as-before, life.

I hope I was helpful and thorough with my answer. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.

Have a nice time and best regards,
Dr. Meriton

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (2 hours later)

Thanks so much, very helpful. Yes, Im on a anti-aggregant.
you answer is much appreciated XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Meriton Siqeca (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I am glad.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, Mr. XXXX!

I am glad I was helpful. Wish you a long and healthy life.

I kindly ask you to rate the answer, should you not have further questions.

My best regards,
Dr. Meriton

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T