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Is Car Journey Safe After Insertion Of Coronary Stent In Heart?

Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014

Question: My father had a heart attack on the 10th and he slight damage or stunning. They inserted s stint and doubled hs medication. What would be your recommendations for travel in the car? It will be two 6 hour trips. Do you recommend car vs plane?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend travelling by car...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

You're reporting that your father has had an acute myocardial infarction six day ago and coronary stent has been put inside his heart.

This is a good thing and if his myocardial infarction isn't complicated (with residual chest pain and pulmonary edema) he can travel safely by car.

To fly with a comercial plane is contraindicated the first week after myocardial infarction. So I don't recommend for your father to fly back home.

Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (7 minutes later)

Any travel tips? For instance stopping every so many hours? Hydration? Socks or no socks?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend the following travel ...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back!

I would like to recommend the following travel tips:
- you should stop every hour for 5-10 minutes (or more frequently if needed).
- It's recommended to drink plenty of water during the journey (he shouldn't drink to much if he has signs of acute heart failure).
- He shouldn't wear socks to avoid blood stasis in the legs.

Hope you will find this information helpful!
Dr. Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (10 minutes later)

What about compression stockings?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I advice against use of compression stocking...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back again!

Compression stocking is indicated after coronary bypass surgery (CABG) and hasn't any positive effect after coronary stenting. This is why i advice against socks in general and compression stocking in particular.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you and your father all the best!
Dr. Benard

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari