Coronary stents are used in almost all angioplasty procedures. If you’ve recently completed an angioplasty with coronary stent placement, consider cardiac rehab and therapy at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Longwood, Florida. Doctor of Physical Therapy Sergio Sepúlveda Sunez, DPT, offers personalized plans that optimize your recovery. Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation with Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez by phone or request one online today.

What is coronary stent placement?

Coronary stent placement is a procedure often completed with an angioplasty, a surgery that opens a blocked coronary artery caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). 

Stent placement restores blood flow to your heart muscle without open heart surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery).

During an angioplasty, your surgeon inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The catheter contains a balloon-like device, which widens the narrowed artery. Your surgeon often places a stent (metal mesh coil) into the artery to hold it open and prevent future narrowing. 

Who may be a candidate for coronary stent placement?

Your cardiologist might recommend you complete coronary stent placement to restore artery blood flow if you have:

• Narrowed or blocked vessels
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart attack
• High risk of a heart attack
• Buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in an artery wall
• Reduced blood flow to your heart
• Angina (chest pain)

Your heart specialist may suggest an angioplasty with a stent if lifestyle changes and/or medications haven’t improved your condition.

What happens during cardiac rehab after coronary stent placement?

After receiving a coronary stent, cardiac rehab can maximize your recovery and help you avoid further complications. Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center personalizes cardiac rehabilitation and therapy programs based on your specific needs. 

You can meet with Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez virtually for an initial consultation and follow-up appointments, if you’d like.

Your personalized rehab plan after coronary stent placement may consist of:

• Pritikin intensive cardiac rehab (ICR)
• Vestibular screening for balance disorders and dizziness
• Heart-healthy nutrition education
• Stress management
• Long-term behavior change strategies
• Emotional support
• Smoking cessation, if applicable
• Routine patient monitoring
• Transportation assistance
• Doctor referral program

Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center specializes in ICR, a structured cardiac rehabilitation program that combines custom exercise programs with lifestyle education. 

Through cardiac rehab and therapy, Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez can help you regain endurance, strength, and mobility to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. 

Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center also offers innovative CardiaLine, a diagnostic and non-diagnostic cardiopulmonary monitoring system with remote patient monitoring options.

Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez tracks your progress over time and follows up in person or via telehealth. He takes a holistic, integrative, patient-centered approach to recovery.

After coronary stent placement, take advantage of cardiac rehab and therapy at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. Call the office or request an in-person or virtual appointment online today.