Can I Drink Alcohol After a Stent? A Doctor Weighs In
Published:
August 9, 2025
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Written by
Reframe Content Team
A team of researchers and psychologists who specialize in behavioral health and neuroscience. This group collaborates to produce insightful and evidence-based content.
Certified recovery coach specialized in helping everyone redefine their relationship with alcohol. His approach in coaching focuses on habit formation and addressing the stress in our lives.
Recognized by Fortune and Fast Company as a top innovator shaping the future of health and known for his pivotal role in helping individuals change their relationship with alcohol.
April 9, 2024
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Reframe Content Team
April 9, 2024
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Showing Some Love for Your Heart
A stent is placed to increase blood flow from our hearts to the rest of our body after we’ve had a heart attack or near-blockage of a coronary artery.
It’s generally safe to drink moderate amounts of alcohol after having a stent placed, but that depends on your overall health and the seriousness of your procedure. Always listen to your doctor’s advice!
Reframe can help you make smart choices when it comes to drinking habits to prevent heart problems and other related health conditions.
We’ve all heard the myth that a glass of red wine is good for the heart. But after a major medical event like a stent placement, that old advice gets complicated. You might be asking yourself, “Can I drink alcohol after having a stent fitted?” The answer isn’t as simple as you might think, and it’s crucial to understand the risks during this fragile recovery period. We'll look at the science-backed facts, helping you understand why moderation or abstinence is so important for protecting your newly repaired arteries and overall cardiovascular health.
If you’ve ever had a stent fitted or know someone who has, you may be wondering if you’ll ever be able to get back to your old self. “Do I have to give up Chick-fil-A for good?” “Will I be able to get back to long-distance running?” “Can I drink alcohol after having a stent fitted?”
Only your doctor can definitively answer questions about your prognosis, but we can touch on the alcohol-related side of things. Let’s explore and find out: Can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? And how soon after a heart attack can you drink alcohol?
What Is a Stent and How Does It Work?
A stent is a small tube that a doctor installs inside one of our arteries to open it up after it’s been blocked by either cholesterol or fat buildup that was limiting — or, in the case of a heart attack, completely stopping — blood from flowing through our heart and to the rest of our body.
Once a doctor removes the buildup that was causing the blockage in the artery, a stent is then placed to prevent further stress to that area. Think of your coronary arteries as mining tunnels — a stent acts as a support structure to keep the tunnel from collapsing.
Simply put, our coronary arteries are a big deal! A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing chest pain or pressure, shoulder or arm pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as neck or jaw pain, nausea, or unusual fatigue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, especially if you’ve already had a heart attack or have a stent in place.
When Is a Heart Stent Recommended?
Stents are typically used for those of us who have experienced heart problems such as a heart attack. They’re also used when we have advanced atherosclerosis, a condition that involves plaque collecting inside an artery. However, stents can be used for other conditions that aren’t related to the heart but are related to circulation and blood flow.
Here are some additional conditions that may require a stent:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a specific type of atherosclerosis in the arms and legs that causes dysfunction, pain, and numbness.
Carotid artery disease (CAD), a type of atherosclerosis in the carotid artery, the essential express lane that allows oxygen-rich blood to travel directly from the heart to the brain. CAD causes decreased blood flow to the brain and can lead to stroke.
Renal artery stenosis (RAS), where the arteries in our kidneys narrow from any cause (including atherosclerosis). RAS can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney disease, including kidney failure.
Aneurysms are a weakening of the walls of a blood vessel. They often show up in imaging as a bulging area of a blood vessel that should be smooth. When blood pressure rises, the wall can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Stents are used to reduce pressure on the vessel wall.
Just like stents help increase blood flow when our hearts are blocked, they also help increase blood flow through our bodies when we have another blockage, such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in your leg, arm, or pelvis) or an aneurysm. They can also help with blockages in airways for someone experiencing a blockage in their lungs, for example. However, stents are most commonly used to prevent further damage after a heart attack.
The Link Between Alcohol and Heart Attacks
As we mentioned, stents are often used after heart attacks to shore up the structure of the blood vessel that was blocked during the attack. Unfortunately, alcohol has many detrimental effects on the heart. But can alcohol cause cardiac arrest?
How Alcohol Contributes to Weight Gain
It's no secret that alcohol can contribute to weight gain, but the reasons why are often overlooked. Alcoholic drinks are packed with what are often called “empty calories” because they offer little nutritional value. A single glass of wine or a pint of beer can have a surprising number of calories, and since our bodies prioritize processing alcohol over burning fat, this can lead to weight gain over time. This extra weight puts additional strain on our cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and other heart issues. If you're curious about the impact of your own habits, you can calculate not just the financial cost but also the hidden calorie cost of drinking. Understanding this connection is a key step in protecting our heart health, especially for those of us who have or are at risk for heart conditions.
Does Alcohol Cause Heart Attacks?
Drinking alcohol is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke — but can alcohol give you a heart attack?
Excessive drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle, and can contribute to conditions associated with heart attacks, such as diabetes, obesity, clotting, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation.
In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re concerned about heart health. And if you’ve already had a heart attack, it’s even more important.
When Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After a Heart Attack?
We don’t recommend drinking alcohol after a heart attack or stent placement, but for those of us who do choose to consume alcohol, it’s important to exercise caution. Speak to a healthcare provider about your individual case and medical history. For some of us, it may be safe to drink a glass of wine after a week or so; whereas, for others, it may be best to wait up to a month or more or to cut out alcohol completely.
The takeaway is this: If we choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to practice moderation. Remember, there is no “safe” level of alcohol, only best practices for reducing the risk of harm.
Now, back to stents!
What to Expect During Your Stent Procedure
The clinical term for a heart stent procedure is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angioplasty. The procedure is usually done using a local anesthetic, though we’ll likely be given medication to help us relax.
An inflatable catheter (called a “balloon”) is inserted into a blood vessel, typically through our wrist. Once the doctor determines the target location, the stent is placed using special X-ray equipment. The balloon is inflated, and the stent is expanded around it. Then the balloon is deflated, leaving the stent in place.
After the procedure, we will likely be required to take blood thinners or other medications to ensure our arteries remain open and the blood continues to flow freely, as it should.
Understanding the Recovery Timeline
It’s completely normal to wonder about the road ahead after any heart procedure. You want to know when you can get back to your routine, your hobbies, and just feeling like yourself again. The recovery timeline can vary quite a bit from person to person, depending on your overall health and the specifics of your situation. The most important thing you can do is to follow the advice of your healthcare team. They will give you a personalized plan with specific instructions on activity levels, medications, and follow-up appointments. Understanding the general timeline, however, can help you set realistic expectations. A key factor in that timeline is the type of procedure you had, as the recovery from a stent is very different from that of more invasive surgeries.
Stent vs. Open-Heart Surgery Recovery
A stent procedure is much less invasive than open-heart surgery, and that difference is clearly reflected in the recovery time. Many people who receive a stent are able to return to their normal activities within a week or two, though full recovery can sometimes take longer. Light activity is often encouraged to help with healing. In contrast, open-heart surgery is a major operation that requires a much longer and more intensive recovery, often lasting several weeks to months. Activity is usually very limited in the beginning. While both procedures often require medications like blood thinners to prevent complications, the overall path back to full strength is significantly shorter and less demanding after a stent placement.
Your Post-Stent Guide: What to Avoid
The recovery process after getting a stent fitted depends on the seriousness of the preceding event. It’s always important to speak with our healthcare provider and ask detailed questions. To protect our well-being, it’s important to be honest and open with our doctor.
But generally, here are a few things to avoid at least for a few days after a stent procedure:
Heavy lifting
Strenuous exercise
Stressful activities (for example, returning to work right away)
Drinking alcohol
All of this sounds like a drag — but hey, it’s better than the alternative! After your recovery period, you’ll be able to get back to your normal self. However, you will likely have to adjust to a different lifestyle with healthier choices. Say goodbye to your regular fried chicken sandwich for lunch!
But wait, can you drink alcohol with stents in your heart? Let’s find out!
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
We’ve established that moderation is key, especially after a heart procedure. But what about binge drinking? This isn't just about having a few too many on a Saturday night; it’s about consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time, which puts immense stress on your body — particularly your heart. For someone with a stent, this is especially risky. A sudden influx of alcohol can quickly raise your blood pressure and even trigger irregular heartbeats. This puts a dangerous strain on your newly repaired arteries, potentially counteracting the very benefits the stent was placed to provide. It also reminds us that any amount of alcohol carries some risk, and binge drinking significantly magnifies those dangers, especially when it comes to interacting with essential medications like blood thinners.
Can I Drink Alcohol After Getting a Stent Fitted?
As we’ve reiterated throughout the article, we recommend speaking with your doctor about this before you go for a drink. Everyone’s recovery process is different, and we all react differently to medical procedures. Depending on overall health, a few drinks might not kill us, but drinking alcohol at this stage poses a lot of risks. Here are the big ones:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder, and alcohol is the most common trigger of episodes. AFib feels like a flutter in the chest. This can lead to exhaustion, dizziness, lightheadedness, heart attack, and stroke. Don’t chance it!
Blood pressure fluctuations. Alcohol causes swings to your blood pressure, putting extra strain on your body and heart.
Medication interactions. After a stent placement (and maybe before), we’ll likely be taking a blood thinner, aspirin, a statin (anti-cholesterol med), and maybe a pain medication. In any case, alcohol interacts with all drugs typically used after a stent placement. At high amounts, this interaction can be fatal.
Let’s face it, if we’ve just had a stent placed, we probably have more than the average health considerations to take into account! We’re healing not only from the procedure, but we’re in the process of recovering from whatever condition led to the placement of the stent. To optimize heart and blood health and give our body the best chance at healing, it’s best to take it easy and avoid stressing our body out with alcohol.
What the Research Says
The conversation around alcohol and heart health can feel confusing, with some studies suggesting benefits while others highlight major risks. It’s especially complicated after a procedure like a stent placement. Let's break down what some of the research indicates, but remember, these are general findings. Your personal health situation is unique, and your doctor's advice is always the most important guide for your recovery and long-term well-being. This is a time to be extra mindful about what you put into your body, and understanding the full picture can help you make the best choices for your healing process.
Potential Protective Effects of Moderate Drinking
Interestingly, some research has explored the effects of alcohol on arteries after stenting. One study found that men who drank moderately had a lower chance of their arteries re-narrowing compared to those who drank very little. In that study, only 23% of moderate drinkers needed a repeat procedure, while 43% of very light drinkers did. The researchers suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might help prevent arteries from narrowing again after angioplasty. However, it's crucial to see this as a single data point and not a prescription to drink for your health. The risks associated with alcohol, especially during a fragile recovery period, can easily cancel out any potential, and still debated, benefits.
Alcohol's Impact on Cholesterol
You may have also heard that alcohol can be good for your cholesterol. Some studies, particularly those looking at red wine, suggest that light to moderate drinking might help your heart by raising HDL, or "good" cholesterol. It’s thought that this could also help with inflammation in the body. While this is a common talking point, the potential benefits are often small and can be easily outweighed by the negative effects of alcohol, especially after a major heart event. You can get similar or better cholesterol-managing benefits from diet and exercise, without the added risks that come with drinking alcohol.
When You Must Avoid Alcohol Completely
While the potential benefits we just discussed are debated, the risks are much more clear-cut. For many people, especially those with specific health factors, drinking alcohol after a stent isn't just a bad idea—it's dangerous. These aren't suggestions but firm guidelines for protecting your health and ensuring your recovery is successful. If any of the following situations apply to you, abstaining from alcohol is the safest and smartest choice you can make for your heart. This is where being honest with yourself and your medical team is absolutely essential for your long-term health and peace of mind.
Underlying Health Conditions
Your overall health picture is the most important factor. You should not drink alcohol at all if you have conditions like liver problems or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Most importantly, you need to consider your medications. If you are taking blood thinners or other heart medications, alcohol can cause dangerous interactions, increasing bleeding risks or causing unpredictable changes in blood pressure. In fact, alcohol can interfere with all the drugs typically used after a stent placement. At high amounts, this interaction can be fatal. Always talk to your doctor about whether it's safe for you to drink. Your life could depend on it.
When to Call Your Doctor After a Stent Procedure
Seek medical attention or dial 911 if you experience any of these symptoms after a stent procedure:
Bleeding, swelling, discharge, or numbness
Fever or chills
Faintness or dizziness
Abnormal (too slow or too fast) pulse
Chest pain
Although the angioplasty and stent will help the blood circulate better, that doesn’t mean we’re completely off the hook! We still need to do our part to live a healthy lifestyle. That means eating healthy foods, exercising, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol.
What Does 'Drinking in Moderation' Actually Mean?
Moderation is key to overall health and a healthy relationship with alcohol. We may have heard the term “moderation” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?
Moderation means consuming alcoholic beverages in reasonable limits that mitigate risks to health. Moderation implies a balanced and controlled approach to drinking. It’s typically defined as less than one drink per day for women and fewer than two drinks per day for men.
Moderation entails making intentional and informed decisions about the quantity and frequency of our alcohol intake. Mindful drinking prioritizes our health goals and allows us to avoid negative consequences such as impaired judgment or dependency. To learn more about how mindful drinking benefits overall well-being, check out our article about health benefits of cutting back on drinking.
Luckily, life offers many options for enjoying ourselves without drinking alcohol. Let’s take a look at how we can protect our heart health with sobriety!
Defining a Standard Drink
It’s easy to hear “one drink a day” and lose track of what that actually means. Is a pint of high-alcohol craft beer one drink? What about that generous pour of wine at dinner? In the US, a “standard” drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This typically looks like 12 ounces of regular beer (at 5% ABV), 5 ounces of wine (at 12% ABV), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits like vodka or whiskey (at 40% ABV). Understanding these measurements is the first step toward accurately tracking your intake and making sure your version of “one drink” aligns with medical guidelines. Knowing exactly how much you’re consuming can help you better understand its effect on your blood alcohol content and your heart.
Tips for Safer, More Mindful Drinking
If you choose to drink after a stent procedure, doing so with intention is crucial for protecting your heart. This is the core of mindful drinking — it’s about being present and making conscious choices rather than drinking out of habit. Before you pour a drink, ask yourself why you want it. Is it to relax, to celebrate, or just because it’s there? Consider opting for drinks that are lower in alcohol and sugar, as sugary cocktails and high-calorie beers can put additional stress on your body. The goal is to shift your relationship with alcohol from a reactive one to a proactive one, where your long-term health is always the priority.
Pacing and Hydration
One of the most effective strategies for safer drinking is to manage your pace and stay hydrated. A simple but powerful rule is to alternate every alcoholic beverage with a full glass of water. This practice does two important things: it prevents dehydration, which can strain your system, and it naturally slows down your rate of consumption. Giving your body more time to process the alcohol helps prevent sudden spikes in blood pressure, which is especially important when you’re protecting your heart. This simple habit makes it easier to stay within moderation and reinforces the benefits you gain on the days you choose not to drink at all.
Enjoyable Alternatives to Drinking Alcohol
Many of us have heard that a glass of red wine is good for heart health. So is that an invitation to drink our daily glass (and then some) if we’re on a path of healing our heart?
Think again! We wish it were that simple. Most of those studies have been debunked, or it was proven that we get all the benefits of drinking red wine by just drinking non-alcoholic grape juice (without the negative effects of alcohol).
Luckily, there are heart-healthy ways to enjoy a “drink” without alcohol. In fact, this time of healing can stand as the beginning of a greater journey toward sobriety or mindfully reduced drinking. Let’s look at some healthy alternatives to drinking alcohol after getting a stent placed.
Opt for a mocktail. We love mocktails here at Reframe. They give us the feeling of drinking a cocktail without the negative effects! Check out these healthy (and fun!) mocktail recipes or try ordering a mocktail at a bar — best of all, mocktails are often free (or very cheap!).
Try non-alcoholic wine or beer. You may be scrunching up your nose at the idea of non-alcoholic beer or wine, but if you’re really craving the flavor, give one of these a try. With the rise of the sober-curious movement, N/A beers are increasingly common and fancy. Many craft breweries have N/A options, and there are even entire breweries dedicated to making a variety of craft N/A beer styles. There’s no harm in trying! You may end up really enjoying the flavor without the results (or price tag) of alcoholic beer.
Juice it up. Juices and smoothies are a healthy alternative to drinking and also can be made with heart-healthy ingredients like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. On top of that, they’re easy to make — delicious! Consider a detox drink packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, B, and antioxidants (think blueberries) or inflammation-busting ingredients like citrus or turmeric.
Whether we’re recovering from heart surgery or taking a break from drinking for other health reasons, there are many benefits to an alcohol-free lifestyle worth exploring.
Living a Healthy Life After Your Stent
Although it’s not technically a “no-no” to drink alcohol after having a stent fitted, the best idea is to exercise caution with anything that could potentially put us at risk or cause any complications — especially when we’re dealing with matters of the heart! Our hearts are really the heartbeat of our entire well-being. As always, Reframe is here to help us all make positive changes that benefit our health.
Understanding Your Long-Term Heart Health
The Risk of a Second Heart Attack
A stent is a fantastic piece of medical technology, but it's important to remember that it doesn't cure the underlying coronary artery disease. It's a fix for a specific blockage, not a full-body reset. This means the risk of future heart problems, including another heart attack, is still there if lifestyle factors aren't addressed. This is especially true when it comes to alcohol. If you're focused on your heart health, it's generally best to limit or avoid alcohol, and this becomes even more critical after you've had a heart attack. Making conscious choices now is your best defense for the future.
Activity and Lifestyle Guidelines
Returning to Daily Activities
You're probably eager to get back to your routine, and you will! The key is to follow your doctor's timeline. They will give you specific instructions on when you can drive, return to work, and tackle your usual chores. This isn't a time for guesswork or pushing yourself too hard. To protect your well-being, it’s essential to be completely honest and open with your doctor about how you're feeling and what you're capable of. They are your best resource for navigating this recovery phase safely. Your body has been through a lot, so give it the time it needs to heal properly.
Incorporating Gentle Exercise
Once you get the green light from your doctor, easing back into physical activity is a huge step toward long-term heart health. Start with gentle activities like walking. The goal isn't to run a marathon next week, but to slowly build back your strength and stamina. After your initial recovery, you'll be able to get back to being your normal self, but it will likely involve adjusting to a new lifestyle with healthier choices. Think of it as creating a new, stronger foundation for your health, where regular, enjoyable movement is a non-negotiable part of your day.
Resuming Sexual Activity
This is a common question that many people feel shy about asking, but it's a perfectly normal part of life and recovery. Most doctors advise that you can resume sexual activity when you feel ready—often when you can handle mild to moderate exercise, like climbing two flights of stairs, without getting breathless or having chest pain. Ultimately, we still need to do our part to live a healthy lifestyle. That means focusing on heart-healthy foods, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol, all of which contribute to your overall stamina and well-being.
Guidelines for Air Travel
Planning a trip? Flying involves changes in air pressure and can be physically demanding (hello, lugging suitcases!), so it's wise to check with your doctor before booking a flight. They'll consider your specific situation, the length of the flight, and how your recovery is progressing. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, so it's crucial to speak to a healthcare provider about your individual case and medical history. They can give you the personalized advice you need to travel safely and with peace of mind.
Your Medical Care Plan
The Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your doctor might recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program, and if they do, it's a fantastic opportunity. These programs are medically supervised and designed to help you recover safely while improving your overall cardiovascular health. They typically include structured exercise, education on heart-healthy living (like nutrition and stress management), and counseling to help you adjust. Think of it as having a dedicated team of experts guiding you through the process of building a stronger, healthier life after your stent procedure. It’s a proactive step that can make a huge difference in your long-term outcome.
Following Your Medication Regimen
This is non-negotiable. Your doctor will likely prescribe medications like blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent new clots and keep your arteries open. It is absolutely critical to take these exactly as prescribed. This is also where alcohol can be particularly dangerous. Alcohol interacts with all the drugs typically used after a stent placement, which can lead to serious complications. Mixing them can alter how the medications work and put unnecessary strain on your body. Sticking to your medication plan is one of the most important things you can do for your heart.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
A stent procedure is the beginning of a new chapter in your health journey, not the end of the story. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress, check your blood pressure and cholesterol, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. These checkups are your chance to ask questions and stay on track. If you do choose to drink alcohol, these appointments are the time to discuss it with your doctor. The key takeaway is that if we choose to drink, it’s vital to practice moderation and ensure it aligns with your overall health plan.
Diet, Stress, and Emotional Well-being
Adopting a Heart-Healthy Diet
What we eat has a direct impact on our heart. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is one of the best changes you can make. This means filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and chicken), and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados). It also means cutting back on processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, and excess sodium. This isn't about deprivation; it's about nourishing your body with the fuel it needs to heal and thrive for years to come.
Managing Stress for a Healthier Heart
Emotional stress can take a physical toll on your heart by raising blood pressure and heart rate. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is a crucial part of your recovery. This could be through practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply spending time in nature. To give our body the best chance at healing, it’s best to take it easy and avoid stressing it out with things like alcohol, which can add both physical and emotional strain. Prioritizing relaxation isn't an indulgence—it's a core component of your heart care plan.
Building a Strong Support System
You don't have to go through this alone. Leaning on your support system is incredibly important for both your emotional and physical recovery. It’s important to have a support system in place, whether it’s family, friends, or your healthcare team. Talking about your experiences, fears, and successes can make a world of difference. For many, connecting with others who are on a similar journey to improve their health and change their relationship with alcohol can be empowering. The Reframe app, for example, offers a supportive community to help you build these healthy habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after my stent procedure can I have a drink? There isn't a single, universal timeline for when it's safe to drink alcohol again. Your personal recovery depends on your overall health, the specifics of your procedure, and the medications you're taking. The first few weeks are a fragile healing period where your body needs to recover without the added stress of processing alcohol. The only person who can give you a definite answer is your doctor, who understands your complete medical picture.
What is the single biggest danger of drinking alcohol with a stent? The most critical risk is how alcohol interacts with your new medication regimen. After a stent, you'll likely be on essential drugs like blood thinners and cholesterol medication. Alcohol can interfere with how these drugs work, potentially increasing your risk of bleeding or causing unpredictable changes in your blood pressure. This interaction isn't just a minor issue; it can have very serious consequences for your heart health.
I've always heard red wine is good for the heart. Does that still apply after a stent? That old piece of advice gets complicated after a major heart event. While some studies have pointed to potential benefits from compounds in red wine, the risks associated with alcohol itself generally outweigh them, especially during recovery. You can get much more reliable heart-healthy benefits from things like a balanced diet and gentle exercise, without adding the strain that alcohol puts on your cardiovascular system.
My procedure was a while ago and I feel fine. Is it still risky to drink? It's great that you're feeling well, but it's important to remember that a stent treats a specific blockage, not the underlying condition of coronary artery disease. Alcohol can still contribute to risk factors like high blood pressure, weight gain, and irregular heart rhythms, which can lead to future problems. Thinking about your long-term heart health is just as important as getting through the initial recovery.
If my doctor and I agree that occasional drinking is okay, what's the safest way to do it? If you choose to drink, the key is to be mindful and intentional. This means knowing what a standard drink size is for your beverage of choice and sticking to strict moderation. A great strategy is to pace yourself by having a full glass of water between each alcoholic drink. This keeps you hydrated and naturally slows you down. The goal is to make a conscious choice that supports your health, not to fall back into old habits.
Key Takeaways
Your doctor's advice is non-negotiable: Before you consider having a drink, have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider. Your recovery plan is personalized, and only they can give you safe guidance based on your specific health status and medications.
Alcohol can directly interfere with your healing: Drinking after a stent placement isn't just a general health risk; it can cause dangerous interactions with blood thinners, create sudden blood pressure changes, and put direct strain on your newly repaired arteries.
Use this as a fresh start for your heart health: A stent fixes a blockage, but long-term wellness depends on your daily choices. Focus on nourishing foods, gentle movement, and mindful drinking habits to protect your heart for years to come.
A stent is a small tube typically used to hold open passages in the body, such as clogged or narrowed blood vessels. A doctor places it during a procedure called angioplasty.
2. Who needs a stent?
Stents are typically used to treat heart problems, such as a heart attack or other conditions where a coronary artery was blocked. However, they can also be used for other circulatory problems, such as blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
3. Do you get a stent removed?
No, typically a stent is permanently placed.
4. Can I drink alcohol after having a stent placed?
Moderate alcohol consumption might be permitted, but it’s important to speak with a doctor about the associated risks. The best idea is to avoid alcohol entirely (or reserve a single drink for special occasions).
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