Why shouldn't heavy physical labor be performed after receiving a cardiac stent?

After receiving a cardiac stent, patients should avoid heavy physical labor primarily to reduce the burden on the heart and prevent recurrence of the condition.

Cardiac stenting is a treatment for heart disease. The stent, made of stainless steel or cobalt-chromium alloy, is implanted via minimally invasive surgery into narrowed coronary arteries to help keep the blood vessels open and improve blood flow, thereby reducing myocardial ischemia. If patients continue to engage in strenuous physical work after stent placement, it may worsen symptoms of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, potentially leading to myocardial infarction and deterioration of their condition. Therefore, patients should ensure adequate rest after the procedure and avoid overexertion, gradually engaging in appropriate physical activities as tolerated.

After stent placement, patients should strictly follow their doctor's instructions regarding medication and attend regular follow-up appointments. In daily life, they should consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy, greasy, and high-cholesterol foods, quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and engage in moderate physical exercise to enhance their overall immunity and health.