Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Treatment in Schwerin

Most of the time, CAD needs to be treated with surgery. There are three surgical options to treat CAD: angioplasty (inserting a catheter with a balloon on the tip to compress the deposits against the artery walls), stent placement (placing a stent in the artery to keep it open), and coronary artery bypass surgery or CABG (creating a graft to bypass the blocked coronary arteries using a vessel from other parts of the body). In general, each of the surgery is done under a general anesthetic.

You will need to stay in the hospital for about 2 to 7 days following the surgery. Because you are not allowed to travel straight after you have been discharged from the hospital, plan to stay in Schwerin for 14 days. During your stay, you are required to attend follow-up checkups where your doctor removes your stitches. 

The recovery time can vary depending on your general health before the surgery and the type of surgery you underwent. With angioplasty and stent placement, you should be able to gradually return to your regular activities within 1-2 weeks. With coronary artery bypass graft, it may take up to twelve weeks until you can get back to your normal activities, but you should be able to return to work within 6 weeks.

You may need to attend regular medical checkups and participate in cardiac rehabilitation. Even after you have recovered, you may need to take one or more medicines. Your doctor will give you an exercise program, restrictions, and a diet plan, make sure you follow the instructions. Remember that having a healthy lifestyle is very important, so avoid smoking, exercise regularly, have a well-balanced and heart-healthy diet, and limit your alcohol intake.

There are currently no other alternatives than the treatments above. However, doctors are studying innovative ways to treat CAD, such as angiogenesis and EECP (enhanced external counterpulsation). Always discuss with your doctor about the best option to treat your specific case.