Caring for patients after coronary intervention. Follow-up tips for primary care physicians

Primary care physicians may be faced with assessing patients after their return home from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or other coronary intervention. Familiarity with possible vascular, renal, and hematologic complications is important, and an open line of communication with the cardiologist who performed the procedure is essential. Restenosis can usually be identified by the return of symptoms or with exercise imaging studies. When restenosis is suspected, referral for consideration of a second PTCA is appropriate. Most patients enjoy an excellent long-term result after PTCA and can return to an active life-style. Primary care physicians play an important role in instituting and reinforcing plans for life-style changes that promote reduction in coronary atherosclerosis.