Complementary and Supportive Therapy
Many people use complementary or supportive therapies during or after a cardiovascular procedure to provide nonsurgical relief and ensure a successful recovery. Therapies often recommended include:
- Prescription compression bandages or stockings to help blood flow back to the heart
- Elevation of leg or arm above heart level
- Avoidance of prolonged standing
- Daily exercise, if physician-approved
- Over-the-counter pain medicine, as needed
- Weight loss, if needed
- Topical wound care
- Unna boot (a moist gauze bandage made up of zinc oxide, calamine lotion and glycerine), which promotes healing, increases blood return to the heart and reduces infection)