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)