Angioplasy and hematoma

  I had angioplasty a week ago and when I saw the cardiologist yesterday he said
  I had a hematoma and he prescribed an anti-biotic.  What is the connection
  between a hematoma and anti-biotics.  There is also a swelling in the
  groin area where the incision was made and a hematoma from above my groin
  area to above my knee.  Is this normal or should I be worried?  After a
  short walk my feet and ankles swell up.  I appreciate any information
  you could give me.
  Larry Doyle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Larry,
Thank you for your question.  I think your doctors concern here was to prevent the hematoma from becoming infected.  Hematomas are a not uncommon complication of cardiac cath and are usually self limited and cause no need for alarm.  I am not sure why your ankles are swelling.  This is a question that can be better addressed by your doctor.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.