The Patient Guide To Post-Operative Care After Open Heart Surgery

By Dr. Vishal Dhir in Cardiology Cardiac Surgery

Dec 1, 2018

Open heart surgery is a significant operation that creates a new route around blockages for blood and oxygen to reach the heart. Patients typically stay in the hospital for a week or more, depending on their condition. After surgery, patients are immediately moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and ventilation support for a few hours. Proper open heart surgery requires treatment from the best cardiologist in Delhi/NCR.

Hospital Recovery

In the hospital, your recovery will involve:

• Regular lab tests
• Chest X-rays
• Monitoring blood pressure
• Physiotherapy sessions

A urinary catheter will be removed after a few days. You may experience difficulty having a bowel movement due to medications, reduced food intake, and lying in bed. Once your pain is controlled, temporary tubes are removed, you are walking with assistance, and all lab tests and chest X-rays are satisfactory, your surgeon will discharge you.

Tips for Healthy Recovery at Home

Incision Care

• Wash your hands before & after touching your incision.
• Take daily baths with warm water and apply soap to the wounds.
• Consult your doctor if you experience increased drainage, redness, warmth around the incision, or fever.

Dealing with Cold Temperatures

Cold environments cause physiological adjustments that can challenge people with heart disease, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, harder heart work, and increased blood clotting propensity.

Here are a few winter care tips:

• Exercise regularly but modify timings to avoid extreme weather.
• Reduce salt and water intake as there is no loss through sweating.
• Monitor BP regularly and treat high blood pressure promptly.
• Avoid infections with influenza and pneumonia vaccines before winter.
• Treat infections promptly with antibiotics if symptoms appear.
• Don’t skip prescribed medication, even if feeling better.
• Immediately report any side effects or concerns to your healthcare provider.

Pain Medication

Pain management is crucial for recovery and early mobility. Ensure you take pain medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy will help you regain mobility after surgery. Perform exercises as advised & spend as much time out of bed as possible.

Diet

Eating a healthy, nutritious, and low-fat diet will help you recover faster.

Long-Term Care After Open Heart Surgery

Recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks, requiring significant lifestyle changes to prevent future blockages. These changes include:

• Being physically active
• Eating low-fat and low-salt foods
• Avoiding junk and fried foods
• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in control

Additional Resources

For further information on heart health, including the smallest details about heart disease, post-bypass surgery do’s and don’ts, and lifestyle modifications, read “All You Need to Know About Heart.” The book is available for free on Amazon.

Meet Dr. Vishal Dhir for a consultation about open heart surgery at the best heart hospital in Delhi/NCR.