After Coronary Artery Bypass Expert Treatment

In the Hospital

• Early Mobilization-Getting you moving as soon as safely possible is a priority. This often starts with sitting up in bed, then standing, and taking short walks within the hospital. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like pneumonia, blood clots, and muscle weakness.
• Breathing Exercises-You will be taught deep breathing and coughing techniques to help clear your lungs and prevent chest infections. Supporting your chest with a pillow while coughing is important to minimize pain around the incision.
• Circulation Exercises-Simple leg and ankle exercises are encouraged to promote blood flow and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Positioning-Physiotherapists will guide you on comfortable and safe positions in bed and when sitting to aid breathing and wound healing.

After Discharge (Cardiac Rehabilitation)-

This is a crucial phase of physiotherapy and often involves a structured program that can last for several weeks or months. It typically includes:-

• Exercise: An exercise program designed to gradually improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. This may include:-
  • Aerobic exercise-Walking (initially short distances, gradually increasing), cycling, and sometimes swimming or using an elliptical trainer. The intensity will be carefully monitored using heart rate and perceived exertion. Interval training, alternating periods of higher and lower intensity, might also be incorporated.

• • Strengthening exercises- Light resistance exercises for your arms and legs, usually starting several weeks after surgery, to improve overall muscle strength and function. Heavy lifting, especially involving the chest and upper arms, is typically avoided for several weeks to allow the sternum to heal.

• • Flexibility exercises- Gentle stretching to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. Examples include shoulder rolls, chest stretches, and trunk twists.

• Heart-healthy lifestyle- Including diet, smoking cessation, stress management, and medication adherence.

• Risk Factor Management: Support and strategies to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight.

• Emotional Support- Addressing potential feelings of anxiety or depression that can occur after heart surgery.