Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, also called heart bypass surgery, is a surgical treatment for clogged and blocked arteries in the heart. Blood vessels are taken from another part of the body and grafted to healthy coronary arteries in order to go around arteries that are blocked. A CABG is performed before or after a heart attack to minimize heart muscle damage. Tips for recovery from heart bypass surgery address behavioral and lifestyle modifications.
Compliance
Compliance, or following the treatment protocol, is a key factor for a successful recovery from heart bypass surgery. Compliance begins immediately after surgery and includes following nursing and physician instructions to cough and breathe deep throughout the day to clear secretions from the lungs, to wear compression devices and stockings while in bed in the hospital to prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities and to get out of bed as directed.
Once home, Donna D. Ignatavicius, M.S. R.N., and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D., authors of "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care," recommend that patients take prescribed medicines as directed to prevent complications and to promote healing. This includes pain medications, because tolerating pain does not make the patient stronger. The patient must also keep follow-up appointments and begin a cardiac rehabilitation program as directed.
Another tip for recovering from heart bypass surgery is to monitor symptoms. People recovering from heart bypass surgery are at risk for post-surgery complications like infection, another heart attack, pulmonary edema and stroke. Patients should report fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weakness, dizziness and a change in level of consciousness to a physician immediately.
Heart Smart Diet
Cardiac rehabilitation incorporates diet modification. The American Heart Association recommends that people post CABG follow a heart smart diet. A balanced, low salt, low fat and low cholesterol diet is the optimum diet for heart bypass surgery patients. In addition to a heart smart diet, patients should consume five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables daily to support the body's healing process.
Regular Exercise
Exercise begins immediately following heart bypass surgery. Within 24 hours of a CABG, barring any serious complications, the patient gets out of bed and sits in a chair for a period of time. If the patient is able to tolerate sitting, he begins a walking program that progresses a little each day. When the doctor clears him for more vigorous exercise, usually in about six weeks, the patient will attend a cardiac rehabilitation outpatient gym and initiate an exercise plan designed to increase his strength and endurance.
Stop Smoking
An important tip for recovery from heart bypass surgery is to stop smoking. Smoking decreases the oxygen supply and constricts blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. High blood pressure and low oxygen saturation stress the heart. The recovering heart muscle needs all the oxygen it can get.
References
- American Heart Association: What Is Cardiac Rehabilitation?
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
