How To Exercise After Heart Artery Bypass

The Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston Texas, reports that heart bypass surgery is most common in the United States. This procedure permits blood from the surrounding clogged arteries, to be rerouted or "bypassed" in order to enhance oxygen and blood flow. A key component to keeping blood and oxygen circulation working at optimum capacity, is to exercise regularly. There are plenty of ways you can safely return to an active lifestyle after a heart artery bypass surgery.

Step 1

Gradually perform light exercises immediately after your surgery. Within one to three days post surgery, you can walk up and down the hospital hallways to enhance circulation. The average hospital stay after heart bypass surgery is seven days, according to the Texas Heart Institute.

Step 2

Enroll in a cardiac rehab program after you leave the hospital. According to Dr. Lawrence Horowitz, a professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, many patients engage in a physician monitored exercise program to help them recover their strength, post surgery.

Step 3

Resume normal daily physical activities after a heart bypass operation. Activities such as working in the garden, cleaning house and walking your dog, can aid in the recovery process. Also, climb stairs if you have them in your home or office. Use a handrail; however, do not use the rail to pull yourself up. Use your lower body to rebuild strength and slightly elevate your heart rate.

Step 4

Follow the instructions given by your doctor or therapist. Often, you can participate in a more strenuous exercise three months after surgery if your doctor says it is OK. Jogging, swimming, group sports and more intense housework such as shoveling, digging, or painting are often allowed after this time frame, states the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.