Heart Surgery - Activity After Heart Surgery

TL;DR

After cardiac surgery, patients should continue exercising, especially walking, while avoiding vigorous activities. Energy levels will fluctuate, and certain precautions should be taken when performing daily tasks. Incision care and transportation guidelines should also be followed.

Transcript

Hello, my name is Sabrena Deonarain, I'm an Occupational Therapist here at Trillium Health Partners. And I'm here to talk to you about the recovery at home phase, which is the next phase in your recovery after cardiac surgery. I'd like to flag for you this booklet, which is the booklet that is going to guide you through all the post-op education t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦾 Patients should continue exercise routines learned in the hospital, focusing on specific arm and leg movements.
• 😘 Energy levels may be lower after surgery, and patients should avoid activities that require a lot of reaching, bending, or twisting.
• 💃 Extreme temperatures should be avoided, and patients should dress appropriately for outdoor activities.
• 👚 Blood clots are a concern, and patients should aim to move every 60-70 minutes when awake.
• ❓ Certain daily tasks may require assistance or modified approaches to avoid strain on the body.
• 😨 Incision care is crucial, and patients should follow guidelines provided by healthcare professionals.
• 🥡 Driving should be avoided for six weeks after surgery, and precautions should be taken during transportation to protect the sternum.

Questions & Answers

Q: What exercises should patients continue doing after cardiac surgery?

Patients should continue with arm raises, deep breathing exercises, knee raises, fist pumps, and ankle pumps. Walking should also be a primary form of exercise.

Q: When can patients expect a sudden spurt of energy after surgery?

At around week four, patients often experience a sudden spurt of energy. However, strenuous activities should still be avoided due to the healing process.

Q: What precautions should be taken when performing daily tasks?

Patients should avoid activities that involve reaching, bending, and twisting, as these can be taxing on the body. They should also be mindful of carrying heavy objects and consider assistance for tasks like grocery shopping and laundry.

Q: Why should patients be cautious of extreme temperatures?

Extreme cold or hot temperatures can put additional strain on the heart. Patients should dress appropriately, layer clothing, and avoid walking in hazardous weather conditions.

Q: How often should patients move to prevent blood clots?

Patients should aim to move every 60-70 minutes when awake. This can be as simple as walking to the bathroom or taking a short stroll during a commercial break.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Patients should continue with exercise routines learned during their hospital stay, focusing on arm raises, deep breathing exercises, knee raises, fist pumps, and ankle pumps. Walking should be the primary form of exercise.

• Energy levels may be lower after surgery, but a sudden spurt of energy typically occurs at around week four. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities that involve reaching, bending, and twisting.

• Extreme temperatures should be avoided as they can put additional strain on the heart. Walking outside is encouraged but caution should be taken in winter conditions. Blood clots are a concern, and patients should move every 60-70 minutes to improve circulation.