Heart Hugger Blog

After undergoing open-heart surgery, you're bound to have a multitude of questions, concerns, and emotions swirling through your mind.

While post-operative bras might not have been at the forefront of your thoughts prior to surgery, choosing the right one can play a crucial role in your recovery process.

Not only can it provide you with a greater sense of comfort and security, but it can also significantly aid in your healing journey, helping you get back to living your best life sooner than you might expect.

If you're researching information related to heart surgery and recovery, you've likely come across mentions of heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). For years, these pillows have been standard issue in many hospitals for patients recovering from heart surgery or sternotomies. The traditional thinking was that heart pillows could provide comfort and support when patients needed to cough, sneeze, or manage pain.

If you or a loved one is having a sternotomy, you likely have a lot of questions about the procedure, the healing process, what to expect, and more. While it's always best to ask your doctor for guidance, it never hurts to do a bit of foundational research so you know what to ask.

The road to recovery following cardiac surgery can feel long and daunting. However, maintaining an optimal diet will provide the essential nutrients needed for healing. What you eat makes a major impact on your rehabilitation journey. Follow these dietary guidelines to fuel your body through mending after heart procedures.

Recovering from heart surgery is a journey that involves more than just physical healing. While the physical challenges are often discussed, the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery are equally significant but tend to be overlooked. Here's what to know about the psychological factors of heart surgery recovery so you know what to expect after surgery.

Recovering from heart surgery can be a long and challenging process, particularly during the immediate postoperative period. While some patients experience a relatively smooth recovery, others may encounter complications, such as sternal wound dehiscence—the reopening of the sternal wound.

It is quite common for patients to complain of having trouble sleeping after heart surgery. It can mean added stress during recovery, as patients are tired and want sleep, and because most recognize how vital sleep is to the recovery process. 

Let's take a look at some of the factors that affect post-surgery sleep patterns as well as tips to help you sleep better.

When seniors need heart surgery, their children or other caregivers can have a lot of questions. It can be scary and overwhelming to start planning for that process. However, there are ways to overcome these uncertainties and approach heart surgery and post-surgery care with more confidence.

You likely know just how important hydration can be for overall health--but what about heart health? Here's everything you need to know about the connection between taking care of your thirst and taking care of your body.

Whether Heart Health Month is close to your heart for personal reasons or you just want to raise awareness about an important issue, February has plenty of opportunities for you. Here are a few key ways to participate alone or with friends and family.