Activity After Heart Surgery: What You Need to Know

During heart surgery recovery, it's helpful to know what to expect--and, perhaps most importantly, what your body needs from you. Here are a few tips to help you manage one aspect of your recovery: activity after heart surgery.

Staying Active After Heart Surgery

All your life, you've been hearing advice to stay active. That's never been more important than during heart surgery recovery. There's only one catch: You need to know what your body is capable of and what's right for your recovery plan before you try to tackle a long list of exercises or household chores.

Here are a few tips for managing activity after heart surgery:

• Get the support you need. A sternal support vest can help you stay safer and more comfortable as you begin moving around after heart surgery. It also gives you control over your recovery, helping you take an active part in nurturing and protecting your body.

• Exercise mindfully. It's possible--and, in fact, encouraged--to enjoy exercise during heart surgery recovery. Just remember to be patient with yourself and your body, adhere to any advice from your doctor, and take things slow.

• Avoid certain motions. While activity is a must after heart surgery, not all types of physical motion are good for your recovering body. For example, you should avoid lifting heavy objects, especially if you need to hold them overhead. You also shouldn't have your arms extended for long periods of time.

• Create an activity roadmap. After heart surgery, it can be tricky to know what your body is ready to handle. That's why it's often helpful to work with your doctor to create an activity roadmap--a plan for which activities you can do when. You might start with very light activities like a slow walk, move up to doing the dishes or making the bed, and steadily working toward high-intensity motions like jogging or swimming.

Conclusion

Heart surgery recovery is a journey you shouldn't have to take alone. With help from your doctor and with tips like these at your disposal, you can make a recovery simpler and more manageable--and even more comfortable.

Contact us today to learn how a Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness can help make life more comfortable after heart surgery.