--- title: Heart Hugger Blog (3) description: Learn more about how Heart Hugger can support patients undergoing heart surgery and are in need of respiratory splinting or sternal support. (3) --- [![Tribute Media](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/Heart_Hugger_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [Contact](https://www.hearthugger.com/contact) toll free 800.798.2667 outside the U.S.408.395.2100 [![Home](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/logo-icon.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [About Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/about-heart-hugger) - [What is Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/what-heart-hugger) - [Why Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/why-heart-hugger) - [How To Use](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-use) - [Sizing and Fitting](https://www.hearthugger.com/sizing-and-fitting) - [Surgi Support Vest](https://www.hearthugger.com/surgi-support-vest) - [For Patients](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients) - [Heart Health](https://www.hearthugger.com/heart-health) - [Preparing for Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/preparing-for-surgery) - [After Your Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/after-your-surgery) - [Complications & Solutions](https://www.hearthugger.com/complications-solutions) - [Respiratory Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/respiratory-complications) - [Sternal Wound Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-complications) - [Sternal Wound Stability (and the Pillow)](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-stability) - [FAQs](https://www.hearthugger.com/faqs) - [For Healthcare Professionals](https://www.hearthugger.com/healthcare-professionals) - [Studies & Resources](https://www.hearthugger.com/studies-and-resources) - [Economic Implications of Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/economic-implications-of-complications) - [Patient Compliance & The Clinical Pathway](https://www.hearthugger.com/patient-compliance-and-the-clinical-pathway) - [Tradeshows](https://www.hearthugger.com/tradeshows) - [How to Purchase](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-purchase) - [Find a Rep in Your Area](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-rep-information) - [Request Sample](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-sample) - [FDA & Medicare](https://www.hearthugger.com/fda-and-medicare) - [Blog](https://www.hearthugger.com/blog) - [Buy Now](https://www.hearthugger.com/products) *menu* menu [800.798.2667](tel:+18007982667) # Heart Hugger Blog ## [Here’s Why You Need to Walk After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/you-need-to-walk-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on May 11, 2022 12:14:10 PM [3 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/you-need-to-walk-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![senior couple walking outside](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/walking-after-surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=walking-after-surgery.jpg "senior couple walking outside") During the heart surgery recovery process, you might not be in the mood to want to stand up and walk around. However, walking can actually help you recover faster by improving your strength. This means you can get back to feeling like your usual self a lot sooner. Here’s why you won’t want to skip the walks that your doctor recommends. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/you-need-to-walk-after-heart-surgery) ## [Must Haves After Open Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/must-haves-after-open-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Apr 20, 2022 8:58:06 AM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/must-haves-after-open-heart-surgery#comments-listing) As you prepare for [heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery), you’ll need to start thinking about how you can transform your house into the perfect place for your recovery. While the recovery process for any major surgery is no walk in the park, there are ways to prepare yourself for the coming weeks. Here are some factors you should consider to [make your recovery a smoother experience](https://blog.hearthugger.com/reducing-complications-and-readmissions-after-surgery). - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/must-haves-after-open-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) ## [What to Wear After Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-wear-after-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Apr 12, 2022 1:02:35 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-wear-after-surgery#comments-listing) After heart surgery, deciding what to wear becomes a lot more complicated! Clothes are harder to put on than they used to be. And those fun fabrics now irritate the incision wound. Suddenly, those fashionable clothes filling your wardrobe just look daunting to wear.So, what should you wear? Let’s look at the best clothing options to wear after surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-wear-after-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) ## [Activity After Heart Surgery: What You Need to Know](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 24, 2022 2:14:36 PM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know#comments-listing) ![holding a heart shape with a heartbeat on it](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_392672332%20(1).jpg?width=1240&name=shutterstock_392672332%20(1).jpg "holding a heart shape with a heartbeat on it") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Tips For Women To Prepare For Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-for-women-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 17, 2022 8:15:53 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-for-women-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![Untitled design (7) (1) (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(7)%20(1)%20(1).png?width=1240&name=Untitled%20design%20(7)%20(1)%20(1).png "Untitled design (7) (1) (1)") After an invasive procedure like heart surgery, patients are hit with the reality that it’ll take some time before they feel normal again. The weeks, or even months ahead, can seem daunting as patients dread what kind of pain they might experience. However, with a little bit of planning, the good news is that your recovery doesn’t have to be this way. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-for-women-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery) [Preparing for Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/preparing-for-heart-surgery) ## [How Hospitals Can Reduce Complications in Heart Surgery Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Nov 8, 2021 11:31:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients#comments-listing) ![surgeon and surgical team](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/surgeon%20and%20surgical%20team.jpg?width=1240&name=surgeon%20and%20surgical%20team.jpg "surgeon and surgical team") Complications after heart surgery aren't just bad news for patients—they also impact hospitals. Wound complications in a patient can be devastating financially for hospitals, especially when handling Medicare and co-morbid patients. The cost to hospitals can range from $13,000 to $100,000 per complication. Then add on the financial penalties that hospitals face for having excessive readmissions according to the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It’s evident that there is a great need to reduce the chances of complications following a patient’s surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients) [Respiratory Splinting](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/respiratory-splinting) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Sternal Dehiscence](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternal-dehiscence) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [sternotomy](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternotomy) ## [Top 5 Heart Surgery Recovery Questions](https://blog.hearthugger.com/5-answered-questions-about-heart-surgery-recovery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Oct 20, 2021 12:00:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/5-answered-questions-about-heart-surgery-recovery#comments-listing) ![asking questions about heart surgery recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/asking%20questions%20about%20heart%20surgery%20recovery.jpg?width=1240&name=asking%20questions%20about%20heart%20surgery%20recovery.jpg "asking questions about heart surgery recovery") The more prepared before and after heart surgery you are, the quicker you can recover. There’s not a more important time to stay in tune with your body than while recovering. It is essential to the recovery process that you note pain and discomfort. This is especially critical for the incision site and surrounding areas.  - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/5-answered-questions-about-heart-surgery-recovery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) ## [Exercise to Improve Heart Health \[Here's Why\]](https://blog.hearthugger.com/exercise-to-improve-heart-health) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Oct 14, 2021 1:19:56 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/exercise-to-improve-heart-health#comments-listing) ![happy asian senior couple running exercising outdoors in park, exercise for heart health](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Exercise-Heart-Health.png?width=1240&name=Exercise-Heart-Health.png "happy asian senior couple running exercising outdoors in park, exercise for heart health") A big step towards having great heart health is being physically active. This is one of the most effective tools you can use to strengthen your heart muscle and maintain your weight. It is also beneficial for controlling high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure, both of which can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/exercise-to-improve-heart-health) [Heart Health](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-health) ## [Caring for Heart Surgery Patients Goes Beyond the OR](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jul 28, 2021 1:44:55 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room#comments-listing) ![Doctor Hands Holding Patients Hand](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Doctor%20Hands%20Holding%20Patients%20Hand.png?width=1240&name=Doctor%20Hands%20Holding%20Patients%20Hand.png "Doctor Hands Holding Patients Hand") As a healthcare professional, you know that postoperative care after heart surgery is one of the most important factors driving the success and time it takes for your patients to recover. The Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness can help your patients not only recover quicker but provide those caring for them with more confidence as well. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) ## [A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jun 28, 2021 1:42:13 PM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery#comments-listing) ![Red puzzle heart with stethoscope, heart surgery and recovery concept](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/recovery.png?width=1240&name=recovery.png "Red puzzle heart with stethoscope, heart surgery and recovery concept") There’s perhaps nothing more concerning than the prospect of heart surgery, and the recovery period afterward. But having the right information can ease your mind, and speed your recovery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Support Device](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/support-device) [Prev](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/2) [Next](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/4) - Recent - Popular - Tags - [Heart Surgery Recovery (22)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-surgery-recovery) - [After Heart Surgery (16)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery) - [Postoperative Care (15)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-care) - [Heart Health (12)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-health) - [Sternum Stabilization (9)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternum-stabilization) - [Caring for Patients (8)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/caring-for-patients) - [cardiac rehab (7)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/cardiac-rehab) - [Sternal Dehiscence (6)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternal-dehiscence) - [Preparing for Heart Surgery (5)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/preparing-for-heart-surgery) - [Respiratory Splinting (4)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/respiratory-splinting) - [Postoperative Bra (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-bra) - [sternotomy (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternotomy) - [Heart Healthy Diet (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-healthy-diet) - [Managing Pain After Heart Surgery (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/managing-pain-after-heart-surgery) - [Support Device (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/support-device) - [Hospital Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/hospital-safety) - [Patient Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/patient-safety) see all ©2018  General Cardiac Technology, Inc. 6489 Camden Ave Suite 106 San Jose CA 95120 800.798.2667 Phone 408.395.2100 (outside the U.S) Fax: 408.395.2113 powered by Tribute Media [a web marketing agency](https://www.tributemedia.com) | [login](https://www.hearthugger.com/user) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hearthugger) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Heart_Hugger) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heart-hugger) [Top](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/3#top)