--- title: Heart Hugger Blog | After Heart Surgery (2) description: After Heart Surgery | Learn more about how Heart Hugger can support patients undergoing heart surgery and are in need of respiratory splinting or sternal support. (2) --- [![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 ## [What To Expect During Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Sep 25, 2019 1:47:37 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery#comments-listing) ![after_heart_surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/after_heart_surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=after_heart_surgery.jpg "after_heart_surgery") The period after heart surgery is important for every patient. The healing period looks different for every patient and for each surgery type, but there are a few things that you can expect during this time. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Effects On The Sternum After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Aug 7, 2019 2:51:00 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![old man walking](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/old_man_walking.jpg?width=1240&name=old_man_walking.jpg "old man walking") There are a lot of components to consider when it comes to healing after open heart surgery, but one of the most important components is the treatment of the sternum. In truth, the sternum is actually a broken bone at the beginning of the healing process. But is it treated as such? Are there extra considerations? Here's a closer look. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Enjoying Exercise After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/enjoying-exercise-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Dec 21, 2018 10:29:31 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/enjoying-exercise-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![exercise after heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/exercise%20after%20heart%20surgery-1.jpg?width=1240&name=exercise%20after%20heart%20surgery-1.jpg "exercise after heart surgery") How much and [what kind of exercise](https://app.hubspot.com/content-detail/4072946/blog-post/57542161932/performance) you can enjoy after heart surgery depends on how you're feeling and what your doctor feels is safe for you. Everyone is different, and the exercise your physician says is okay for you after heart surgery may not be the same as recommendations you've read online or heard from a friend. Here are a few tips for making sure the activities you participate in [after heart surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/after-your-surgery) are safe for you. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/enjoying-exercise-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) [Heart Health](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-health) ## [A More Successful Recovery After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/a-more-successful-recovery-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Dec 10, 2018 1:27:08 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/a-more-successful-recovery-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![older couple sitting on park bench](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/older%20couple%20sitting%20on%20park%20bench.jpg?width=1240&name=older%20couple%20sitting%20on%20park%20bench.jpg "older couple sitting on park bench") After heart surgery, it's natural to wonder about your post-surgery life. How soon can you expect to feel like yourself again? When will you be able to resume your normal activities? While the answers to these and other questions vary widely between individuals, there are steps patients can take after heart surgery to shorten recovery time and get back to everyday activities. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/a-more-successful-recovery-after-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Reduce Readmission Rates With a Post-Op External Harnesses](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-post-op-external-harnesses-can-reduce-readmission-rates) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Sep 26, 2018 1:05:59 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-post-op-external-harnesses-can-reduce-readmission-rates#comments-listing) ![patient readmission after heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/patient%20readmission.jpg?width=1240&name=patient%20readmission.jpg "patient readmission after heart surgery") After surgery, it's important that patients, physicians, and caregivers strive to [avoid readmission.](https://blog.hearthugger.com/reducing-complications-and-readmissions-after-surgery) Readmission rates [directly affect providers and costs](https://www.hearthugger.com/economic-implications-of-complications), but they also create different sorts of risks for patients as well. Being readmitted to the hospital after cardiac surgery is also especially stressful for patients. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-post-op-external-harnesses-can-reduce-readmission-rates) [Sternal Dehiscence](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternal-dehiscence) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Post-Op Pain Management Without Opioids](https://blog.hearthugger.com/post-op-pain-management-without-opioids) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Sep 24, 2018 10:20:34 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/post-op-pain-management-without-opioids#comments-listing) ![pain management without opioids after heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/opioids.jpg?width=1240&name=opioids.jpg "pain management without opioids after heart surgery") After surgery, pain management becomes a priority, and prescription medications like opioids are typically the first line of defense. For many, the idea of using opioids is concerning -- after all, we constantly hear all the terrible stories about the opioid crisis. While some medication is necessary in most cases, there are several other alternatives for pain management. Always talk to your doctor about your plans for pain management. Here are some of the best options to consider. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/post-op-pain-management-without-opioids) [Managing Pain After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/managing-pain-after-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) [Prev](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery/page/1) - 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/tag/after-heart-surgery/page/2#top)