Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac Surgery FAQs

 What is the recovery process like after Cardiac surgery?

• This can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on the surgery
• Follow the specific guidelines your doctor has given you before leaving the hospital
• Take your medication as instructed

• Don’t skip, double or stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Never take another person’s medicine.
• Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about taking the medicines you took before surgery.

• Don’t skip, double or stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor or nurse.
• Don’t lift anything greater than five pounds or perform any heavy or hard activity that involves your arms or a lot of upper body strength.
• Don’t sleep on your side or chest for two weeks, as this may interfere with the healing of your incision.
• Don’t use lotion, cream, oil, ointment or powders on your chest or leg incision.
• Don’t add salt to your food – check food labels for sodium.
• Don’t eat processed foods like canned and frozen items which are very high in salt and sodium.
• Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Don’t drive until your doctor approves.

• Shortness of breath
• Weigh yourself daily, and report a two-pound weight gain.
• Dizziness or weakness
• If you have chest pain, possibly call 911, depending on the severity of the pain