What to Expect After Bypass & Valve Replacement on Your Heart

After having a heart bypass and valve replacement surgery, patients will receive a list of instructions on how to care for the incision, physical limitations, pain management and medication. It is imperative that patients follow their physicians' instructions in order to have a safe and infection-free recovery.

After Surgery

• After surgery, the patient is moved into intensive care. Once the physician feels the patient is stable and breathing on their own, they are taken out of intensive care and moved to a different part of the hospital. Patients are closely monitored and assessed through a series of tests. They are allowed to go home once they are physically able to move about on their own and their vitals are consistently stable.

Physical Activity

• For the first six to eight weeks after going home, patients should not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds to avoid tearing the internal stitches. Light movement is encouraged, but climbing steps, raising your arms above your head or exercise is discouraged to avoid undue strain on the healing heart.

Incision Care

• The incision site is located in the middle of the chest. It is important to always keep the incision clean and dry to avoid opening or infecting it. Use only soap and water to clean, and do not scrub the incision site because the stitches will pull out. Unless prescribed by the primary care physician, do not use salves or lotions on the incision.

Bathing

• Showers should take no longer than 10 minutes, and the shower spray should not touch the incision site because the stitches may come out. Stay away from extreme water temperatures to avoid heart fluctuations, which can cause faintness.

Pain

• Patients should expect some incision discomfort, especially during movement. As it heals, the incision will itch. The physician will give the patient some mild pain relievers, but contact the physician if the patient experiences any chest pain or pressure.

Medications

• Do not take any medications unless the physician has approved them. Some patients will no longer need the medicines they were taking prior to the surgery, but be sure to ask the doctor before stopping them. Do not take any over-the-counter medications or nutritional supplements without a doctor's permission. Some supplements and over-the-counter drugs can interact with prescribed medications adversely.