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Open heart surgery is a major medical procedure that can be intimidating for patients and their loved ones alike. Whether it's a coronary artery bypass, valve repair or replacement, or another cardiac procedure, the prospect of open heart surgery often brings a mix of hope and anxiety.

As a friend, family member, or caregiver, your support can make a significant difference in your loved one's experience before, during, and after the surgery. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate this challenging time and provide the best possible support.

UNDERSTANDING OPEN HEART SURGERY

Before diving into support strategies, it's crucial to have a basic understanding of what open heart surgery entails. This knowledge will help you better empathize with your loved one's situation and provide more informed support.

Everyone goes through cycles of health, but certain symptoms point to larger problems. If you recently discovered that you or a loved one is at risk of having or has coronary artery disease, you likely walked out of the doctor’s office with a lot of mixed feelings and confusion. What is coronary artery disease? How could it affect you or your loved one going forward? What needs to change in your life or the life of your loved one to minimize the risks?

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

There are major blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply your heart with the blood, oxygen, and nutrients it needs. When these blood vessels become damaged or diseased, that is known as coronary artery disease. Usually, plaque and inflammation are to blame for this disease.

The care that you provide to patients goes a long way toward their recovery. Healing isn't just a physical tasks: it's also one that is guided by our emotions and stress levels.

Have a Caring and Professional Staff

There will be many staff members that will come into contact with your patients to provide heart surgery patient care. Each one of those staff members should be well-trained both in their bedside manner and their medical duties. The staff should have a positive attitude that helps patients believe in themselves and their futures. Make sure they know to keep their promises to patients and to stay on top of any problems. Only thorough training can show employees how important these factors are and how much they are stressed in your medical environment.

Heart surgery recovery is not something that happens overnight. It's a process--which means that there are many things your patients need to do (and some things they're not supposed to do). Since all of that information can get a little overwhelming, we've compiled a few quick tips to help your patients remember how to keep their recovery on track.

Safe and Comfortable Recovery

Heart surgery recovery requires much communication--and all the information you give to your patients is going to be crucial information. However, while it's important to explain all the details at first, it can sometimes be helpful to provide patients with "quick tips" later on--essentially, some well-organized and straightforward reminders to help them recall the rest of your instructions. (For example, you might provide a quick review on how to use a wound stability harness.)