After Heart Surgery

Hospital readmission following cardiac surgery remains a significant challenge in modern healthcare. Studies show that readmission rates after cardiac procedures range from approximately 10% to 20% within the first 30 days, with profound implications for patient wellbeing and healthcare costs. Readmissions following coronary artery bypass grafting alone account for an estimated annual cost exceeding $250 million.

After a major chest surgery, particularly those involving the sternum, recovery can be a long and challenging process. Whether it’s a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, heart valve surgery, or even a rib fracture, the body needs significant time and care to heal properly. One of the most critical aspects of recovery following these types of surgeries is ensuring that the chest and sternum remain stable and protected, particularly during movement or physical exertion. This is where Heart Hugger's Sternum Support Vest becomes a valuable tool for post-surgical recovery.

When a loved one has had heart surgery, it can be a frightening time for both the patient and for you. There are a lot of things that your loved one will simply not be able to do for a while. There are also many types of support your loved one will need to get through the heart surgery recovery period. It's important to be there for your loved one so that this time goes smoothly.

If you're researching information related to heart surgery and recovery, you've likely come across mentions of heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). For years, these pillows have been standard issue in many hospitals for patients recovering from heart surgery or sternotomies. The traditional thinking was that heart pillows could provide comfort and support when patients needed to cough, sneeze, or manage pain.

It is quite common for patients to complain of having trouble sleeping after heart surgery. It can mean added stress during recovery, as patients are tired and want sleep, and because most recognize how vital sleep is to the recovery process. 

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.

If you are caring for someone after open-heart surgery, or if you are preparing for your own recovery, here are some tips and things you need to know to help you take ownership of the recovery process and help shape the very best outcome.

Being concerned about your health as a patient is normal, especially after heart surgery. What lies ahead will help ease your worries and restore your heart health after your surgery.

Staying Active

One of the great benefits of heart surgery is physically being able to do more than you could before. Two of the most common exercise questions following heart surgery are when to start and what to do.

When should I start?

As you are settled back home, gradual exercise is essential in recovery. You might have to build up slowly and pace yourself, to begin with, and it is normal to feel tired in the first few weeks. Try to balance any activity with enough rest and sleep.

Patients undergoing heart surgery naturally have many questions about the recovery process. You want to know how long you'll be in the hospital, how to take care of yourself when you arrive at home, and when you can begin normal activities.

Every patient's recovery timeline is different, and yours will depend on how well you're feeling after heart surgery. Here's a look at how an average patient's recovery period may look.

Your Stay at the Hospital

You'll need bed rest in the hospital's intensive care unit immediately after your heart surgery. You may be moved to the general care unit after a day, but it's also common for patients to stay in ICU a little longer.

If you’re looking at information related to heart surgery and recovery, chances are you’ve heard about heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). These are commonly handed out to heart surgery patients, but it’s not often discussed whether these are actually helpful for recovery.

Heart pillows are meant to give patients something to hold to their chest when they need to cough or sneeze or to try and help alleviate some pain.

So the question is: are heart pillows truly a good addition to surgery recovery plans?