Heart Bypass Surgery

CABG Surgery Recovery in India - Cardiac Bypass Recovery Timeline

Recovery from cardiac bypass surgery is a gradual process. This short explains the typical stages, from the intensive care unit to returning to daily life at home.

Your hospital stay after surgery

After the operation, you will be monitored closely in an intensive care unit (ICU) before moving to a regular room.

• Intensive care. For the first day or two, you are usually in the ICU. Your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are watched carefully.
• Moving to a ward. Once stable, you move to a cardiac ward. Staff will help you to start sitting up and walking short distances.
• Managing discomfort. Pain medication is provided to keep you comfortable. It is important to manage pain so you can breathe deeply and move around.
• Preparing for home. The team will teach you how to care for your chest wound. A typical hospital stay is about five to seven days.

Recovering at home

Full recovery takes time. It is important to follow the advice given by your medical team.

• Physical activity. You will be encouraged to walk daily, gradually increasing the distance. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least six weeks.
• Driving. You can usually resume driving after about four to six weeks. You must be able to perform an emergency stop without pain.
• Returning to work. This depends on your job. Office work may be possible after six to eight weeks, but manual labour takes longer.
• Cardiac rehabilitation. Your doctor may recommend a structured programme of exercise and education to help you recover and improve your heart health.

The exact recovery timeline can vary from person to person. Your own recovery plan will be determined by a specialist after a full evaluation of your medical reports and recent imaging.