Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

Heart Surgery

Taking Care

Be sure to take the best possible care of yourself before surgery.
Maintain your regular exercise routine as advised by your doctor. Don't start any new exercise programs before surgery but exercise will help relax your body and tone the muscles. Stop exercises that bring on signs of your heart problems.
Eat a variety of healthy low fat, low salt foods each day. Eating well gives your body energy and it promotes healing. It will make you feel less tired after your surgery.

Pre-admission Class

A pre-admission class is offered for patients having heart surgery one week before your admission. The date of your class is provided by the Surgeon's office. Family members are encouraged to attend and participate in the class, as they play a key role in your recovery.
The Cardiovascular Coordinators and other members of the health care team will be available to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming surgery.
You will also watch a video which gives you a sense of what to expect while you are in hospital.
By the time you attend pre-admission class, your discharge plan should be in place. Most patients are well enough to return home in five days after surgery with a family member or friend. Someone is required to be available for the first 1-2 weeks to offer you assistance with grocery shopping, meal preparation and cleaning.
Most people do not require "Nursing Care" at home.