POST CABG - MY EXERCISE

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY -

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

When you first go home, you will be looking at finding a balance between rest and activity.

“The time it takes to return to a normal activity level will vary greatly, depending on your

age, your individual energy level and your previous state of health and fitness”1. The activity

guideline in this section will progress at a pace that gives your heart time to heal after your

open-heart surgery. For the best health benefits you should exercise regularly throughout

your life.

***In the first 6 weeks after your surgery it is recommended that you try to conserve

energy, as you may tire easily.

1. TIPS FOR SAVING ENERGY – Remember, all “on your feet activity” is work for your

heart. REST and ACTIVITY periods should be well BALANCED and spaced throughout the

day. However, a day working in your house or garden DOES NOT substitute for your

cardiac walks.

·  Remember getting dressed in the morning, eating regular balanced meals

and your walking program are your top priorities.

·  Allow plenty of time to complete your task; pace yourself and DO NOT RUSH.

·  Alternate heavy and light tasks throughout the day.

·  Be sure to take adequate periods of rest during whatever activity you do. Do not try

to do more in a day than your body tells you can. Avoid extended sleep periods

during the day, although short naps are okay.

2. STAIRS AND HILLS – It requires more energy to climb stairs or hills than walking on

the level – take your time and rest when you need to.

·  You should be able to carry on a conversation when going uphill. Slow

down and rest if talking becomes difficult.

·  When you first go home plan your day so that you do not have to climb stairs

unnecessarily. Choose walking routes that are not hilly for the first 6 weeks.

·  Gradually incorporate “ hilly challenges” into your program as your strength and

endurance improves.

·  Avoid uneven ground and beach walking until your balance and endurance improves

(4 – 6 weeks).

3. EATING AND DRINKING

·  Exercising immediately before a meal may interfere with your appetite.

·  Wait 1-2 hours after a large meal before exercising.

·  It is okay to walk slowly after a snack.

·  Avoid coffee and alcohol prior to exercising. The caffeine in the coffee is a stimulant

and may affect your exercise ability. Studies have shown that alcohol intake slows the

flow of blood through the heart arteries.

·  Ensure you keep hydrated. Try to drink fluid every 20 minutes during your exercise.

1 Stanford Hospital & clinics “After your heart surgery - patient handbook”

Page 4 of 18 Vancouver Island Health Authority

General Guidelines for Home Activity and Exercise after Coronary Artery Bypass or Valve Surgery

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

4. WEATHER & OTHER RELATED CONSIDERATIONS

·  Both hot and cold weather and windy conditions may raise your heart rate and make

you tire more easily. Be sure to slow down your pace and dress appropriately.

·  In cold weather exercise during the warmest part of the day, wear a scarf around your

mouth and nose to warm the air before it reaches your lungs.

·  On hot days exercise during the coolest part of the day.

·  During extreme weather conditions you may find it easier to walk in a mall or use a

stationery bike (with no resistance).

·  Avoid saunas, extremely hot or cold showers, jacuzzis and hot tubs until ok’d with

your doctor.

5. PROTECTING YOUR STERNUM (BREAST BONE) – Your breastbone takes 8 – 12

weeks to heal.

·  Avoid lifting, pushing and pulling more than 5 – 10 pounds, such as lifting groceries,

small children, pets, etc.

·  A shower chair and handheld showerhead, which can be borrowed from the Red

Cross, will make it easier to shower without stressing the sternum.

·  Avoid using only one arm and activities reaching behind your back.

·  Heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and sustained arm activities above shoulder level place

extra stress on your heart and sternum (such as vacuuming).

·  Avoid vigorous sports / activities for 3 months, such as golfing, tennis, swimming.

Check with you doctor before resuming.

·  Take frequent rest breaks with any arm activities.

6. Avoid sitting for longer than 1 – 1 ½ hours e.g., long distance traveling, T.V., computers.

Get up and walk around to help the circulation in your legs, and to avoid blood clots.

7. Heavy straining or breathing-holding (i.e. bowel movements) can cause a great strain on

the heart. Use stool softeners or laxatives if necessary to prevent constipation.

8. Avoid exercising when you are angry or upset. Watch that you do not compete with

anyone including yourself.

9. It is important to continue your incentive spirometer and breathing exercises until you

have reached your pre-operative level.

This are some of my exercise program before i can do my normal activities back..