Open-Heart Surgery Recovery

What to Expect During Recovery From Open-Heart Surgery

Heart disease is a common health issue. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in the United States.

An umbrella term, it describes various conditions such as unstable angina, arrhythmia, valve disease, and atrial fibrillation.

And while there’s no cure, it is possible to manage symptoms. For example, there are medications that you can take to help control the disease.

Not only that, but surgery is an option as well.

Will you be undergoing open-heart surgery? Want to know what to expect? If so, you’re on the right page. Keep reading for everything that you need to know!

What Is Open-Heart Surgery?

Open-heart surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon operates on the arteries, valves, or muscles of the heart. As such, the chest must be cut open.

Generally speaking, it’s done to correct a fault or damage in the heart. For example, an individual may need a coronary artery bypass if their arteries are blocked.

Timeline

Generally speaking, a person undergoing open-heart surgery will have to stay in the hospital for at least a week, one of which will be in the intensive care unit.

Preparing For the Procedure 

Preparations begin the night before the procedure. While you can eat dinner in the evening, you do not want to consume any food or drinks after midnight.

If you can, wear loose comfortable clothing to the hospital. Make sure that you have all your personal medical information with you.

Depending on the situation, your doctor may want to run some blood tests before the surgery.

The Operation

The duration depends on the type of open-heart surgery. For example, a coronary artery bypass will typically take 3-6 hours.

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In some cases, the medical team may choose to use a heart-lung bypass machine. That means that the heart will be stopped from beating (the machine will take over the pumping action).

The Recovery Process 

Open heart surgery is a major operation. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that close monitoring will be necessary after the procedure.

For example, it’s not uncommon for an individual to remain in the ICU for 2-3 days.

During this period, a breathing tube will be put in to assist with breathing. There will also be a line in the vein, which will allow medical staff to administer pain medications.

After leaving the ICU, they will have to stay in the hospital for about 7 days. From there, they can recover at home. If anything, it’s the strong cardiac surgery market that allows people to do this. 

Understanding the Procedure

And there you have it—a short guide on what an open-heart surgery is and what the procedure is like. If anything, it will take you a while to recover. So don’t rush back into your normal activities right away; be patient and let your body heal.

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