What One Needs to Learn About Heart Surgery Aftercare
If one has ever been informed that they require heart surgery, they may have a number of inquiries running through their minds. One might be wondering what life will be like after surgery and how one will manage their recovery.
Keeping in mind that every patient’s recovery is unique, here are the answers to some questions shared by Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgeon in Delhi, about heart surgery aftercare. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Will the Recovery Time Be?
The expected recovery time depends on the type of surgery the patient has and their general health. Open heart surgeries generally require a hospital stay of four to five days. When a patient is discharged from the hospital, it normally takes six to eight weeks for the breastbone and chest muscles to heal before returning to normal everyday activities. Less invasive procedures such as stent placement or ablation, where the tissues that are attributed to abnormal heart rhythm are removed. Recovery at home for such procedures can take up to a month. However, one must keep in mind that any foreseen complications will extend the recovery time.
How Will the Heart Condition Be Monitored After the Surgery?
The doctors will keep a close watch during and after the surgery, and they will give instructions to follow to help the patient on the road to recovery. Following are some of the instructions that will help monitor the heart condition:
Check Pulse Everyday: The pulse indicates whether the heart rate is within a safe range. Speak with the doctor if the pulse is irregular, i.e., more than 110 beats per minute or less than 60 beats per minute.
Weigh Yourself Every Day: Keep a record of the weight and share that with the doctor during follow-up appointments. An increase in weight is often a sign of fluid retention, indicating that the heart is not functioning the way it should.
Take Medications As Prescribed: After being discharged, continue taking heart, diabetes, and blood pressure medications as prescribed by the doctor.
Follow-up Appointments: Medical appointments after surgery are essential for monitoring the heart’s condition. Make sure to make these appointments regularly.
Recognize Warning Signs and Symptoms: If one experiences chest pain that is not caused by an incision, nausea or vomiting, a severe headache, or pain in the jaw, consult the heart doctor right away.
Final Takeaway
Despite the fact that the surgery is being performed on the heart, the entire body will experience a lot of discomfort. One will also need time to recover and regain strength. By taking the recovery one day at a time, the patient will heal faster and feel better.
If one is looking for a heart surgeon in Delhi, one can book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. One can also consult him to get heart surgery cost in Delhi at an affordable price.
