Heart operation: 10 tips for homecoming
Written by:The 10 Tips of Dr. Mattia Glauber, Cardio Surgery Specialist in Milan , to be followed at home after having undergone a heart attack
Going home after experiencing a heart surgery is surely the most anticipated moment for every patient. However, it is necessary to follow some of the advice given by the physician to enjoy his convalescence more quietly:
1) After dealing with a heart operation, you can not lift or push heavy weights above 6-10 Kg.
2) Follow an adequate diet , avoiding greasy foods with saturated fat, cholesterol and high salt content.
3) Go up and down the stairs quietly, making small breaks if you feel fatigued.
4) Walking every day is a useful exercise that helps resume the rhythms of everyday life: comfortable suit and shoes for 20-30 minutes every day, increasing distance and pace!
5) It is necessary to sleep from 8-10 hours a night, and take some small breaks during the day.
6) For the first month after the operation, it is advisable to avoid riding and fastening the seat belt; if the surgery was performed with a complete sternotomy , best to wait 2 months.
7) Sex activity can be resumed after 2 weeks of operation.
8) The menstrual cycle may be delayed due to the stress of the operation. In case of irregularities in the cycle, contraceptives are recommended for the first 6 months after the operation.
9) Physical activity can be resumed moderately after 4 weeks of heart surgery. After 3 months, it can be intensely resumed.
10) Generally speaking, you can resume work after about a month after discharge. It is necessary, however, to evaluate with the physician according to the type of work carried out and the health conditions allow it.
The most important rule, therefore, is to avoid as much stress situations as possible, which can fatigue your heart and expose it to risks.
Editor Karin Moscow