What Is Post CABG Exercise and Why It Should Be Performed?
Post-CABG exercises are performed after a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. These exercises are designed to help patients regain their strength, increase their level of cardiovascular fitness and lower their danger of side effects, including blood clots and pneumonia.
There are several reasons to perform post-CABG exercises, including:
-
Improve Cardiovascular Health: CABG surgery is performed to improve blood flow to the heart. Post-CABG exercises can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow, improving heart function, and reducing the risk of future heart problems.
-
Reduce the Risk of Complications: After surgery, patients are at risk of developing blood clots, pneumonia, and other complications. Post-CABG exercises can help prevent these complications by improving circulation and encouraging deep breathing while lowering the chance of joint stiffness and muscle weakness.
-
Regain Strength and Mobility: Patients may experience muscle weakness and joint stiffness after surgery. Exercises after CABG can assist patients in restoring strength and mobility, hastening their return to daily activities.
-
Improve Mental Health: Surgery can be a stressful experience, and post-CABG exercises can help improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and increasing feelings of well-being.
Overall, post-CABG exercises are an important part of the recovery process after CABG surgery. They can enhance the overall quality of life, lower the risk of problems, and enhance cardiovascular health.
What Are the Exercises That Are Advised to Perform Post Surgery?
The specific exercises that are done after open heart surgery will vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the recommendation of their healthcare provider. However, here are some common exercises that may be prescribed:
1. Deep Breathing Exercises: These exercises help to prevent pneumonia and other lung complications. The recommended breathing technique for patients is to sit up straight, inhale deeply through their nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then gently exhale through their mouth.
2. Coughing Exercises: These exercises help to clear the lungs of mucus and other fluids. Patients should take a deep breath in and then cough forcefully to expel the air.
3. Leg Exercises: These exercises help to prevent blood clots and improve circulation. Patients should perform ankle pumps, where they flex and extend their feet, and leg slides, where they slide their heels up and down while lying in bed.
4. Arm Exercises: These exercises help to improve upper body strength and mobility. Patients can perform arm circles, where they rotate their arms in a circular motion, and bicep curls, where they lift light weights or resistance bands.
5. Walking: Walking is an important exercise after open heart surgery as it helps to improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Patients should start with short walks and gradually increase their distance and speed as they feel comfortable.
6. Shoulder Shrugs: These are simple exercises that can help improve upper body strength and mobility. Here's how to perform shoulder shrugs:
-
Stand up straight with the feet shoulder-width apart and the arms at the sides.
-
Squeeze the shoulder blades together and slowly raise the shoulders up towards the ears.
-
After a brief holding period, carefully return the shoulders to the starting position.
-
Repeat this movement for 10-15 repetitions.
-
It's important to avoid shrugging the shoulders too high or hunching the shoulders forward. Focus on keeping the shoulders relaxed and moving them smoothly and controlled. You can perform shoulder shrugs with or without weights, depending on the fitness level and the healthcare provider's recommendation.
7. Shoulder Circles:
-
Stand up straight with the feet shoulder-width apart and the arms at the sides.
-
Slowly lift the right shoulder towards the ear, then rotate it back and down in a circular motion.
-
Repeat this circular motion with the right shoulder for 10-15 repetitions.
-
Repeat the same circular motion with the left shoulder for 10-15 repetitions. Finally, perform 10-15 repetitions of alternating shoulder circles, simultaneously rotating the shoulders in a circular motion.
8. Trunk Twists:
-
Stand up straight with the feet shoulder-width apart and the arms at the sides.
-
Keep the hips looking forward while slowly rotating the torso to the right.
-
After a brief holding period, turn the torso back to the starting position.
-
Repeat this movement to the left side, rotating the torso as far as possible.
-
Perform 10-15 repetitions of alternating trunk twists, rotating the torso to the right and left in a smooth, controlled motion.
9. Trunk Side Bending:
-
After 30 seconds of holding the stretch, carefully return to the beginning position.
-
Gently exhale and bend the torso to the right side while keeping the hips and legs straight.
-
Reach the right arm over the head and keep the left arm by the side.
-
After 30 seconds of holding the stretch, carefully return to the beginning position.
-
Repeat the stretch on the left side.
10. Chest Stretch:
-
Stand up straight with the arms at the sides.
-
Reach the right arm across the body, and place the left hand on the right elbow to apply pressure.
-
Gently pull the right arm across the chest until feeling a comfortable stretch in the chest and shoulder.
-
Hold for 30 seconds, then switch arms and repeat.
It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations for exercise after open heart surgery and to avoid any activities that may strain their chest or cause pain.
How is Cardiac Health Regained Post Heart Surgery?
The timing and intensity of exercise after CABG surgery will depend on several factors, including the patient's overall health and the specific recommendations of their healthcare provider. In general, patients will begin performing gentle exercises and activities shortly after surgery, while more intense exercises will be introduced gradually over time.
The initial exercises will typically focus on deep breathing, coughing, and gentle movements to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Patients may also be encouraged to walk short distances, with the assistance of a nurse or physical therapist, as soon as they are able to do so.
Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, they may be referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program. These programs typically begin around 4-6 weeks after surgery and involve supervised exercise sessions that gradually increase in intensity over time. Patients will be monitored closely by healthcare professionals during these sessions to ensure their safety and to modify the exercises as needed.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation aims to assist patients in regaining their fitness and strength. Patients regain their strength and fitness, reduce their risk of future heart problems, and improve their overall quality of life. Patients will also receive education on lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and stress management, to help them maintain their heart health over the long term.
What Could Be Precautionary Steps Following Post-Heart Surgery?
Activity precautions for post-CABG patients are important to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
-
In the first few weeks after surgery, the patient should avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds and should limit activities such as bending, reaching, or stretching. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity, including exercise until cleared by the physician.
-
The patient should also get plenty of rest and avoid sitting for long periods.
-
It is important to avoid any activities involving the arms, such as pushing, pulling, or carrying, as these can strain the chest and incision site.
-
If the patient experiences any chest pain or discomfort, it is important to stop the activity and contact the physician.
-
It is important to follow the doctor's instructions and to contact the doctor if any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or swelling, occur.
-
The patient should also take medications prescribed by the doctor.
Conclusion:
Performing exercises post-cardiac surgery poses many limitations, but a supervised exercise session is highly beneficial in following a healthy lifestyle. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's specific recommendations for exercise after CABG surgery and to attend all recommended cardiac rehabilitation sessions. Following these activity precautions will help ensure a safe and successful recovery.
