In a bypass surgery, a new artery is connected to the coronary artery below the area of blockage. A detour is created around the blockage, but the blockage is not removed. The new artery is called a Bypass graft. After surgery, it is important to get mobile and physically active as soon as possible. Prolonged bed rest may be detrimental. Dr. Dinesh Sehgal ( Leading Cardiologist, Sapra Multispecialty Hospital, Hisar) suggestes cardiac rehab is an integral art of post-surgery care, and will help you recover quickly and safely. You should be able to resume a healthy life within six to eight week of surgery.

Follow below tips for healthy heart

• For the first few weeks after surgery use elevator, later can start climbing steps in gradual manner, by taking 30-60 secs break after every few steps.
• After complete recovery climb steps as a part of your everyday activity.
• Avoid pushing/pulling heavy objects.
• There can be individual variations in diet, but in general 50-60% calories come from carbohydrates (peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables); 20-30% from fats (fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat,  butter, cheese and dairy foods); and 15-20% from proteins (fish, beans, poultry, nuts, and low-fat dairy)
• Meal should contain one portion of protein, two portion of grains and three portions of vegetables.

• Avoid consumption of oily or fried foods, meat, sweet preparations like cakes, pastries, margarine and carbonated drinks.
• Include servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in a day’s diet.
• Decrease salt and sugar intake, and keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure value.

• Stop smoking and decrease intake of alcohol.

• Exercise improves your strength after surgery and also helps to increase your cardiac capacity.
• Prefer walking at home during the first week, building compound or neighborhood.

Here is how quickly we can get on with our day to day work

• Patient can lift anything heavier than 3-4 kg after six weeks of surgery.
• Patient can start driving after 6 to 8 weeks of surgery
• Patient can resume to work after 4 to 6 weeks of surgery
• Continue your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before starting/initiating any of the activity