4 Ways to Stay Healthy After a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery

Postoperative recovery can have its challenges. According to PubMed Central, you might face complications with infections, hemorrhages, organ dysfunction, healing problems, bleeding, and more.

The risks could multiply, especially when the surgery was performed on the heart. Perhaps you’ve had a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABS) recently. On average, 400,000 CABG surgeries are performed each year.

Needless to say, patients must follow a proper routine to stay healthy, even if it's a common procedure. Read on for some advice on that.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Doctors believe a sufficient postoperative dietary intake is necessary for a positive surgical outcome. Yes, your body will need energy and protein to recover from the trauma and rebuild damaged tissues.

A balanced diet is important for muscle retention, immune function, wound healing, and more. Even then, studies have shown that patients consume less than 50% of the recommended diet during the first seven days after an operation.

Since you’re a CABG patient, a well-planned diet will help reduce complications and support heart health. However, the daily food intake must include the following:

• Lean proteins (chicken and fish)

• Whole grains (millet, quinoa, brown rice, etc.)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, leafy greens, carrots, berries, etc.)

• Healthy fats (nuts and olive oil)

You can also eat omega-3-rich foods (fatty fish) to reduce inflammation. This balanced diet will help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart problems.

There are certain food items that you should avoid and limit as a CABG patient. For instance, don’t eat fried or junk food, sugary treats, high-sodium items, processed meals, and more. Also, reduce the intake of excessive salt, trans fats, and saturated fats to prevent heart issues.

Note: Consult a dietitian or doctor for a personalized diet chart tailored to your postoperative needs.

2. Exercise Regularly

Reports suggest that 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week can reduce cardiovascular mortality by 22% to 31%. However, as a CABG patient, you shouldn’t go the extra mile in the first few weeks. 

Start slowly and with moderate-intensity activities. Examples include fast walking, hiking, and cycling. Aerobic exercises can also help.

To get the best out of these regular exercises, you’ll need comfortable shoes. Go for lightweight and flexible footwear for comfort and motivation. Click here to shop foot-friendly barefoot sneakers crafted for natural movement and comfort.

With the right footwear, you can encourage natural foot motion, promote foot health, prevent injury, and enhance efficiency during activities. According to Rutsu Barefoot, users have reported relief from foot pain after using sneakers that mimic foot movement. However, you shouldn’t wear such shoes on extremely rough terrain or if you have flat feet, as it could get uncomfortable.

Once you’ve got the right shoes, start with short sessions of 10 minutes daily. Gradually increase the intensity and duration as you heal from the CABG operation.

Don’t perform any chest exercises for at least 12 weeks post-surgery. Remember to consult an expert to get a proper exercise routine or a supervised cardiac rehab program. 

Note: Stop moderate-intensity activities the moment you feel chest pain or have shortness of breath.

3. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

A report by WHO suggests that over three million people die every year due to drug and alcohol use. Both smoking and drinking can decrease heart health, leading to strokes, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and more.

Even then, there was a 25% reduction in cardiac death incidence after CABG procedures in continuous smokers. They also presented a hazard ratio of (95% confidence interval) of 1.61 for mortality against non-smokers. Another report states that smoking after a coronary artery bypass can lead to a high three-year mortality rate.

Yes, you should avoid smoking and alcohol if you want to recover from the CABG surgery. Here’s why:

• Smoking increases peripheral arterial diseases by damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen supply. It also skyrockets your blood pressure and heart rate.

• Cigarettes can lead to heart disease, and there’s a risk of stroke. It promotes atherosclerosis, leading to deteriorating heart health.

• Alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, which strains the heart, increases blood pressure, and exacerbates heart conditions.

  
  

Both of these can hinder recovery and increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks. You must quit smoking and avoid alcohol if you want to maintain a healthy heart and ensure successful postoperative recovery. 

Note: Consult a healthcare professional who can guide you on how to quit smoking and manage alcohol consumption.

4. Manage Stress

Did you know stress can induce a prolonged pain recovery after any surgical procedure? According to Science Direct, patients about to undergo CABG surgery can experience high levels of stress. During the postoperative period, they can also develop anxiety and depression.

These can arise from factors like:

• Fear of complications.

• Pain and anxiety about recovery.

• Adjustment to lifestyle changes.

• Lack of support and assistance during recovery.

  
  

Managing stress after a CABG surgery is necessary for long-term heart health. Why? Stress can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, straining the already recovering cardiovascular system.

Stress and anxiety can raise the risk of arrhythmias and delayed healing, making your heart vulnerable. Reports suggest that depression can affect at least 30% to 40% of CABG patients, making it an established risk factor for cardiovascular mortality.

To manage stress, you can follow these tips:

• Consult a professional to get supportive stress-management programs. Go for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce anxiety and depression.

• Practice deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to lower cortisol levels, improving heart rate variability.

  
  

Note: Don’t forget to monitor your stress-related complications. Examples include delirium, irregular heartbeat, sleep disturbances, emotional withdrawal, and chest pain.

On average, you’ll take six to twelve weeks to completely recover from a CABG surgery. However, it depends on whether it was a traditional or minimally invasive procedure.

Do you want to maintain overall health and prevent complications? For that, you must follow a heart-healthy diet. Gradually increase physical activity and manage stress.

Don’t forget to listen to medical advice to improve recovery outcomes. Go for follow-up appointments and monitor any potential complications.

Remember, with dedication and proper support, you can lead a fulfilling and active life after a CABG surgery. Embracing these changes can indeed contribute to overall well-being and long-term heart health.