Physical Activities After Cardiac Surgery

Expect to be out of bed or sit up in chair at least 4 hours daily while in the hospital
You will walk with nurses and physical therapists multiple times while in the hospital
- Expect needing walker at the beginning and progressive improvement in energy and stamina
Your sternum needs time to heal after surgery. It is important to follow sternal precautions for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Refer to the video for details on how to perform activities with sternal precautions
Local driving at 4 weeks post-op, highway driving 6 weeks post-op
- No driving while you are still taking narcotics as the medication can make you drowsy
For 6 weeks after surgery, no weight lifting more than five pounds each hand and ten pounds both hands
- No weight lifting more than seventy-five pounds until 12 weeks after surgery
It is normal to encounter differences or difficulties with sexual activities after surgery. Please feel free to ask your care team for any questions
Refer to “Exercise after Heart Surgery” document for more information on sternal precautions