Important information after a heart operation
The guidelines that you should follow before having a heart operation are still important after one:
- Make sure you absolutely do not smoke.
- Avoid stress as much as possible. If you are anxious or uncertain it can help if you are well informed beforehand and seek support from people who are close to you.
- Try to lose any excess weight, and keep to your diet carefully.
It is also best to take note of the following specific tips and guidelines:
- Sleep and rest after a heart operation
- Driving a car after a heart operation
- Going back to work after a heart operation
- Sport and exercise after a heart operation
- Sexuality after a heart operation
- Going on holiday after a heart operation
Sleep and rest after a heart operation
During the recovery period you will often feel tired. Try to get at least 8 hours’ sleep and also take a nap (1 hour) after lunch. As your recovery progresses, your condition will improve and you will also feel better psychologically. If you have experienced problems earlier on with irritability and over-sensitivity and perhaps a loss of appetite, those symptoms will also gradually disappear.
Driving a car after a heart operation
In the first three weeks after the operation you are not allowed to drive a car yourself. Driving during this period is prohibited by law, and if you are involved in an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay. You should wait until you have permission from the doctor before you start driving.
Going back to work after a heart operation
Most patients are able to resume their work three months after a heart operation. The result of your exercise test (after six weeks, in the outpatient clinic with your cardiologist) will provide more clarity about this.
If there are reasons to do so, and with the agreement of the advising doctor from the mutual health insurer, you may choose to start working half-time at first and then resume full-time work later on.
If you think that adaptations or changes will be needed in your situation at work, you can discuss this with the social nurse and with the doctor providing your treatment.
Sport and exercise after a heart operation
Regular physical exercise is very important, even for people who have not given it much thought in the past. As a basic rule, you should start gradually (e.g. start by going for walks) and gradually increase the amount of exercise.
Vigorous sports such as tennis, football, volleyball and squash are not recommended soon after an operation. You should also wait for some time after an operation before you start cycling, jogging or swimming.
Patients who wish to do so can receive professional guidance by a physiotherapist either before the operation or during the first few weeks after an operation. You will be invited to a number of outpatient sessions, where you will be taught how to plan physical exercise and get just the right amount to (re)build your fitness. If you have any questions or doubts about this, you should discuss them with the doctor providing your treatment.
Sexuality after a heart operation
Having sex is not dangerous. The average amount of exertion involved in having sex corresponds to climbing two flights of stairs or walking fast for about 500 metres.
If you still feel unsure or inhibited about this after the recovery period, contact the psychologist in the cardiac rehabilitation team. Talking to her can help to clarify things and provide you with some reassurance.
Going on holiday after a heart operation
As soon as you are completely healed you can go on holiday again. If you are not sure about a particular type of holiday, ask your GP or cardiologist for advice beforehand.