{"id":894,"date":"2021-12-22T18:24:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-22T18:24:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seniorhomecarehq.com\/?p=894"},"modified":"2022-05-18T20:24:30","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T20:24:30","slug":"coronary-artery-bypass-graft-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/?p=894","title":{"rendered":"What Seniors Should Expect After Having Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery? Best Pre And Post Operative Guide!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Last Modified [last-modified]<\/p>\n<h1>[su_highlight]The Seniors Guide To Having Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: What To Expect![\/su_highlight]<\/h1>\n<p>In this post we will discuss what seniors should expect after having coronary artery bypass graft surgery.<\/p>\n<p>According to the CDC (2021), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/heartdisease\/facts.htm\">coronary artery disease<\/a> is the most common form of heart disease. Approximately 1 in 4 deaths in the United States are a result of heart disease.<\/p>\n<p>So, it shouldn\u2019t be surprising that one of the most common surgical procedures is a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).<\/p>\n<p>We are going to discuss in detail what a CABG is and what the procedure and recovery aspects entail.<\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]What is a CABG and Why Is it Performed in the Hospital?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p>A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a major heart operation that improves blood flow.<\/p>\n<p>In coronary artery disease, arterial flow is blocked by plaque build-up with constricts blood flow to the heart.<\/p>\n<p>Plaque is commonly made up of fat, cholesterol, and\/or calcium deposits and severe enough blockage can cause angina, shortness of breath and <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiacsurgery.ucsf.edu\/conditions--procedures\/coronary-artery-bypass-grafting-(cabg).aspx#:~:text=Coronary%20artery%20bypass%20grafting%20(CABG)%20is%20a%20type%20of%20surgery,also%20called%20coronary%20artery%20disease.\">heart attacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>During a CABG, the surgeon connects (or grafts) a healthy vein or artery to a blocked vein or artery so that blood flow can bypass the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart.<\/p>\n<p>A CABG is performed when other treatment options and lifestyle changes aren\u2019t effective.<\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]What to Expect Post \u2013 Operatively in the Hospital After Having a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p>As mentioned previously, a CABG is a major surgical procedure which means patients should expect a strict recovery regimen to prevent complications.<\/p>\n<p>After the patient leaves the operating room, the patient is admitted into inpatient care where they are closely monitored.<\/p>\n<p>Inpatient services will include medication management, pain management, 24\/7 medical care, and eventually rehabilitation services (i.e. physical and occupational therapy) once the patient is safe and appropriate to move out of bed.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"exacc_aL5kYoLTDeyxggeYmr2wAw5\" class=\"iDjcJe IX9Lgd wwB5gf\">[su_highlight]How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedure?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<div class=\"YsGUOb\"><\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ft6MKpV_wHc\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]What Are The Precautions After Having a CABG?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1065\" src=\"https:\/\/seniorhomecarehq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG.jpeg\" alt=\"Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery\" width=\"900\" height=\"1811\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG.jpeg 900w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG-149x300.jpeg 149w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG-509x1024.jpeg 509w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG-768x1545.jpeg 768w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/What-are-the-precautions-after-having-a-CABG-763x1536.jpeg 763w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In order to access the heart, the surgeon will have to cut through the skin and the breastbone.<\/p>\n<p>Another consideration are small venous incisions in other portions of your body where the surgeon has to extract a healthy vein or artery for the grafted bypass.<\/p>\n<p>After completing surgery, patients will be expected to follow strict movement and sternal <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000102.htm\">precautions<\/a> for up to 4 to 6 weeks after discharge:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;No lifting any objects greater than 7 to 10 lbs (varies depending on the surgeon)&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;No reaching backwards or twisting of the torso.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;Avoid letting anyone pull on your arms to help move you around.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;No driving until permitted by your doctor.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;Have 24\/7 help for at least the first 1 to 2 weeks post-op.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;Follow your medication regimen and monitor your heart rate and blood pressure regularly.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221; Take it slow but move around regularly to promote blood flow.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;Avoid activities that require movement or reaching above shoulder height.&#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<li>[su_service title=&#8221;Shower if permitted by the doctor, but do not soak or bath to avoid infection. &#8221; icon=&#8221;icon: remove&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#5d7ffa&#8221;][\/su_service]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>[su_highlight]What You Will Be Expected to Do When You See Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy in the Hospital Post-Operatively?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bE33Wmcz9zQ\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Physical therapy and occupational therapy services are available in inpatient care within a matter of hours after surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Both therapies will encourage the patient to participate in activities out-of-bed in a reasonable timeframe and when anesthesia effects wear off.<\/p>\n<p>For inpatient rehabilitation, therapists will want to make sure that the patient can perform bare minimum activities before being discharged from the hospital.<\/p>\n<p>This includes walking a few steps with a walker, performing toileting tasks, and transferring in and out of bed safely.<\/p>\n<p>Once the patient is discharged home, the doctor may recommend in-home health and rehabilitation or outpatient cardiac-related rehabilitation to promote healing and recovery.<\/p>\n<p>In that case, therapists will follow safety recommendations set forth by the patient\u2019s doctor in order to help the patient move around their home with as little help as possible and in a safe manner.<\/p>\n<p>After a few weeks, the patient may go in for follow-up appointments where the doctor will dismiss certain precautions (i.e. lifting and movement) so that therapy can proceed with upgraded exercises and tasks.<\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]If You Are Not Able to Perform FADL\u2019s Independently in the Hospital.<\/h2>\n<p>Expect to Be Discharged to Either Acute Rehab or a Skilled Nursing Facility to Complete Your Rehabilitation After a CABG[\/su_highlight]<\/p>\n<p>The recovery process will not look the same for every patient because some seniors will be going into surgery with comorbidity conditions that complicate recovery.<\/p>\n<p>If a patient is unable to complete a certain set of basic activities in inpatient care before discharge, then <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/seniorhomecarehq.com\/discharging-elderly-patients-from-the-hospital-what-are-your-care-options-as-a-family-member-or-caregiver-and-how-they-differ\/\">the doctor may recommend that the patient transfer to transitional care or a skilled nursing facility for an extended rehabilitation<\/a> <\/strong>stay.<\/p>\n<p>This only happens if the medical team concludes that discharging the patient home would be unsafe.<\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]What to Expect if You Are Able to Be Discharged Home After a CABG?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p>If the medical team approves discharge for home, then expect a continuation of care through an in-home health agency.<\/p>\n<p>Your doctor will talk to you prior to hospital discharge if you qualify for in-home health services and will have everything set up and scheduled before you arrive back home.<\/p>\n<p>In-home services may include some or all of the following: nursing care, respiratory care (if supplemental oxygen is needed), and rehabilitation services (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and occasionally speech therapy).<\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight]Will You Need to Go to Cardiac Rehab as an Outpatient After Your CABG? What it Will Consist of and What to Expect?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p>When your doctor approves it, a senior patient may qualify to participate in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services.<\/p>\n<p>This is where the patient leaves the home and receives therapy services (physical and\/or occupational) in an outpatient clinic a few times per week.<\/p>\n<p>Therapy intervention will address overall strength, endurance, functional activity participation, and adaptations to cardiac precautions to promote full recovery from surgery.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ArNVkRgrreg\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>[su_highlight] What Lifestyle Habits Should a Patient Adopt Post-Operatively After a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedure?[\/su_highlight]<\/h2>\n<p>Your doctor may suggest making some serious changes to your lifestyle to prevent future surgeries, heart complications, hospitalizations, and death.<\/p>\n<p>Recommendations may include alcohol and smoking cessation, limiting fat and sugar intake, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, participating in a regular exercise regimen, and the list goes on.<\/p>\n<p>Each lifestyle change will depend on the individual and what the doctor may suggest to aid recovery.<\/p>\n<p>A CABG is a major procedure that comes with a long recovery but provides patients with better cardiac outcomes that can completely revamp their quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>Do your research and take proactive steps to ease your recovery and to prevent unnecessarily medical roadblocks so you can get back to your life as soon as possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Modified [last-modified] [su_highlight]The Seniors Guide To Having Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: What To Expect![\/su_highlight] In this post we will discuss what seniors should expect after having coronary artery bypass graft surgery. According to the CDC (2021), coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. Approximately 1 in 4 deaths in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":406,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[271],"tags":[332,333,334],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/894"}],"collection":[{"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=894"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/894\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1073,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/894\/revisions\/1073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}