Discharge is planned by the surgical team based on your recovery. Since heart surgery is a major procedure, preparing the discharge summary takes time to ensure accuracy. A team member will review the discharge summary with your relatives. Patients should carefully read it and report any factual errors immediately, as changes cannot be made once issued.
Final billing clearance is completed at the accounts department before discharge. Hospitals usually aim for discharge by 10:00 AM, and it is safe to travel home by car. Long-distance travel should be avoided for at least one week.

Recovery after heart surgery generally takes 4–6 weeks. During this period, strength and stamina gradually return. Activities at home should initially match hospital activity levels, increasing slowly day by day. Rest when tired and avoid comparisons with others—every patient’s recovery is unique.

Emotional changes such as low mood, tearfulness, irritability, poor concentration, or vivid dreams are common after surgery. These symptoms usually improve within 4–6 weeks. Social interaction is encouraged as long as fatigue is avoided.

Mild bruising, itching, numbness, or soreness around the chest incision is normal during the first week. Shoulder or back discomfort may also occur.
Important tips:
- Maintain good posture
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Do not raise arms above shoulder height
- Mild pain relievers may be used if prescribed


If veins were taken from the leg, swelling may occur and improves with leg elevation. If an artery was taken from the arm, temporary numbness may occur. The breastbone heals fully in 6–12 weeks; clicking sensations during healing are common and usually harmless.

Short, frequent walks with rest periods are recommended. Stair climbing is allowed but should be done slowly. Avoid crossing legs while sitting to reduce clot risk. Follow exercise guidance provided by your doctor or physiotherapist. Outdoor walks may begin once comfortable, keeping help nearby.

Daily bathing is encouraged.
Wash incisions gently with soap

Do not scrub

Pat dry

Leave wounds open unless wet or weeping

Have assistance nearby if feeling weak.

Daily bathing is encouraged.
Wash incisions gently with soap

Do not scrub

Pat dry

Leave wounds open unless wet or weeping

Have assistance nearby if feeling weak.

A balanced heart-healthy diet speeds healing and reduces fatigue
.
Dietary recommendations:

- Low cholesterol, low saturated fat, low salt

- Small, frequent meals

- Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fibre

- Avoid fried foods, bakery items, aerated drinks

- Control blood sugar strictly if diabetic

Maintaining normal cholesterol levels reduces future heart risk. Regular monitoring, diet, exercise, and medications (if required) help keep cholesterol under control.

Use small amounts of vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, soybean)

Prefer boiling, steaming, grilling, or baking

Avoid frying and reused oil

Do not add extra salt at the table

Do not drive for 4–6 weeks. Reaction time may be reduced due to weakness or medications, and accidents can risk breastbone injury.

Avoid household chores for 4–6 weeks. Light activities such as dusting or setting tables may begin gradually. Do not lift more than 2–4 kg during early recovery.

Smoking must be stopped permanently—it significantly increases the risk of future heart disease.

Alcohol, if permitted, should be limited to no more than two standard drinks per day.

Support stockings or crepe bandages help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Elevate legs while sitting or lying down and avoid prolonged standing.

- Skimmed milk and dairy

- Lentils and pulses

- Poultry, fish, egg whites

- Fruits and green vegetables

- Whole grains

- Dry fruits (15–20 g/day)

- Coconut water, soups, buttermilk

Take only medications listed in your discharge summary. Understand each medicine’s purpose before leaving the hospital.

Some patients require anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. Regular PT/INR testing is essential to maintain safe dosing.

- Black stools

- Red or pink urine

- Excessive bruising

- Severe headache or abdominal pain

- Nose or gum bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Temporary blurred vision may occur due to fluid retention. Do not change spectacle lenses—vision usually normalizes within 4–6 weeks.

Contact the doctor immediately if you experience:

- Fever or chills

- Redness or discharge from incision

- Sudden breathlessness

- Rapid weight gain (>2 kg in 5 days)

- Irregular heartbeat

- Swelling of ankles or legs

- Sedentary work: 4–6 weeks

- Heavy physical work: 6 weeks or longer, depending on recovery

Week 1: Light activity, short walks, limited visitors
Week 2: Walking 10–15 minutes twice daily
Week 3: Half-day outings, longer walks
Weeks 4–5: Increased stamina, social outings
Week 6: Driving, return to work, normal activities