Exercises After Bypass Surgery: A Complete Recovery Guide

Heart bypass surgery is a life-changing surgery and recovery after this major surgery requires adequate rest and lifestyle changes to prevent future heart problems. One of the important aspects of the recovery process is the gradual incorporation of exercises into the patient’s daily routine to help them return to a normal lifestyle.

Keep reading to explore more about exercises recommended after heart bypass surgery!

Understanding Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is a medical procedure done to restore blood flow around a blocked heart artery. It can lower the risk of heart attack, reduce chest pain and improve heart function. 

 It is typically performed in the following situations: 

• Blockage in the main coronary artery
• Narrowing of the coronary artery
• Severe chest pain caused by narrowing of many coronary arteries/
• Failed angioplasty 

The recovery after the bypass surgery is a gradual process and may take up to three months. It includes physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation to help the body heal and regain strength.

Understanding The Importance Of Exercise After Bypass Surgery

Exercise should be integrated into the daily routine after the bypass surgery once the patient is comfortable with walking. It helps the heart heal and regain strength after the major surgery. 

It helps to 

• Overcome muscle stiffness and fatigue
• Boosts circulation
• Enhance physical endurance
• Improve mental health and immunity
• Improve strength and flexibility
• Reduces the risk of further complications.

Physical Activity To Do In The First Few Weeks After Surgery

The first weeks after bypass surgery are crucial for recovery and it is recommended to begin physical activity gradually. Over-exerting yourself may lead to complications.

The healthcare professionals may advise the patients to gradually increase the range and duration of the movements.

Walking is one form of exercise that is beneficial during the early stages of recovery. A slow, steady walk for about 5 minutes at a time thrice a day is recommended by the second week of being at home. The duration of walks can be increased with the advice of your healthcare professional. Deep breathing can be done till two months from the surgery date.

You may perform gentle stretching about 1-2 times a day to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and ease muscle tension.

You may return to a full exercise routine about 8-12 weeks after surgery with approval from your surgeon.

Light activity (walking, deep breathing)	1-2 weeks after surgery
Moderate exercise (yoga, stretching)	4-6 weeks after surgery
Full exercise routine (running)	8-12 weeks after surgery

Table: Physical activity routine after bypass surgery

Exercises While Sitting

Many slow-moving exercises can be performed while sitting at home. Here are a few exercises to be performed while sitting:

Ball Squeeze

The ball squeeze is a simple exercise to strengthen the hands, fingers, and forearm muscles. 

Steps

• Hold a stress ball and keep the fingers relaxed.
• Squeeze it with the fingers against the palms and hold the squeeze.
• Slowly release the ball and relax the hand.
• Repeat it about 10 times on each hand.

Head Turn 

Head turn and tilt exercises are useful for improving mobility, flexibility and posture.

Steps

• Sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed
• Move the head slowly from right to left. Hold the position for 5-10 seconds
• Turn the head to the left side and hold for 5-10 seconds
• Repeat it 5-10 times on each side

Shoulder Rolls

Shoulder rolls are a simple and effective exercise to improve mobility, relieve tension, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. 

Steps

• Sit comfortably in a chair and relax the arms by your sides.
• Roll shoulders forward in a circle about 10 times. Return to the original position. Relax.
• Roll shoulders backwards in a circle about 10 times. Repeat the exercise about 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

Deep Breathing And Coughing

Deep breathing and coughing help to clear the mucus and prevent the patient from getting a lung infectionl.

Steps

• Sit in a comfortable chair. You may support the incision site when coughing by hugging the chest.
• Breathe in slowly followed by two double coughs.
• Repeat it 4 times a day for about two weeks after leaving the hospital.

Leg Straightening

Leg straightening are simple exercise to improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles and enhance circulation during recovery after bypass surgery. 

Steps

• Keep the thighs on the chair and straighten one leg.
• Relax the leg, hold it in the position for 5-10 seconds and lower the leg back to the starting position.
• Straighten the other leg and tighten the muscles.
• Repeat it at least 10 times every day.

Exercises While Standing Up

Few exercises can be performed while standing up to improve balance, strength, and flexibility after heart bypass surgery. 

Here are a few exercises that can be performed while standing up are

Elbow Bend

Elbow bend exercises are simple, low-impact exercises that help in improving flexibility, strength, and range of motion after the heart bypass surgery.

Steps

• Stand with your back straight.
• Lock the fingers behind the head and bring the elbow together. 
• Repeat it at least 10 times.

Arm Raise

Arm raise exercise is a simple exercise that helps improve upper body strength, flexibility, and circulation after heart bypass surgery.

Steps

• Stand with your back straight.
• Lift the right arm straight until they are in level with your shoulder
• Hold it for a couple of seconds and bring it back down slowly to the starting position.
• Repeat with the other arm and perform 8-10 repetitions.

Strongman Pose

Strongman pose exercise helps in improving flexibility and upper body strength post-bypass surgery.

Steps

• Stand with the back straight.
• Raise both arms to the sides and make a T with the upper body.
• Bend the elbows slowly, hold it for a few seconds and slowly return to the T.
• Bring down the arms back to the sides. Repeat about 10 times.

Exercises While Lying Down

Exercises while lying down help in engaging low-impact physical activity to improve flexibility without putting extra strength on cardiovascular health.

Here are a few lying-down exercises that are recommended:

Bending And Unbending The Knees

The bending and unbending knee exercise is a simple exercise that helps in strengthening muscles around the knee, promoting circulation and reducing stiffness.

Steps

• Lie down on the bed on the back. Keep the legs straight as possible and place a pillow under the calves.
• Bend the right knee slowly upwards and bring the foot towards the body. Hold the position for 3-5 seconds to stretch the knee joint slightly.
• Straighten the bent knee back to the starting position.
• Repeat with the other leg and perform about 10 repetitions.

Point The Feet

Point the feet exercise helps stimulate circulation in the legs, improve flexibility in the ankles and restore mobility.

Steps

• Lie down on the bed on the back. Slowly point the toes downward and the movement should come from the ankle joint.
• Hold this position for 3-5 seconds stretching the calf muscles and tops of your feet.

Exercises to do a few months after surgery

It is recommended to gradually increase your physical activity further a few months after bypass surgery to improve muscle strength and overall fitness. All exercises should be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider to ensure if it is appropriate for your heart condition.

Walking remains the most effect exercise to improve heart health and overall fitness. Functional exercise, cycling on a stationary cyle, strength training with light weights, step-ups, yoga or stretching, and deep breathing exercises can be included into your regime. You may resume swimming if cleared by the doctor. 

Restrictions And Precautions After Bypass Surgery

After undergoing heart bypass surgery, there are several restrictions to be followed during the recovery period to avoid complications and prevent strain during the recovery period. 

The different restrictions to be followed after bypass surgery are

• Avoid lifting objects over 10 pounds
• Avoid driving for 4 weeks or while taking medications.
• Avoid pushing or pulling arm movements, including vacuuming, mopping, and sweeping.
• Avoid strenuous exercise,  including running, lifting weights, or performing high-impact activities.
• Brace the chest or incision site when coughing or sneezing, especially during the first 2 weeks
• If you experience shortness of breath, excessive pain in the chest while coughing, or frequent spells of dizziness, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Conclusion

Gentle exercising and walking after the bypass surgery are recommended to regain strength, restore heart health and returning back to routine life. However, it is essential to start with gentle movements and progressively increasing the intensity under the guidance of medical professionals.

If you or your loved ones are in the recovery phase after bypass surgery, please feel free to book an appointment with Dr Nikhil of Heart 360 Care!

Frequently Asked Questions