**Care after heart bypass surgery** After heart bypass surgery, you will need special care in the hospital. The following procedures are usually performed in the postoperative period for the care of patients: - Until the effect of anesthetics wears off and you regain consciousness, **the breathing tube remains in your throat** so that you can breathe properly. - You will usually be hospitalized in the ICU (special care unit) for 24 to 48 hours. Many patients are discharged from the hospital within a week after the operation, but the exact length of hospitalization depends on the general condition and recovery process of the individual. - During this period, **your heartbeat and breathing will be monitored by specialized devices** so that necessary measures can be taken in case of any complications. - Injectable drugs are prescribed to control pain and prevent the formation of **blood clots**. Taking daily aspirin may be part of your long-term treatment plan; Some people have to take it for the rest of their lives. - After the operation, it is very important to participate in **cardiac rehabilitation** programs. These programs start in the hospital and continue in the clinic or treatment center after discharge. Light movements and walking are the first stages of rehabilitation. - The full recovery period usually lasts between **6 to 12 weeks**. After this period, you can resume activities such as driving, returning to work, and even having sex, but only with your doctor's advice. **Dangers and complications of heart bypass surgery** Any type of surgery carries risks and complications. ### Possible side effects of coronary artery bypass surgery include: - Bleeding - Heart attack after surgery due to blood clots - Infection in the chest wound area - The need for breathing apparatus for a long time - Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) - Kidney problems Memory loss or difficulty thinking (often temporary) - Stroke (**symptoms of heart attack**) - death If **heart bypass surgery** is performed as an emergency and to treat a heart attack, the possibility of **side effects** increases. **Call your doctor immediately** if you experience any of the following symptoms at home after being discharged from the hospital: - Fever - Abnormal increase in heart rate - Intensification of pain or new pain around the incision site in the chest - Skin color change around the wound - Bleeding or discharge from the surgical area According to **Mayo Clinic**, some patients are more at risk of **complications after heart bypass surgery** than others. These people usually have one of the following underlying diseases: - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Obstruction of leg arteries - Diabetes - Kidney diseases Life after heart bypass surgery Most people feel better after **coronary bypass surgery** and symptoms such as **shortness of breath** and **chest pain** are significantly reduced. Many patients have no new symptoms of heart disease even years after the operation. However, in some cases, **transplanted vessels** may become blocked after a few years and symptoms may reappear. In such cases, surgery may be necessary again or the doctor may suggest other treatment methods. To maintain **long-term result**, **heart bypass operation**, **blood pressure control**, **cholesterol level and diabetes are necessary**. You should also take medicines regularly and pay special attention to lifestyle changes. These changes contribute to **heart health** and make the results of surgery to be maintained in the long term. ### The most important recommendations for maintaining heart health are: - **Quit smoking** - **Adhering to a healthy diet** and avoiding excessive consumption of sugar, salt and saturated fats - **Keeping a healthy weight** **Daily exercise** for 30 to 60 minutes - **Stress Management** - **Adequate sleep**: 7 to 9 hours a night ### **Which doctor should we see for heart bypass surgery?** If you have heart problems or symptoms such as **shortness of breath** and **chest pain** bother you, you should see a **cardiologist**. If you need surgery, your doctor will refer you to a Cardiovascular Surgeon. The cost of heart bypass surgery The cost of heart bypass surgery depends on various factors. In general, heart surgery is one of the most expensive surgeries. If you are not covered by insurance, this cost increases. The price of surgery depends on the number of **blocked vessels**, **type of surgery**, and **experience and skill of the doctor**. Also **type of hospital** also affects the costs. ### Conclusion and guidance to see a doctor **Heart bypass surgery** is one of the methods of **open heart operation** that is performed to treat the blockage of coronary arteries. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision along the breastbone and stops the heartbeat with medicine. Then a part of a **healthy vein** from the chest or leg is used to create a new blood flow path. This surgery usually takes between **3 to 6 hours** and its duration depends on the number of **blocked vessels**. Some of the possible complications include **bleeding, wound infection, irregular heart rhythm** and **heart attack**. After the operation, complete recovery is usually achieved within **6 to 12 weeks**. After **heart bypass operation**, it is very important to perform **echocardiography** to **check heart function**, blood flow status, and evaluate recovery after surgery. Patients can go to the doctor's office to have an echocardiogram after bypass. **Dr. Marvarid Dadres**, **Cardiology Specialist** and **Echocardiography Fellowship**, with high experience and precision in the evaluations of **after heart surgery**, are welcoming dear patients in Tehran, Shariati Street.