How long does it take to feel normal after heart surgery?

Q&A with Raed Alnajjar, M.D. Henry Ford Health heart surgeon

1. What happens right after surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you’ll receive care in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). A care team of cardiac ICU specialists, respiratory therapists and nurses monitors you closely.

2. When do I leave the ICU?

You’ll stay in the ICU for the first day, before being moved to a stepdown (post-critical care) unit. Here you’ll begin physical and occupational therapy to help you transition to home. You’ll learn how to move through daily tasks while protecting your incision(s) and minimizing discomfort as you heal.

3. How long will I stay in the hospital?

For standard open-heart surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for five to seven days. You may need more time to recover after more complex surgery. After minimally invasive procedures, you’ll stay for one to three days.

4. When will I be able to return to my normal routine?

It depends on the type of procedure you have, and your doctor will give you guidelines about any restrictions in your activity. In general, you can resume many normal activities within a month after open-heart surgery and within one to two weeks after a minimally invasive heart procedure.

5. What can I do to help ensure a better outcome?

Be patient as you recover and make sure you care for your incisions and take all prescribed heart medications. You can also help your body heal by eating nutritious meals and recharge it with cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, make sure to schedule any follow-up visits with your doctor, avoid getting behind the wheel too soon and don’t ignore any new symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or a discharge from your incision.