Rehabilitation after coronary bypass surgery (CABG)

The BHF says people usually wake confused and achy, in intensive care or a high-dependency area, and are moved to a cardiac ward once stable. Tubes, drips and monitors are normal at this stage and are taken out as you improve.

Rehabilitation starts almost immediately. The BHF lists a typical sequence of sitting in a chair after one day, walking after 3 days and climbing stairs after 5 to 6 days. These are guides rather than targets, and your physiotherapist adjusts them to how you feel.

Where the operation is done through the breastbone, physiotherapists teach deep breathing and supported coughing to keep the lungs clear. Hugging a firm pillow against the chest when coughing or laughing is a common technique. The BHF says wounds can feel sore, itchy or numb as they heal, and that you will be given wound-care information and signs to watch for.

Your team will give specific advice about lifting, pushing and pulling. As a general principle, avoid heavy strain until you are told the breastbone is healing well, and ask before restarting anything demanding.

• Report redness, discharge, a temperature or a clicking sensation in the breastbone promptly.

• Use a pillow to support the chest when coughing, sneezing or laughing.

• Sleep in whatever position you find comfortable; extra pillows often help.

The BHF says most people can do most normal activities after about 6 weeks, including working, driving and sex, but heavy manual work needs longer. Before that, activity is built gradually: shorter walks repeated through the day, then longer ones as stamina returns.

Because recovery has its good and bad days, it can help to compare a week with the week before rather than one day with the next. Tiredness and disturbed sleep are common and usually ease.

The BHF recommends a cardiac rehabilitation programme of exercise and information sessions to help you get back on your feet. A programme typically begins with an assessment so exercise can be set at a safe level, then moves to supervised sessions that increase gradually.

The education side covers medicines, healthy eating, stopping smoking if relevant, and how to spot warning symptoms. Ask whether home-based or digital options are available if travelling to sessions is difficult.

The BHF driving guidance says to stop driving for at least 4 weeks after bypass surgery, and generally you need not tell the DVLA unless symptoms affect safe driving. Your surgeon may advise a longer gap, and insurers can set their own conditions, so check your policy.

Return to work depends on the job. The BHF notes that heavy manual work requires a longer rest. Many people with desk jobs return in stages, supported by a fit note from the GP or hospital team.

The BHF says you may feel anxious, afraid, angry, worried about the future or glad, sometimes within the same day. It describes these as natural reactions and says the cardiac team can offer emotional support.

Talking therapies, peer groups and the BHF Heart Helpline are options. If low mood lasts or you lose interest in things you normally enjoy, tell your GP.

Surgery does not remove the underlying coronary heart disease, so long-term care continues. The BHF says the cardiac team discusses lifestyle change, risk factor reduction, rehabilitation and emotional wellbeing on the ward. Regular activity, not smoking, blood pressure and cholesterol control, and taking prescribed medicines help protect both grafts and native arteries.