When can I resume my usual activities after heart surgery?

WEEKS 1-2 after surgery

• Light tasks only – Water garden; dusting; dishes (avoid pushing, pulling and twisting)

• NO DRIVING or WORK for four to six weeks (as per doctor)

• Stairs slowly (with rests)

• Sex – Cuddles​

• Walking – five to ten minutes, one to two times a day (stroll on flat ground)

• Lifting – only two to four kilograms (no groceries, children, etc.)

• Gentle exercise bike (don’t lean on your arms)

WEEK 3 after surgery

• Simple cooking, light gardening – watering, light weeding (avoid pushing, pulling and twisting)

• NO DRIVING or WORK for four to six weeks (as per doctor)

• Stairs slowly (with rests)

• Sex – Cuddles

• Walking – ten to fifteen minutes, one to two times a day (comfortable pace on flat ground)

• Lifting – only two to four kilograms

• Longer Outings (movies, restaurants)

WEEK 4 after surgery

• Hanging light laundry

• Stairs – as able

• Sex – Cuddles

• Walking – fifteen to twenty minutes, one to two times a day

• Lifting – only two to four kilograms

WEEK 5 after surgery

• Making bed, sweeping, shopping

• Sex – Resume sexual activity if you are able to walk twenty to thirty minutes without symptoms

• Walking – twenty to thirty minutes, one to two times daily (striding out, start hills slowly)

WEEKS 6-7 after surgery

• Vacuuming with rest (don’t move furniture)

• Driving – short trips (fifteen to twenty minutes)

• Work – Check with your doctor – non-stressful desk work, maybe explore part-time

• Walking – twenty-five to thirty minutes, one to two times daily

• Lifting – only two to four kilograms

• Sport – Golf (putting only), indoor bowls, fishing (wharf), easy swimming

A Referral has been sent to a Cardiac Rehabilitation program. They will contact you at home.

WEEKS 7-8 after surgery

• Gradually increase to moderate activities

• Driving – short trips (twenty to thirty minutes)

• Work – Light physical work, most people with less strenuous work can return.

• Walking – Over thirty minutes, one to two times daily

• Lifting – up to five kilograms

• Sport – Fishing (boat), outdoor bowls, 9-hole golf (flat course), doubles tennis (providing breastbone is comfortable/not  clicking)

WEEKS 9-10 and beyond

• Digging, mowing the lawn, vacuuming as usual

• Driving – longer trips (more than thirty minutes)

• Work – Moderate physical work (speak to your cardiologist)

• Walking – more than thirty minutes, one to two times daily

• Lifting – up to five kilograms until Week 12 then gradually increase to normal levels

• Return to normal sporting activities after 12 weeks

Continue a Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Your Cardiac Rehab team will guide you.