Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Recovery
Heart Surgery: Intensive Care
Heart Surgery: Intensive CareImmediately after your heart surgery is complete you will be taken to Intensive Care.“I woke up in the ICU. And the first thing I can remember they had taken out the tubes. It hurt but it wentaway.”When you first wake up you may feel groggy and confused. Some patients say they feel thirsty and cold. Thesound of the machines beeping, and the feel of tubes and wires connected to you can make you feel anxious.It is important to stay calm and relaxed. These help to monitor how you are doing. If you can’t talk becauseyour breathing tube is still in, your cardiac care team will ask you yes or no questions. Answer by nodding yourhead. And don’t worry – your breathing tube will be removed when you are wide awake and can cough andbreathe on your own.“The biggest thing about the- the ICU part was the ventilator just being-- them removing it, and justfeeling like, okay, this is one step uhm to recovery.”It is also normal to feel some level of pain and discomfort after surgery. Tell your cardiac care team when youare in pain and how much pain you are feeling. They can help you manage your pain.“When you are coughing and breathing deep what would you rate your pain? Zero being none, tenbeing the worst you’ve ever had.”“Normally it’s like three or four, but when I cough or breathe deep it’s definitely like six maybe seven.Ok.”Managing your pain properly will allow you to feel comfortable enough to do the things you need to do in orderto recover. Some pain will go away with time and as you begin to move. Other pain can be relieved withmedication given orally or through your IV.Intensive Care generally lasts 1 to 2 days. During this time nurses, doctors and other hospital staff closelymonitor your progress. They can answer any questions that you or your family members may have. As you getstronger, your family can visit. You need time to rest so these visits may be short and limited to only a smallnumber of family members.When your cardiac care team feels you are ready, with help you will start to move and do other activities tohelp your recovery. With help, move from your bed to a chair. You are at an increased risk of falling so for yoursafety, always follow your care team’s direction when moving. Keep your legs elevated when sitting in a chair.“Hi, Mr. Jones. I’m going to do some breathing exercises with you.”To strengthen your lungs and prevent lung infections, you will do breathing exercises called IncentiveSpirometry and Controlled Coughing. Perform these exercises as directed but expect to do them about tentimes every one to two hours.Incentive Spirometry helps you breathe easier by helping you breathe deeper. Controlled coughing opens upthe tiny air sacs in your lungs and helps get rid of any extra mucus. A pillow or teddy bear to hug while you doyour coughing exercises can relieve some of the discomfort you may feel because of your incision. When yourcardiac care team feels you are ready, you will progress from intensive care to a step-down level of care tocontinue your recovery.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10175B EN HeartSurgeryIntensiveCare.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
Featured in
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Understand how deep and controlled breathing exercises can help strengthen your lungs after surgery.
See what to expect as you recover from your angioplasty and stenting procedures.
Watch these suggestions for supporting your loved one while he or she prepares for, and recovers from, heart surgery.
Learn strategies for rating and describing your pain level to members of your cardiac team, so they can treat it.
