Patients who need to undergo heart surgery are often worried about the quality of life after surgery, and some patients even give up the surgery because of this worry, in fact, on the contrary, the purpose of surgery is not only to save lives, but also to improve the quality of life. . Here is a selection of common post-operative questions: Activity Your doctor will advise you on your personal (activity) limitations, and he or she will be very knowledgeable about your situation. Do not push or pull anything heavy or carry anything weighing more than 4 kg for about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery to give your sternum enough time to heal. Driving You should ask your doctor if you can drive again, usually after 3 months you can try. You will need to self-assess during driving to make sure it is safe to drive; but it is perfectly fine to take a car; you should stop or walk for a while after a trip of more than an hour; and you should wear your seat belt whether driving or taking a car. Diet Your doctor or nurse will guide you on your diet. In principle, it is important to keep your weight at an age-appropriate level and reduce your salt intake; eat more high-protein and vitamin-rich foods, when physical recovery is important. Patients after coronary artery bypass surgery need even more special attention: hypertension – low salt diet. High blood pressure – light, low-fat diet. Diabetes – sugar-free diet with restricted intake. Obesity – exercise and restrict the diet. Exercise Do more appropriate activities as recommended by your doctor. Exercise can help you recover and reduce stress. In principle, as long as it does not cause shortness of breath. Your doctor will teach you how to exercise safely to help your heart recover and learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In general, you should follow the principle of three and a half minutes and three and a half hours, i.e. wake up at night, lie in bed for half a minute, sit up for half a minute, drop both legs for half a minute, and then go to the bathroom. Half an hour of activity in the morning, running, gymnastics can be. Evening walk for half an hour, and a half-hour nap at noon. Napping is important, and the literature shows that countries and regions with napping habits have significantly lower mortality rates from heart disease. Return to work The vast majority of patients are able to return to work and participate in normal activities. Your doctor will advise you on when to return to work and some necessary restrictions. The important thing when you return to work is to work and rest in accordance with the changes in the body’s biological clock, and to avoid continuous work, excessive stress and overexertion. When you are busy, it is important to be active when you should be active and rest when you should be resting. Smoking Smoking makes the lungs increase phlegm, raises blood viscosity and increases the burden on the heart. In addition, smoking can contribute to arteriosclerosis and impede the oxygen supply to the heart muscle and other tissues in the body, so it is important to quit. Sexuality Some patients worry that they will not be able to have a normal sexual life after heart surgery. It is normal to have sex within a few weeks, but you should consult your doctor about when to start having sex again and feel free to ask questions. Pregnancy and childbirth The possibility of pregnancy and childbirth should be determined by your heart function and general condition, and you should seek prior medical advice. The vast majority of women of childbearing age can have a normal pregnancy and delivery after heart surgery. Travel Travel is generally unrestricted, but care should be taken to make travel as mentally relaxing as possible. Arrange for adequate rest and exercise, and take your medications with you at regular intervals, preferably with your prescriptions in case they are lost. Psychological adjustment Many patients will have a period of “low mood” after surgery. You may become tearful, irritable or depressed, and some people may even have nightmares or trouble concentrating. These reactions are normal and will go away in a few days or weeks. More communication with your doctor and family can be helpful for a smooth recovery . Also, maintaining mental balance is especially important after your heart surgery. Being narrow-minded, short-tempered and having difficulty controlling mood changes are themselves risk factors for coronary heart disease. If you have had similar bad moods in the past, keeping a calm mind will be your only option from now on. Remember that going through surgery can be stressful, follow your doctor’s advice and be open about your concerns. Talking to your doctor, nurses and family is an effective measure for a smooth recovery. Put aside the Chinese “face” and talk openly with your doctor about any problems you may have!