Patient Education: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

1. Understanding Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

What it is:
CABG is heart surgery that creates a new path for blood to flow around blocked arteries in the heart. Surgeons use blood vessels from another part of your body to “bypass” the blockage.

Why it’s needed:

To improve blood flow to the heart
To relieve chest pain (angina)
To reduce the risk of heart attack

Location and severity:

Surgery involves the heart and blood vessels, often including arteries in the chest, leg, or arm.
Severity depends on how many arteries are blocked and your overall heart health.

Cause / Risk Factors:

Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Family history of heart disease
Obesity and lack of exercise

2. Symptoms to Watch For

After surgery, watch for:

Redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the incision site(s)
Fever
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
Leg pain or swelling if veins were removed

Delayed complications may include:

Infection at the incision site
Heart rhythm problems
Blood clots
Fluid around the lungs or heart

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

Take all prescribed medications, including blood thinners, pain medicine, or heart medications.
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your heart and healing.
Avoid bending, lifting, or straining until cleared by your doctor.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain management:

Take pain medications as prescribed.
Use pillows to support your chest when coughing or moving.

Mobility:

Begin gentle walking as soon as recommended to improve circulation.
Avoid lifting heavy objects until your doctor approves.

Wound care:

Keep all surgical sites clean and dry.
Follow your physician’s instructions for dressing changes.
Contact your doctor or home health nurse if you notice redness, swelling, pus, or unusual drainage.

Rest and rehabilitation:

Rest frequently and gradually increase activity.
Cardiac rehabilitation or gentle exercises may be recommended to regain strength safely.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention:

Wash hands before touching your incision.
Keep dressings clean and dry.
Avoid swimming or soaking until your doctor allows.

Fall prevention:

Remove loose rugs and obstacles.
Use proper lighting and handrails to prevent falls.

Monitoring for delayed symptoms:

Watch for fever, swelling, redness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER

Contact home health or your doctor if:

Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness
Questions about medications, wound care, or exercises
Mild dizziness or temporary discomfort

Go to the ER immediately if:

Chest pain or pressure
Severe shortness of breath
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Redness spreading quickly, pus, or heavy bleeding
Severe leg swelling or pain

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False (20 Questions)

Instructions: Read each statement. Circle or mark whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

TRUE or FALSE: CABG creates a new path for blood around blocked heart arteries.
TRUE or FALSE: CABG surgery is done on the stomach.
TRUE or FALSE: The surgery can relieve chest pain (angina).
TRUE or FALSE: High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
TRUE or FALSE: Smoking increases the risk of blocked heart arteries.
TRUE or FALSE: Redness or pus at the incision site may indicate infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever after surgery is never a concern.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle walking is encouraged during recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by your doctor.
TRUE or FALSE: Wounds should be kept clean and dry.
TRUE or FALSE: Cardiac rehabilitation may help regain strength safely.
TRUE or FALSE: You do not need follow-up appointments after CABG.
TRUE or FALSE: Pillows can help support your chest while moving or coughing.
TRUE or FALSE: Shortness of breath or chest pain should be reported immediately.
TRUE or FALSE: Swelling in the leg may happen if veins were used in surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Infection prevention includes handwashing and clean dressings.
TRUE or FALSE: Swimming is safe immediately after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Gradual increase of activity is important during recovery.
TRUE or FALSE: Blood thinners may be prescribed after CABG.
TRUE or FALSE: Contact home health for mild swelling or questions about care.

Answer Key with Explanations

TRUE – CABG bypasses blocked arteries to restore blood flow.
FALSE – Surgery is on the heart, not the stomach.
TRUE – CABG can relieve angina caused by blocked arteries.
TRUE – High cholesterol contributes to artery blockage.
TRUE – Smoking damages arteries and increases heart disease risk.
TRUE – Redness, pus, or swelling can indicate infection.
FALSE – Fever may be a sign of infection and should be checked.
TRUE – Gentle walking prevents blood clots and helps recovery.
TRUE – Avoid heavy lifting until doctor clearance.
TRUE – Keeping wounds clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE – Cardiac rehab safely regains strength and endurance.
FALSE – Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing.
TRUE – Pillows support the chest while coughing or moving.
TRUE – Chest pain or shortness of breath may indicate complications.
TRUE – Leg swelling may occur if veins were removed for the graft.
TRUE – Infection prevention involves handwashing and clean dressings.
FALSE – Swimming may increase infection risk until cleared.
TRUE – Gradually increasing activity helps the body heal safely.
TRUE – Blood thinners may prevent clots after surgery.
TRUE – Home health should be contacted for mild symptoms or questions.