Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Adapting to Life Changes after Open Heart Surgery: A Therapeutic Approach

Aline Pereira^{* *}Correspondence: Aline Pereira, Department of Science, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, Email:

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Description

Open heart surgery is a complex and invasive procedure that involves the surgical treatment of heart diseases or conditions. It is a major surgery that requires careful monitoring and attention both before and after the procedure. Postoperative care is a critical aspect of open heart surgery, and therapy can play a significant role in helping patients recover physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Therapy after open heart surgery is a vital component of the recovery process, as it helps patients to regain their strength, mobility, and overall wellbeing. Patients who undergo open heart surgery may experience a range of physical and emotional challenges, including pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. The purpose of therapy after open heart surgery is to help patients address these challenges and improve their quality of life.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a common form of therapy after open heart surgery. The aim of physical therapy is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and endurance following surgery. Physical therapists work with patients to develop a customized exercise program that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. This program may include a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and stretching. One of the main benefits of physical therapy after open heart surgery is that it helps patients to improve their cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen the heart and lungs, which can reduce the risk of future heart problems. It can also help patients to improve their endurance and stamina, which can improve their overall quality of life.

Another benefit of physical therapy after open heart surgery is that it can help patients to reduce their pain and discomfort. Physical therapists can teach patients exercises and techniques that can help to alleviate pain and stiffness, which can improve their comfort and mobility.

Emotional and psychological therapy

In addition to physical therapy, emotional and psychological therapy is also important after open heart surgery. The emotional and psychological effects of open heart surgery can be significant, and therapy can help patients to cope with these effects and improve their mental health. Depression and anxiety are common after open heart surgery, and therapy can help patients to manage these conditions. Therapists can provide patients with tools and strategies for coping with depression and anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.

Another benefit of emotional and psychological therapy after open heart surgery is that it can help patients to develop a positive outlook and improve their overall quality of life. Therapy can help patients to build resilience and develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, which can improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Dietary therapy

Dietary therapy is also an important aspect of therapy after open heart surgery. Following surgery, patients may need to make significant changes to their diet to improve their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Dietary therapy can help patients to make these changes and ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to support their recovery.

Dietary therapy after open heart surgery may involve working with a nutritionist to develop a customized diet plan that is tailored to the patient's needs and goals. This plan may include recommendations for foods to eat and foods to avoid, as well as guidelines for portion sizes and meal frequency.

Another benefit of dietary therapy after open heart surgery is that it can help patients to manage their weight and reduce their risk of obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, and losing weight can help patients to improve their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of future heart problems.

Conclusion

Open heart surgery is a complex and challenging medical procedure that requires significant physical and emotional recovery. Therapy after open heart surgery can help patients address the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, improve overall health outcomes, and promote a better quality of life. If a person is undergoing or has undergone open heart surgery, it is important to work with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive recovery plan that includes physical and mental health therapy.