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Although you may be weak, tired, or experiencing chest soreness as a result of your surgery, many people with coronary artery disease (CAD) can work their way back up to normal activity levels by participating in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program or by working with their doctor to develop a home exercise program.

Making changes in your lifestyle

Your doctor probably told you that certain aspects of your lifestyle (such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, or high stress) make your cardiac health worse. Now that you have had your diseased arteries repaired with open-heart surgery, you want to be sure that your CAD does not get worse. In particular, it is important to keep your new bypass grafts healthy. Your doctors, nurses, or rehabilitation team members can help you take steps to quit smoking, start eating a heart-healthy diet, and reduce the stress in your life.

Resuming sexual activity

You will be able to resume sexual activity after you recover from surgery. But several factors may discourage you from resuming sexual activity.

• You may have fears about your performance.
• You may be afraid you will have angina or even a heart attack.

Professional counseling may help you to understand and deal with your fears.

When you and your partner decide to start having sex again, it might be helpful to keep in mind the following:

• Talk honestly to your partner about your concerns and feelings.
• Be aware that anxiety on the part of either partner and the use of some medicines may interfere with sexual arousal and performance.
• Talk to your doctor about any difficulties.