Heart bypass surgery - discharge

Off-pump coronary artery bypass - discharge; OPCAB - discharge; Beating heart surgery - discharge; Bypass surgery - heart - discharge; CABG - discharge; Coronary artery bypass graft - discharge; Coronary artery bypass surgery - discharge; Coronary bypass surgery - discharge; CAD - bypass discharge; Coronary artery disease - bypass discharge

Heart bypass surgery creates a new route, called a bypass, for blood and oxygen to go around one or more blockages in the coronary arteries to reach your heart muscle. The surgery is used to treat coronary heart disease. This article discusses what you need to do to care for yourself when you leave the hospital.

Taking your carotid pulse

The carotid arteries take oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain. The pulse from the carotids may be felt on either side of thefront of the neck just below the angle of the jaw. This rhythmic beat is caused by varying volumes of blood being pushed out of the heart toward the extremities.

How to take your wrist pulse

How to take your pulse. 1. Place the tips of your index and middle finger on the inside of your wrist below the base of your thumb. 2. Press lightly. You will feel the blood pulsing beneath your fingers. 3. Use a watch or clock with a second hand. Count the beats you feel for 1 minute. Or count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. This is also called your pulse rate.

When You're in the Hospital

What to Expect at Home

Self-care

Activity

Wound Care

When to Call the Doctor