Recovery Starts Before Your Heart Surgery…

Heart surgery of any kind is a frightening and often overwhelming experience for both patients and their families. It is usually difficult to remember everything you need to do before arriving at the hospital. This handbook is designed to help you and your family better understand the process and be more prepared for your heart surgery.

The Preparing for Heart Surgery Handbook is a 32-page guide with information on the following topics:

• The Basics (an overview of your preparation)
• General Planning for Heart Surgery
• The Day/Evening Before Heart Surgery
• What to Bring to the Hospital
• The Day of Your Heart Surgery
• Moving to the Operating Room
• What Happens During Heart Surgery
• Moving to Intensive Care
• Time in the Hospital After ICU
• Leaving the Hospital After Heart Surgery
• Your Medication List

(Chapters also include helpful checklists to make things as easy as possible.)

Our Medical Editor: The information provided for our recovery products has been reviewed by Nan Lambert, PA-C, FAPACVS. Nan is a graduate of the University of Alabama, School of Medicine and Allied Health. She is a board certified Senior Physician Assistant (PA) and has been a practicing cardiovascular PA for more than 20 years. Nan is a pioneer in the field of endoscopic vein harvesting and has been published in this area of expertise.