Sternal Precautions After Open Heart Surgery
Patient information from Mr Adrian Pick
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Melbourne
If your heart surgery involved a sternotomy, your sternum (breastbone) was opened to allow access to the heart. At the end of surgery, the sternum was brought back together with wires, which remain in place as the bone heals.
During the first few weeks after surgery, some temporary precautions can help protect your healing sternum and limit unnecessary strain on your chest.
Your recovery will depend on the operation you have had and your individual health. Follow Mr Pick’s instructions if they differ from the general guidance below.
1. Avoid Heavy or Straining Activities
For the first 6 weeks after surgery, or until Mr Pick advises otherwise, avoid activities that place excessive strain on your chest.
This includes:
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling more than 5 kg, such as heavy shopping bags or lifting grandchildren
- Pushing heavy objects such as a full shopping trolley or lawn mower
- Heavy housework, including vacuuming, sweeping, moving furniture or making beds
- Activities involving sudden bursts of effort or straining
Light household activities such as preparing meals, folding washing and gentle tidying may be reasonable if they feel comfortable.
2. Use Both Arms Together and Keep Them Close to Your Body
Where possible, use both arms together during everyday activities. This can reduce uneven strain across your sternum.
- Use both arms when pushing yourself up from a chair or bed
- Hold objects close to your body
- Avoid reaching or lifting awkwardly with one arm
3. Maintain Good Posture
- Sit upright with your back supported
- Avoid prolonged slouching
- Avoid leaning heavily on one arm
- Change position regularly
4. Driving After Surgery
Do not drive for approximately 4–6 weeks after open heart surgery, unless Mr Pick has advised you otherwise.
Mr Pick can discuss when you may return to driving, commonly during your postoperative follow-up.
5. Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is commonly recommended after cardiac surgery and forms part of recovery for many patients.
A cardiac rehabilitation program may include:
- Supervised exercise
- Education about heart health
- Support returning to everyday activities
- Information about cardiovascular risk factors and longer-term heart health
Your hospital and treating team can advise you about the cardiac rehabilitation services available to you. Mr Pick’s website also identifies cardiac rehabilitation as part of recovery following heart surgery.
6. Exercise
Regular, gradual activity is encouraged during recovery.
Usually recommended
- Daily walking, gradually increasing the distance as you recover
- Gentle arm movements
- Light everyday activities that do not cause excessive chest strain
Avoid until cleared by your treating team
- Arm weight training
- Heavy lifting
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Golf
- Other sports involving forceful or repetitive arm movements
7. Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are used after heart surgery to help keep your lungs clear.
Each hour while you are awake:
Take 5 slow, deep breaths
Then:
Do 2–3 huffs
Breathe out firmly, similar to fogging a mirror.
Finish with:
1–2 coughs
Your physiotherapist or hospital team may give you additional breathing exercises depending on your recovery.
Your Follow-Up With Mr Adrian Pick
Your postoperative review gives Mr Pick an opportunity to assess your recovery, including your incision and sternal healing, and discuss when activities such as driving, heavier lifting and exercise can be increased.
Mr Adrian Pick consults at Peninsula Private Hospital, Frankston, and Holmesglen Private Hospital, Moorabbin. The current practice contact details listed at ctsurg.com.au are (03) 9509 9577 and apick@ctsurg.com.au.
Mr Adrian Pick
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
ctsurg.com.au
Phone: (03) 9509 9577
Email: apick@ctsurg.com.au
This information is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All medical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always seek the advice of your GP, specialist or another appropriately qualified health professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.