Cardiac Bypass (CABG) Recovery
Based on NHS & NICE guidance
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Free to use · No data collected
Recovery from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery takes patience: most people stay in hospital for five to seven days, and the breastbone (sternum) takes six to eight weeks to heal fully. NHS cardiac rehabilitation programmes play a big part in a safe, confident recovery.
⚕️ This is friendly general guidance. Your surgical team's specific instructions always take priority. If you're concerned about any symptom, contact your team or call 999 / NHS 111; do not rely on this guide alone.
Recovery at a glance
Day 1-2
Intensive/high-dependency care, early mobilising
Day 3-7
Ward recovery, breathing exercises, discharge planning
Week 2-4
Gradual walking programme at home
Week 6-8
Sternum largely healed, cardiac rehab begins
3 mo
Most people back to usual activities
What NHS guidance recommends
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than about 2-3kg (a kettle) for 6-8 weeks
- Don't push, pull or reach overhead with both arms while your breastbone heals
- Do your breathing exercises regularly to help prevent chest infections
- Join an NHS cardiac rehabilitation programme when invited — it genuinely improves outcomes
- Care for both your chest wound and leg wound (if a vein graft was taken)
- Expect some low mood after heart surgery — it's common and usually improves
Recovery essentials
Things NHS guidance and other patients say make a genuine difference.
🛋️
A small, soft 'heart pillow' or cushion to hug when coughing reduces strain on the sternum. Heart Surgery Cough Pillow →
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A weekly pill organiser helps keep multiple new cardiac medications on track. Weekly Pill Organiser →
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⚠ When to get urgent help
- Increasing redness, swelling, warmth or discharge from either wound
- A clicking, grinding or moving sensation in the breastbone
- Irregular, fast or pounding heartbeat that doesn't settle
- Chest pain not relieved by rest or your prescribed medication
- New or worsening breathlessness
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Chest pain or severe breathlessness: call 999 immediately. Other concerns: contact your cardiac team, GP or NHS 111.
Common questions
How long until my breastbone heals after bypass surgery?
The sternum typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal enough to resume normal lifting and pushing/pulling. During this time, avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle and don't use your arms to push yourself up from a chair.
When can I drive after cardiac bypass surgery?
DVLA guidance generally requires waiting around 4 weeks after CABG before driving a car, and you don't need to notify the DVLA for a standard licence unless advised otherwise by your cardiologist. Bus, lorry and other vocational licence holders face stricter rules and must notify the DVLA directly — check the current DVLA guidance for your licence type.
Is it normal to feel low or tearful after heart surgery?
Yes, it's a very common and usually temporary response to major surgery and the stress on your body, sometimes called 'cardiac blues'. It typically improves over a few weeks; if low mood persists or feels overwhelming, mention it to your GP or cardiac team.
Related NHS recovery guides
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