Most of this booklet has talked about what other people can and will do to
ensure a successful operation and a smooth and happy recovery period. Many
patients are keen to know what they can do, both before and after the operation, to
help themselves. The following points may be helpful:-
(a) Give up smoking. -Your doctors cannot overemphasise the fact that
SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOU AND PARTICULARLY BAD FOR
YOUR HEART.
(b) Watch your weight. -If you are overweight when referred for heart
surgery, the doctors will urge you to take dietary advice and lose weight
before the operation. A patient who is overweight has a higher risk and
greater chance of complications than a patient who is not overweight.
(c) Adopt a confident and positive attitude, particularly when you come into
hospital for the operation.
You can do a lot to help yourself both before and after cardiac
surgery. We hope that this chapter answers some of your questions.
More information can be obtained from the larger booklet entitled ‘A
New Start for You and Your Heart’ available from the British Heart
Foundation.