CAD

[bhavin290]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am from India. My father went through bypass surgery on 27th January'2010. He took a complete rest till July 2010. Now he has started driving profession. He drives a three wheeler tempo. Would it be ok or he should stop this profession? It will be great if you can tell me what are the precautions that one should take in order to avoid future
heart problems.

Thank you very much for giving your precious time.

Best Wishes.

[kenkeith]

After a CABG, the same precautions exist as before the CABG.  Keep blood pressure under control, maintain good lipid levels with proper diet, exercise, an asprin a day is recommended to prevent clots.  When properly healed there shouldn't be any limitations.  

What is the 3 wheeler tempo profession?  Is it stressful?  Thanks for sharing your concerns and take care.

Regards,

[ed34]

It all depends on his discomfort. If he can steer the vehicle with no pains in his chest, then he will be fine. It isn't a case of his heart, it's more to do with his healing wounds and how he feels. Some people recover from surgery much quicker than others. I have seen people go back to work after three months, whereas others took up to two years to fully recover. If the sternum has fully healed and there is no discomfort from driving, then I would think he is ok. To avoid further heart problems, there are lifestyle changes which will be required. Regular blood pressure checkups, say twice a year, cholesterol checks every year, exercise every day (minimum 30 min walk), good healthy diet with low fat, avoid stress as much as possible and watch out for any new symptoms such as shortness of breath. If he feels any new symptoms, chest pains/shortness of breath/throat discomfort/jaw ache etc, then he should get to a Doctor.