Why should I exercise after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)?

Your heart contains coronary arteries that can become diseased. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) creates new pathways around the areas of your blocked arteries, allowing blood flow to be restored. Your blocked coronary arteries are bypassed with an artery or vein taken from another part of your body (leg, chest, or arm).

To increase blood flow and improve muscle strength after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, it is important to gradually increase your level of activity. Walking is one of the simplest ways to help yourself recover. The nursing staff will assist you in walking initially and encourage you to increase the distance and frequency daily.