Infection of any surgical wound is definitely a serious thing to take care of, after a heart surgery in particular. Such an infection after a heart surgery, could be a life threatening.Study says that Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) were the most common healthcare associated infection accounting for 31%.

There are things that doctor will help you to decrease the risk post heart operations. But there are also certain steps, that you can take to help yourself especially if you are overweight or have diabetes.

Take antibiotics

An hour prior to your surgery, doctor will give you a preventive antibiotic. In fact, you will receive antibiotics even after the surgery (within one hour). And for this reason, you are less likely to get a wound infection.

In addition, you will also get another injection about 24 hours after your surgery.

Remove hair

While preparing for a surgery, your medical team will remove the hair from your body where the surgeon will make a skin incision. Timing is much important here. The hair should be removed right before the surgery takes place. If they remove hair too far in advance, you can develop infections in the small cuts.

As per experts, clippers are generally better and safer than razors.

Loose weight (if needed)

IF you are overweight, you are at a greater risk of developing an infection. So it is highly recommended to loose some weight if time allows before surgery. Take this time to eat healthier and focusing on weight loose exercise.

Monitor your blood sugar

If you are a diabetic person, you might want to get your blood sugar under control as much as possible. The better controlled blood sugars are before surgery, lesser the chance of developing a surgical wound infection. Consult your doctor if your blood sugars are consistently above 250.

Take care of your wound

Of course the medical team will teach you on how to take care of your surgical wound. Be sure to understand them well, and ask them if you don’t. Whether you have a large incisions or a minimally invasive smaller incision, be much careful these sites.

Be extra sure that your hands are clean when you check your wounds. Always follow the doctor’s instruction for bathing and showering as well.

Never hesitate to call your doctor for any questions.

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease and preventable deaths in the world. Despite this, some smokers find it too difficult to quit smoking. It takes too long to see the improvements in their health, that’s everyone believes.

However, health improvement timeline after quitting smoking is much faster than most people realize. Health benefits begin in as little as an hour after the last cigarette and continue to improve.

Quit Smoking: What happens?

After 1 hour
In less than 20 minutes, the heart rate drops and returns to normal. Blood pressure begins to drop to normal.

After 12 hours
After 12 hours without cigarette, the human body cleanses itself of excess amount of carbon monoxide gained cigarettes. Increases body’s oxygen level.

After 1 day
Just after 1 day of quitting smoking, the risk of heart disease start decreasing. Smoking raises the risk of developing coronary heart disease by lowering good cholesterol.

After 2 days
Smoking damages nerves responsible for the senses of smell and taste. In as little as 2 days after quitting smoking, a person may notice an improvement in these senses as these nerves heal.

After 3 days
After 3 days of quitting smoking, nicotine levels in a person’s body are depleted. Most people will experience severe headache and cravings to take nicotine as the body readjusts.

After 1 month
In 1 month, human body’s lung function begins to improve. Former smoker may experience less coughing and may notice a renewed ability for cardiovascular activities, such as running and jumping.

After 9 months
Nine months after quitting, the lungs have significantly healed themselves. The delicate, hair-like structures inside the lungs known as cilia would have recovered from the cigarette smoke. Cilia help push mucus out of the lungs and help fight infections.

After 1 year
Arteries and blood vessels to begin to widen again. One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases by half.

Outlook

Smoking is really a harmful habit that can lead to severe health complications and death. When a person quits smoking, the body will start to naturally heal and regain the vitality of a non-smoker over time.

So let’s accept this excellent choice for your healthy heart & say #IAmHeartHealthy.