Discharge teaching regarding activity after CABG states it takes how long for heart tissue to heal?

• A. 2-3 days
• B. 1-2 weeks
• C. 6-12 months
• D. 6-8 weeks

Answer: (D)

After CABG, the chest tissues—especially the sternum—need time to heal before returning to normal activity. The sternotomy area typically requires about 6-8 weeks to achieve solid healing and reduce the risk of sternal dehiscence or wound complications. At this stage, patients gradually progress activity through cardiac rehabilitation, starting with light tasks and increasing as tolerated. The heart isn’t fully injured in the same sense as a muscle strain, and while grafts begin functioning well, the chest wall needs this healing window to support safe, higher levels of activity. Shorter timelines like a few days or a couple of weeks aren’t enough for the sternum to heal, and waiting 6-12 months is longer than necessary for guiding activity resumption. Therefore, about 6-8 weeks is the appropriate timeframe.