Any advice on using a hot tub after open heart surgery .

[therug]

My husband has a hot tub which he sits in nearly every day for up to 40 minutes , he has had open heart surgery last week to repair a Mitral valve and to perform a bypass . I need some advice as I am now worried when he comes home he wants to use it and I keep seeing conflicting advice on the internet, help please .

[Lezzers]

I think it depends on each individual, blood pressure etc. My husband isn't allowed to use one. Probably a good idea to ask his GP/cardiologist, if he's still in the hospital, ask them. 40 mins does seem a long time.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I would suggest he refrains for at least 4 - 6 weeks, and only resumes with his GP's/cardiologist's go ahead. Post OHS you should not push yourself up with your arms as the breastbone is healing. Also the wound should not be soaked. Because of these issues I was specifically told showers only - NO baths. He needs to focus on recovery. The meds take a while to adapt to and often need tweaking. Good luck!

[Shar28]

Hi. My husband uses one and a sauna but waited until after his post-op check-up when he was given the go-ahead as his scar had healed sufficiently and there were no concerns about the way his sternum was healing etc. He was warned to build up gradually, starting with just 5 minutes to see how he felt.

I’d suggest you ask together (so you have the exact same information) whilst he’s in hospital and then again at his post-op check-up.

All the best to you both.

[Hidden]

I would ask his cardiac doc. Mine say no as I have a fib, my meds lower my blood pressure, heat from water dilate our blood vessels thus lowering the blood pressure, which can make one dizzy. Also heat makes the heart work harder. Im guessing it is a no for now. It would also depend on how hot he has the water.

[45sue]

I have had HA not surgery & was advised by cardiac nurse not to use hot tub or sauna at all for the reasons outlined by Hoski but if I did risk it to stay well hydrated & not stay in too long. Hot baths also to be avoided. 40 mins in a hot tub is too long for a healthy person - 20 mins is max advised for anyone. I have been OK sticking to 5- 10 mins in hot tub on holiday & avoiding sauna. Does not sound good idea for your husband right now.