Recovering from heart surgery doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital. In fact, many patients say the real questions begin once they’re home — questions about healing, activity, emotions, medications, and what’s “normal” during recovery.
Whether you’re newly discharged, weeks into recovery, or supporting a loved one, having trusted, reliable resources can reduce anxiety and help you heal with confidence. Below are 10 highly recommended resources that heart surgery patients and caregivers consistently find helpful.
1. American Heart Association – Heart Surgery Recovery Hub
The American Heart Association offers one of the most comprehensive collections of recovery information available. You’ll find guidance on what to expect after surgery, activity timelines, medications, nutrition, and emotional health.
2. AACVPR – Cardiac Rehabilitation Resources
Cardiac rehab is one of the most important steps in recovery, yet many patients don’t fully understand what it involves. AACVPR explains the benefits, phases of rehab, and how to find programs near you.
🔗 https://www.aacvpr.org/Cardiac-Patient-Resources
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Cardiac Rehab Overview
The CDC breaks down how cardiac rehabilitation helps patients regain strength, reduce future risk, and improve quality of life after heart surgery.
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/cardiac-rehabilitation-treatment.html
4. Mended Hearts – Peer-to-Peer Support
Sometimes the best support comes from someone who’s been there. Mended Hearts connects heart surgery patients and caregivers with trained peer mentors and local or virtual support groups.
5. American Heart Association Support Network
This moderated online community allows patients and caregivers to ask questions, share stories, and connect with others navigating heart disease and recovery.
🔗 https://supportnetwork.heart.org/s/
6. Heart-Valve-Surgery.com
Especially valuable for valve surgery patients, this site offers educational videos, patient stories, and in-depth explanations of procedures and recovery expectations.
🔗 https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/
7. Society of Thoracic Surgeons – What to Expect After Surgery
Written by experts in heart surgery, this guide helps patients understand recovery timelines, activity limits, and warning signs to watch for after discharge.
🔗 https://www.sts.org/what-expect-after-heart-surgery
8. MedlinePlus – Preparing Your Home After Surgery
This practical guide focuses on making your home safer and more comfortable after hospitalization, including mobility tips and daily-living adjustments.
🔗 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000432.htm
9. Pulse Heart Institute – Patient Education Library
Many heart centers publish excellent recovery materials. Pulse Heart Institute provides videos, guides, and educational tools designed for heart patients and families.
🔗 https://www.pulseheartinstitute.org/patient-resources/patient-education/
10. Heart Failure Matters – Support & Self-Care Tools
Even patients without heart failure benefit from learning symptom awareness, lifestyle tips, and emotional coping strategies offered by heart-focused support communities.
🔗 https://www.heartfailurematters.org/what-you-can-do/support-groups/
Final Thoughts
Recovery after heart surgery is not just physical — it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. These resources are designed to help you feel informed, supported, and less alone during your healing journey.
💙 Take what serves you.
💙 Share what helps you.
💙 And remember: recovery is not a race.
