Preparing for and Recovery from Cardiovascular Surgery

Preparing for and Recovery from Cardiovascular Surgery

The Cardiac Behavioral Medicine team specializes in helping patients and their families adjust to a diagnosis and cope with challenges throughout the course of treatment. The team's techniques include strategies that encourage behavior change, improve coping strategies, minimize stress, reduce emotional distress, help with extended hospitalizations, and prepare for an upcoming procedure or surgery.

The emotional journey each patient experiences leading up to—and recovering from—cardiovascular surgery brings a wide range of emotions and stressors. We work with patients to help them improve their coping, make informed decisions, and teach them ways to ask their family and friends for support during this challenging time.

Patients who focus on the big picture and celebrate each milestone have the most positive outcomes. The Northwestern Medicine Cardiac Behavioral Medicine team helps patients learn how to communicate their needs effectively, focus on areas that are within their control and use relaxation techniques like meditation and distraction to reduce stress.

Patients with cardiovascular disease may also experience anxiety, stress and depression and may benefit from changing lifestyle behaviors. We also offer guidance on recovery from a cardiac event.

Whether you’re still receiving inpatient treatment at the hospital or you have returned home after cardiovascular surgery, our team is there for you every step of the way.