Tips for sitting and standing up after CABG surgery

• Do not sit with your legs crossed.
• Sit up straight with your knees together and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms relaxed.
• If your leg with the incision is stiff, it will be easier to sit down by putting the incision leg slightly in front and having the back of the other knee touching the seat of the chair. Then tilt your hips forward as you bend your knees and sit on the front one-third of the chair. Scoot back into the chair.
• To stand from a seated position, cross your arms across your chest or pillow. Rock back and forth a couple of times, learning forward to come to a standing position.

Related Links

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

Self care after CABG surgery

CABG wound care

Angina after CABG

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/01/2007

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts