Book an appointment

Recovery · Cardiology · Cardiac surgery

CABG recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after cabg at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full CABG guide

Length of stay
21–28 days
Fly-home clearance
Week 3–4
Back to desk work
Week 6–8
Full activity
Month 12

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0

    Off-pump or on-pump CABG

    3–5 h under GA. ICU 24 h.

  2. When
    Day 1–2

    Step-down

    Extubation, mobilisation, chest tubes out at day 2–3.

  3. When
    Day 7–9

    Hospital discharge

    Discharged with cardiac-rehab plan and dual antiplatelet therapy.

  4. When
    Week 3–4

    Fly-home clearance

    Stable on rehab; flight letter issued.

  5. When
    Week 6–8

    Return to desk work

    No lifting >5 kg for 8 weeks (sternal precautions).

  6. When
    Month 3

    Cardiac rehab complete

    Stress test or echo to confirm function.

  7. When
    Month 12

    Graft patency review

    CT angiogram if indicated.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • Chest pain
  • Wound drainage or sternal click
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Calf pain or swelling

12-month tele-follow-up

  • Week 2, week 6, month 3, month 6, month 12 tele-cardiology
  • Annual lipid + HbA1c panel

Aftercare on repatriation

Cardiac rehab is critical — most repatriating patients enrol in a local programme using the discharge protocol.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after cabg?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Week 3–4. Stable on rehab; flight letter issued.
When can I return to work after cabg?
Week 6–8: No lifting >5 kg for 8 weeks (sternal precautions).
When can I resume full activity?
Month 12: CT angiogram if indicated.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
Chest pain; Wound drainage or sternal click; Sudden shortness of breath; Calf pain or swelling. Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

Plan your cabg pathway

We'll match you with two Class A hospital options and return line-by-line all-in pricing in 5 business days.

Request a quote Procedure detail