CABG / Post-Op PT Guidelines

Kelly is referred to physical therapy six days after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. She reports mild fatigue but denies chest pain or shortness of breath. Her resting heart rate is 85 bpm, and her blood pressure is 125/80 mmHg. The therapist plans to begin light aerobic exercise as part of her cardiac rehabilitation. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate guideline to follow during this session?

A) Monitor for a target heart rate of 70–80% of her age-predicted maximum

B) Avoid upper extremity exercises to minimize sternal stress

C) Limit aerobic exercise to a maximum of 1–2 METs during this phase

D) Emphasize light aerobic exercise with an intensity below 13 on the Borg RPE scale

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