What is ICU?

In a hospital, ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit. This is a place with special equipment and highly trained nurses and doctors. This is where patients go after open heart surgery or a heart attack.  You're watched around the clock and the care you get here will help you recover safely and quickly.  You may stay for several days, depending on the type of heart surgery and the time you need to recover.  Then you may go to a regular hospital room.

Can my family visit?

• A few hours after surgery, close family members can see you in ICU for short visits.
• They should expect you to look pale and puffy since this is normal after surgery.
• They should expect to see lots of tubes and wires hooked up to you and the machines that monitor you.
• The staff will tell your family how you are doing.
• Family visits and support may help you recover.
• Family members can help by touching and talking to you. Family can also help you communicate with staff.

What happens in ICU?

• You'll wake up and feel confused at first.
• It's noisy and busy.  The pace is fast the lights are always on.
• It's normal to lose track of time while you're there.
• You'll be hooked up to many tubes and wires.
• Your wrists may be strapped down lightly so you don't pull out any tubes or wires by mistake.

What are the tubes and wires for?

• You'll be hooked up to machines so that nurses can check your heart rate, breathing and other vital signs.
• You may have a breathing tube in your mouth and throat to help you breathe.  It's uncomfortable and you can't talk with it, but nurses will help you communicate.
• The breathing tube will stay in until you can breathe on your own -- about 24 hours.
• Tubes are used to give medicines, drain fluids and take blood samples.
• There may be small wires hooked up to the lower chest to pace the heart.

What should my family know?

• When someone has surgery, it's normal for their family members to feel upset, angry or afraid.
• Their nerves may be on edge and they may be tired. They should talk about these feelings and not keep them in.
• They should take care of themselves, too, with regular meals and rest.

1994, American Heart Association