Abstract : Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most widespread most prevalent significant health issue and the main reason of mortality worldwide. The condition may result in physical impairment and impose a substantial financial burden on afflicted persons and the national healthcare system. According to the World Health Organization, coronary artery disease was responsible for 15,3 million deaths (30% of all deaths) and 10.3% of the total disability adjusted life years (DALY) lost in 1998. The World Health Organization calculated that cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 28.5% of all fatalities in developing nations. To meet the objectives of this study, a quantitative study quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-testing for both the studied and control groups was employed. This research applied in two cardiac center in Shaheed almehrab and alnajef cardiac centers. were the designated sites for data collection. Non-probability purposive sample selected from the target population who are met the specific criteria during specific time interval. The study sample consists of (60) patients undergoing open heart surgery having the same inclusion criteria. Those patients are divided into two groups: (28) patients act as study group and the other (32) patients act as a control group the patients were frequent visits to these centers for follow up and consultation. questionnaire was developed to assess the knowledge toward self-care. Most of participants in both groups 14(43.8) were between 50-59 age group, 14 (43.8%) were more than 59 years age group, 18 (64.3%), 17 (53.1%), were male. Related to educational status 7 (25.0%) were intermediate school in study group, while 11 (34.4%) were secondary school in the control group, Both group recorded high percentage 27 (96.4%) ,25 (78.1%), were married. shows a the differences between pre-test and post-test of the research sample following participation in the educational program are highly significant at p-value (0.001)., while no significant differences recorded among control group members. The finding shows good effect of the educational program on the patients knowledge. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery should have access to information resources before to surgery, as well as explanations of the risks associated with cardiac surgery throughout hospitalization and at home and implementation of the educational program should be performed by nurses for patients undergoing open heart surgery before and reinforcement of education during the follow-up period concerning to the patients’ needs.