AIM: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of various early post-extubation water intake regimens in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 286 CVD patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between October 2023 and September 2024. Among these patients, 84 drank water immediately after extubation (Group A), 92 started drinking water 1 hour after extubation (Group B), and 110 began drinking water 4 hours after extubation (Group C). The interval between extubation and water consumption across the three groups was carefully monitored. The degree of moisture of the lip and oral mucosa, as well as the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess the postoperative experiences of patients. Additionally, gastrointestinal function recovery and incidence of adverse reactions in patients were recorded, and their satisfaction levels were assessed upon discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: The interval between extubation and water intake was the shortest in Group A and the longest in Group C (p < 0.05). The scores of lip and oral mucosa moisture degree, NRS, VAS, and SAS before and after intervention in Group A were the lowest among the three groups, while the time for bowel sounds to return to normal, first exhaust, and first defecation was the shortest (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in adverse reactions between Group A and Group B (p > 0.05). Group A had the highest overall satisfaction with treatment than the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Giving water immediately after extubation to cardiac surgery patients with cardiopulmonary bypass can improve their postoperative experience and promote gastrointestinal function recovery, thereby improving patients' comfort.