Heart surgery

Heart surgery is very invasive and can be a very traumatic experience for most.  You can prevent heart disease by changing lifestyle habits but if you are having heart surgery its important to know the risks so that you can prepare and manage the process and prevent a catastrophe from occurring.

The risks of heart surgery you need to be aware of:

• Bleeding, infection, fever, swelling, pain and increased inflammation requiring more drugs
• A reaction to the anaesthetic used during the surgery
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Damage to tissues in the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs
• A strokes after the procedure may cause short-term or permanent damage or death
• Memory loss, concentration problems or not thinking clearly or depression. These may improve within 6–12 months of surgery
• High risk if you have other diseases like diabe­tes, kidney disease, lung disease, or peripheral arterial disease
• Infections like “super bugs” from hospitals
• Post-surgical vulnerability to pneumonia
• Latrogenic (treatment caused) risks from surgical negligence and often wrong procedures
• Incorrect drug administration can be fatal. Reactions or allergies, timing, overdosing
• Depression afterwards

Have an annual health assessment and make sure you have a happy, healthy heart.