Hello doctor, My question is regarding post-surgery care in heart-related ailments. How is the monitoring done? How often does re-admission occur? How to prevent this?
Hello. Regarding the care of non-cardiac surgeries in cardiac patients, If you are suffering from cardiac problems such as previous heart attack, heart failure, any cardiac valve problem you have to take cardiac fitness before surgery. If fit, then go for surgery. After the surgery you can take rest as advised by your surgeon. If the cardiac issue is stable, there is no need to reassess the cardiac problem. If cardiac problems, such as heart failure, worsens then you may need echocardiography and other related investigations. Regarding medicines, ask your surgeon not to prescribe you medicines that have a high amount of sodium, which may worsen your cardiac or hypertensive problems. You may take a low sodium diet and may start light exercise according to your surgeon. Regarding cardiac surgery: 1. For pain relief, you may take a pain killer for wound-related pain. 2. Gradually increase level of activity upto six to eight weeks. You may drive then also. 3. Eat a low sodium diet. Do not eat up to full stomach. Eat small amounts mutiple times per day. Readmission depends upon complications that may develop such as wound infection, heart failure, heart attack due to blockage of the grafted vessels after bypass surgery. If a heart valve is implanted, it may get stuck and it causes sudden worsening of symptoms. Some times bleeding may occur due to unmonitored blood thinners. To avoid: 1. Do not stop medicines on your own. 2. Keep monitoring clotting profile, in case blood thinner such as Warfarin is prescribed. 3. Take a low sodium diet. 4. Avoid excessive exertion just after surgery. I hope this helps.