There are many reasons why you may need cardiac or heart surgery (also called cardiovascular surgery). It can repair heart conditions you’re born with (congenital heart conditions). Or it can treat conditions that developed later in life (acquired).
Heart surgery can repair narrow or blocked arteries (coronary artery disease) so blood can flow better. It can also fix damaged heart valves. And it can treat heart failure, aortic aneurysms and many other conditions. Surgery can also help smooth out abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
All our cardioloists work with cardiac surgeons as part of a multi-disciplinary team and so we can refer you to a cardiac suregon for a consultation in the first instance.
Preparing for heart surgery can take weeks or even months. You’ll first have what we call a surgical review. This lets us learn more about your condition and why your doctor has referred you. You’ll meet with different heart experts who’ll make up your care team, and get a physical exam and blood work. And you’ll have other tests, too.
We use different tests to help us learn more about how your heart looks and works. The results of these tests can guide us in building the best treatment plan (and choosing the right surgery) for you.
You may have:
• Cardiac computed tomography scan (cardiac CT)
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (heart MRI)
• Chest X-ray
• Coronary angiography
• Echocardiogram (Echo)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Exercise stress test
• Metabolic stress test
• Nuclear cardiac stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• Coronary calcium scan
• Pulmonary function tests
Your care team will use what they learn from testing and the surgical review to decide if you need surgery — and if you do — the kind of surgery you’ll need and when you’ll have it.
You may be able to have a minimally invasive or robotically assisted procedure, or you might need open heart surgery.
During your appointment, you’ll also have a chance to spend time getting to know your care team. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. And share any concerns you may have about moving forward.
During your visit, your providers will also ask you to share your story by asking questions like:
• Why did your physician refer you for a surgical review?
• What kind of symptoms are you having?
• How long have you had symptoms?
• Are your symptoms getting worse?
• Have you had any testing yet?
• Do you have other health conditions?
• Does anyone in your family have heart problems?