Can You Have Elective Surgery If You Have Heart Disease?
Contributed by Ryan Peterson.
There are many reasons a person may consider undergoing elective, non-emergency surgery, but by far the most common is a desire to improve an area of their life and alleviate any pain and discomfort they are experiencing. Elective surgery can offer a lasting solution to a chronic health problem, and techniques and recovery times have improved substantially over the past 20 years, to the point that surgery is almost commonplace.
However, for those with heart disease, surgery is not such a simple choice. Receiving medical clearance for surgery when you have a severe underlying condition can be incredibly difficult – but it’s not impossible.
It is possible for people with heart disease to have elective surgery…
… though there are a number of factors that can influence the decision.
The first area of consideration is the type of surgery. Some operations, such as hand surgery performed for the likes of carpal tunnel surgery or a sinus procedure, are considered relatively “low risk”. For these forms of surgery, clearance is usually easier to obtain; you may be required to undergo further testing before being approved for surgery, but the chances of approval are far higher, and all the more so if the procedure will be completed under local anesthetic.
For high-risk surgeries – and particularly those that require general anesthetic – the decision as to whether or not operating is viable is far more complex. Before going ahead with surgery, you may find that there is a need for both you and your medical team to contemplate the risks versus the rewards. For example, if the issue you require surgery for is significantly impacting your life, then you may be more likely to be cleared for surgery. If, however, the problem is rather mild and can be treated by other means, it’s less likely.
Additional factors that influence the decision
The primary decision-maker regarding your readiness for surgery will be your cardiologist, as they have the best insight into your heart condition and how it may be impacted by surgery.
However, your cardiologist will not just look at your heart when determining if elective surgery is a possibility for you – they will also look at other risk factors, such as your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight. So even if your heart disease is relatively well-controlled, this does not mean that you will necessarily be cleared for surgery – if you present other risk factors, you may still be turned down.
What to do if you’re not approved for an elective surgery you want
Discuss the matter with the medical professionals who know you, and your health, best. There may be something that you can do to help obtain approval for surgery; for example, you could lose weight, lower your cholesterol, or switch to a more heart-friendly diet if you have yet to do so. You may well find that you’re more willing to commit to significant lifestyle changes with the elective surgery as a motivating factor.
In conclusion
If you have heart disease, elective surgery is not impossible, though the decision will inevitably be influenced by the type of surgery you are hoping to undergo. By examining your lifestyle and looking to improve your overall health, you have the best chance of receiving clearance – while there are no guarantees, these changes will help, and your overall well-being will benefit also.
