Why may I need heart surgery?
People need heart surgery for different reasons. The most common reasons are:
Coronary artery disease
The coronary arteries supply the heart with blood. In some patients, if fatty material builds up inside the wall of the arteries (atheroma), these arteries become narrowed. If this happens, the blood supply to the heart is reduced and it does not get enough oxygen. This causes chest pain called angina. If the artery becomes totally blocked, the result is a heart attack.
Damaged heart valves
The heart has four heart valves that control the flow of blood in and out of your heart. Heart valves can get damaged through ageing, rheumatic fever, or a heart attack. They may become stiff and their openings narrower or floppy, which may allow blood to flow in the wrong direction. If the valves are damaged, your heart must work harder to pump blood. Over time, the heart becomes enlarged (bigger) and inefficient. An enlarged heart that does not work well is called heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tiredness, and fluid retention.
Enlarged aortic artery
The aortic artery is the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body. The aortic artery can become enlarged and rupture (burst). This abnormality is usually caused by a genetic disorder. (Belonging or relating to genes). Your Cardiologist will have explained that you will need to be assessed by a Cardiac Surgeon to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment for you. You may need to have additional tests done before this can be confirmed. These tests will be discussed with you before discharge.
Prior to discharge you will be given an outpatient appointment to see the Cardiothoracic Surgeon or a date for your operation.
In the unlikely event you do not receive this, please contact the Cardiac Coordinators on 01253 954416 or 01253 952501 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm).
If you feel unwell while waiting for your operation, please contact your GP. It may be that your medication needs to be changed.
You should see your GP if you:
• have unusual swelling in your ankles
• have a cough and/or are producing phlegm
• are not able to exercise as much as usual.
You should go to accident and emergency (A&E) if your GP cannot see you straight away and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• angina that is not relieved by rest or controlled by your normal medication
• unusual chest pain • pain in your arms, back or throat
• shortness of breath that is not relieved by rest
• fainting or dizzy spells for no reason.
