Locations:
Search IconSearch

How to Know If Your Heart Can Handle Non-Cardiac Surgery

Before agreeing to surgery, ask about cardiac risk

caregiver speaking with a patient in a doctor's office

Many surgical procedures are very safe. But any type of surgery carries risks along with it.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

In particular, doctors and surgeons want to find out about any potential heart or cardiovascular risks that you might have before deciding whether you are a good candidate for any kind of surgery.

Ask questions and stay involved

Before you have any type of surgical procedure, it’s important to ask questions and to understand the answers to those questions. It’s also important to discuss the reason and urgency for surgery.

Cardiologist Maan Fares, MD, says that you, the patient, are an important part of any treatment. “Patients should consider themselves part of the team that evaluates the risk of any upcoming surgery.”

Guidelines and assessment

Associations such as the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) regularly publish and update guidelines that help physicians determine who is at cardiac risk for non-cardiac surgery.

Your primary care physicians can assess your risk factors.

“Most patients who need a surgical procedure should undergo an evaluation by their primary care physician,” he says. “If your doctor finds problems, or knows of an existing heart condition, they should refer the patient to a cardiologist for further investigation.”

In assessing surgical risks, your primary care doctor considers different factors, such as:

  • The type of surgery scheduled and the risk factors associated with it.
  • Your age.
  • Prior heart disease or stroke.
  • Cardiac risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension or heavy smoking.
  • Kidney function.
  • Exercise tolerance, specifically the ability to climb two flights of stairs.
  • Tests performed.

Advertisement

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and take notes on the details of your health history. You may also have testing such as a chest X-ray and blood work during this visit.

If there are any concerns about your heart health, your doctor will order an electrocardiogram (ECG). This looks at your heart’s electrical pulses and signals in detail.

Your doctor will ask you about any existing heart disease or about any other type of risk factors you might have. They will also check the results of the ECG. And of course, a physical exam will help uncover any physical abnormalities. These may include a heart murmur, irregular heart rhythm or a weak pulse.

If you have known heart disease such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disease or congestive heart failure or if you show new signs or symptoms that may suggest heart disease, your doctor should refer you to a cardiologist for further investigation. Your doctor may also talk to you about any medications you’re taking and if they may need to be interrupted.

Finally, anyone over the age of 50 should have an extensive assessment of their medical history and a thorough medical exam. This is because of the increased risk during surgery that comes with age.

Make your surgery an opportunity

“Your pre-operative appointments are very beneficial,” says Dr. Fares. “A pre-surgery evaluation is an ideal opportunity to evaluate the long-term treatment of a patient with significant cardiac disease or risk of disease.”

By asking questions and actively communicating with all members of your treatment team, you become your best health advocate. It’s important to also extend the conversation to your next of kin or family members when having a conversation regarding surgery. Also, you will ensure that you will have the best possible outcome before, during and after any surgical procedures.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Smiling Person briskly walking outside on sidewalk, jacket tied around waist
September 18, 2024/Heart Health
Can Walking Speed Be a Sign of Your Heart Health?

Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease

Older person with can, sitting down on bed
September 16, 2024/Heart Health
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival

Person standing on scale in their bathroom, with measuring tape around waist
August 16, 2024/Heart Health
Do Statins Cause Weight Gain?

Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks

Oversized medical chart, glucose meter, pill bottle, with a normal-sized healthcare provider giving thumbs up
August 14, 2024/Heart Health
What’s the Connection Between Statins and Diabetes?

Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need

Person in dentist chair receiving an exam from dentist, oversized heart nearby
August 12, 2024/Heart Health
Are Gum Disease and Heart Disease Connected?

Research points to an association between the health of your gums and cardiovascular disease

Person lifting barbell in gym at night, with clock on wall
July 23, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Does It Matter What Time of Day You Exercise?

Factors like temperature, energy levels and sleep quality play a role in determining whether working out in the morning or evening is best for you

Smiling people riding bicycles on sunny day, blue sky
July 17, 2024/Heart Health
5 Ways To Increase HDL

Lifestyle adjustments can help you raise your HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol

Healthcare provider in scrubs and mask in operating room checking IV line
July 8, 2024/Children's Health
Is Anesthesia Safe for Kids?

Advances in technology and medications have made the process safer than ever

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad