How to Know the Risks of Open-Heart Surgery

Bypass surgery has been around for more than 30 years. Improved techniques have reduced the mortality rates to relatively low levels of 1% to 2%, and major complications are rare. But open-heart surgery, like every other surgery, carries with it a certain number of risks and complications. Knowing about the possible risks can help you make the best choices and preparations possible for the surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Do as much research as you can about the risks of open-heart surgery. Look online, talk to friends and relatives, visit your local library and ask local surgeons or physicians.
   
2. Know the factors that put you in a higher risk category. People at a slightly higher risk for complications include women, patients over 70, people who have had previous heart surgery and those with another serious medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease.
3. One risk is the potential for neurological damage. Strokes occur in 2% to 5% of people undergoing cardiac surgery.
4. The risk of sternal wound infection is 1% to 4% and is most often associated with obesity, diabetes or repeat surgeries.
5. Another possible risk is thought to be a temporary condition known as postperfusion syndrome (also called "pumphead"). Symptoms include memory impairment, stilted speech, depression, confusion, diminished hand-eye coordination and altered sex drive.
6. As with all surgeries, there is a risk for heavy bleeding. A blood transfusion may be needed during or after surgery.
7. General risks from anesthesia include reactions to medications and problems breathing.
8. Other potential complications include infection, blood clots and heart attack.
9. Talk to your doctor to assess the individual risks you may be facing, depending on your age, situation and heart condition.