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Step 1
Know that open heart surgery is considered an invasive procedure, in which the chest cavity is opened up and the blood routed through a special pump machine while the surgery is being performed.
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Step 2
Be aware that other, less invasive types of open heart surgery are being explored and developed.
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Step 3
Understand that you may have to explore alternatives if you are deemed too weak for open heart surgery or you are considered to be a poor surgery candidate for another reason.
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Step 1
Embrace change. Lifestyle changes can dramatically affect a person's health. If these changes are made early enough, the patient may be able to avoid open heart surgery.
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Step 2
Make yourself aware of medications that can help the heart to pump, thereby (in some cases) reducing the need for open heart surgery. One such type of medication is called a "beta adrenergic blocking agent," which helps the heart pump more efficiently.
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Step 3
Be aware that certain heart conditions can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, as opposed to open heart surgery. In one type of procedure, a catheter is inserted into a small incision in the body and directed to the heart, where a balloon is inflated, opening the narrowed passage. These are often called "keyhole" procedures.
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Step 4
Speak to a nutritionist or dietitian at your hospital and explore how to strengthen your system as a whole with food and supplements. You can call your insurance provider for a referral or obtain one from your doctor.
