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Things to do before a cardiac surgery

2021-08-26

Antara Care Homes

The cardiac disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death among men and women. The risks are even higher among the aging population, however, thanks to the advancement of medicine, the complications arising from cardiac disease are now quickly taken care of through minimally invasive cardiac procedures and surgeries. This becomes even more important when understanding what is cardiac surgery and why timely intervention matters. 

While it is true that the virus has wreaked havoc everywhere, the threat of serious cardiac diseases still remains, which is why overlooking signs and symptoms, staying away from doctors or hospitals, or deferring necessary treatment indefinitely can have fatal outcomes. Whether it is open-heart surgery, bypass surgery, or a simple angioplasty or angiography, cardiac surgery doctors worldwide are now encouraging patients to deal with their heart-related issues – both elective and urgent.

Furthermore, these risks can further be reduced if pre-surgery care is monitored by a trained professional, or a better still, at a Care Homes, especially for seniors.

Before your loved ones walk in for their cardiac surgery, here are some things that you need to keep in mind.

Expert Senior Care, Apno Jaisi
blog

What is Open Heart Surgery? 

Visit your cardiac surgeon and clarify doubts about the procedure
Before surgery, you must talk about everything that entails the procedure. Clarify doubts about when they need to be admitted, COVID-19 guidelines that the hospital will follow, risks of the surgery, medications that one should or shouldn’t take allergic reactions, or any other concerns. The surgeon may also recommend some examinations such as comprehensive blood tests, EKG, chest x-ray, etc., depending on the kind of cardiac surgery the patient will be undergoing.

Constant monitoring under a trained professional
Especially for seniors, it becomes important that their vitals are constantly monitored, even before the surgery. With age, complications are also imperative, therefore, guidance under trained professionals is important. Care Homes with senior friendly infrastructure is one of the best option.

Cardiac surgery list: List of procedures your doctor may recommend

Understanding the different procedures that fall under the cardiac surgery list can also help families prepare better for what lies ahead. This list typically includes open-heart surgery, bypass surgery, angioplasty, angiography, valve repair or replacement, and minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Knowing which surgery your loved ones need helps ensure that pre-surgery planning, risk assessment, and care arrangements are managed more efficiently for seniors who need additional medical supervision.  

Open Heart Surgery preparation: Diet, activity, and lifestyle 

Keep a track of diet and activity
The body needs to be well-nourished in the days leading up to cardiac surgery to enable faster healing. If they have already been eating normally and following instructions given by the doctor, then the same should be continued. If they haven’t been eating well, it is recommended that they consume foods to get the required calories and macro-nutrients that their body needs. Also, it is crucial to monitor the blood sugar level and pursue physical activities in case the doctor has recommended them.

Quit smoking
According to one study that compared smokers with former smokers, researchers found that former smokers who had quit at least a year before surgery had no increased risk of death compared to non-smokers. Therefore, quitting smoking before cardiac surgery can help immensely with recovery. On the other hand, continued smoking can put the patient at risk for post-operative issues such as trouble with your pacemaker, cardiac arrest, blood clots, and even death.

Familiarize yourself with post-operative care practices

Prepare your loved one for safe and guided cardiac surgery
Before getting into the surgery, it is imperative to know everything needed for a healthy and safe recovery. Ask your cardiac doctor about the medications, precautions, pain management, post-surgery diet, and discharge planning, especially concerning COVID-19 testing.

While it is more comfortable recovering at home or a similar environment than at a hospital, one should ensure access to a pre-and post-operative care home designed to cater to all your medical requirements – from rehab, and skilled nursing, to medication and emergency assistance. This will be not only an efficient alternative but also one that is cost-effective.

At Antara Care Homes, located in GK-II Delhi and Gurugram , we offer such facilities for both long-term and short-term care. Seniors, who need constant medical and nursing supervision, especially before the surgery, are taken care of in the most efficient manner. Our team of trained caregivers, working alongside highly rated cardiac surgeons, works dedicatedly towards the patients’ complete recovery by offering a wide array of services, including supervised exercises, rehabilitation, wellness therapies, and an effective emergency response system. We provide a comfortable and sanitized environment so that the seniors are well-prepped before their treatment.

Every aspect of our service reflects the legacy of Max Group, which means everything we offer is tailored to the holistic wellness of your loved ones. Contact us at +91 9811 44 1111 to learn more about our offerings for seniors recovering from cardiac surgery.

Conclusion 

After heart surgery older patients need special medical care that their homes can't offer. The chances of problems like bleeding, infections and trouble moving around demand round-the-clock expert watching and quick action if needed. While many families like the idea of recovering at home, houses don't have the must-have features for safe healing. These include non-slip floors, safety rails, and emergency medical equipment. 

Professional care homes have trained medical staff, rehabilitation programs to help people get better and spaces set up just for healing after cardiac surgery. These places make sure patients get proper nutrition, take their medicine and receive physical therapy, which helps them recover better. The emotional burden on family caregivers is also reduced substantially when their loved ones receive top notch post-surgery care. 

Choosing specialised post-surgery care facilities like Antara Care Homes ensures optimal recovery conditions, minimises health risks and provides peace of mind for families during this critical healing period. 

At Antara, we provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative cardiac care designed to support seniors at every stage of their surgery journey.

FAQs 


What medical tests are important before heart surgery? 

You will get the following checkups before surgery: 

  • Complete blood tests 
  • Urine tests 
  • Metabolic panel 
  • Chest X-ray to assess heart & lung condition 
  • ECG to evaluate heart rhythm 
  • Dental checkups to rule out infections 

These tests should be done 1-4 weeks before surgery. 

What daily habits should seniors change or avoid before the surgery day? 

  • Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery 
  • Avoid secondhand smoke exposure 
  • Tell your doctor about all your medications and supplements  
  • Practice breathing exercises and maintain light physical activity  
  • Avoid alcohol  

What should I pack when coming for cardiac surgery?

Pack necessary documents like insurance cards, medical records and medicine lists. Include button-front pyjamas, loose-fitting discharge clothes and any medical equipment you regularly use, like CPAP machines or hearing aids. 

What diet or food routine should I follow before cardiac surgery? 

Focus on high-protein foods, iron-rich sources, and vitamin C during the weeks before surgery. Drink only water 24 hours before surgery, with nothing after midnight. Drink only small sips of water to take medicines (approved by your doctor).  

How can I stay calm and stress free before the surgery? 

Try meditating and taking slow deep breaths for 10-15 minutes each day. Stay in touch with your doctors and nurses to talk about any worries. Get your house ready before the surgery to lower postoperative stress.


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