Michael Savitt Published 8:18 a.m. ET Feb. 28, 2020

Michael Savitt(Photo: Photo provided by IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital)

Heart surgery of any kind can be scary and the decision to undergo one is not a decision to be taken lightly. After conversations with your doctor, it may become clear that heart surgery is the best option for you, so to help with any lingering anxiety about the upcoming procedure, it could help to have a lot of the facts up front. Lets dive in to some things you can expect with an upcoming surgery and some tips on how to make it easier on you.

What preliminary tests will they run?

Its important for your doctor to run a few tests to reduce any risks when it comes to the anesthesia given and how to manage your recovery after the surgery. You can expect to go in ahead of your surgery for the following tests:

Your doctor may require more tests than the ones listed above, but these are just a few common ones that you can expect.

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What can I expect before the surgery?

Before the surgery, your surgeon will need a list of all the medications and herbal supplements you are currently taking along with their dosages. This is especially important if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Depending on the medications or supplements you are taking, you may be asked by your surgeon to suspend their use before the surgery. Some common ones have different effects on bleeding and/or take various amounts of time to wear off. Your surgeon will give specific instructions on when to stop taking these medications/supplements before the surgery.

Even though its scary to think about, its important to talk with your family and loved ones about your wishes should the unthinkable happen. Appointing someone in your family to make decisions for you can also prove helpful, making sure they are aware of your medical history and any allergies you may have.

Lastly, your surgeon may give you some day before instructions like bathing with a specific skin prep scrub, what medications not to take and what foods/liquids to stay away from, if not altogether.

What can I expect after the surgery?

After your surgery, you will recover in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for as long as the surgeon deems necessary to receive additional, post-op care. After you are discharged, your recovery at home can take anywhere between fourand eightweeks. This is a standard amount of time, but everyone is different and your recovery time could take longer, based on multiple factors like age, the procedure done and your overall condition before surgery.

Even though you may feel fully recovered after a few weeks or months after your surgery, your journey does not stop there as your heart health is something you will have to monitor for the rest of your life.

Your doctor might also give you a list of exercises to do at home, or you may be signed up for a cardiac rehabilitation program to attend as your continued heart health is of utmost importance.

Any useful tips you can share for surgery preparation?

Michael Savitt, MD, MSE is a physician in the cardiac department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. To learn more, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/heart-vascular-care.

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Ask the Expert: Anatomy of a heart surgery how to prepare - The Star Press