Introduction
Cardiac surgery is a life-saving procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with severe heart conditions. However, it carries the risk of complications during the recovery period and understanding these potential risks and complications can help the family and caregivers in taking the necessary steps to address them.
Let us explore more about complications from cardiac surgery, the causes behind them and the ways to over them!
Understanding Cardiac Surgery
Cardiac surgery is a medical procedure performed to treat different heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and heart failure. It helps to improve heart function and correct the issues affecting the heart health.
While heart surgery often has successful outcomes, there may be certain risks involved.
The different risk factors that may increase the risk of developing complications after heart surgery are
- Increased age
- Have another long-term health condition, including diabetes, COPD, or severe kidney disease
- Have an emergency surgery to treat heart attack
- Obesity
- Having three or more vessels complicated
You may talk to your surgical team to provide you with detailed information about specific risks that may lead to complications.
Complications From Cardiac Surgery
Heart surgery, like any surgery, has risks and your healthcare provider will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure before having surgery.
The risks and complications from cardiac surgery will vary depending on the heart problem, type of surgery, and your overall health.
The risk of complication is higher if the surgery is performed in an emergency situation or has conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease or peripheral artery disease. The most serious complications after cardiac surgery are the risk of developing stroke, heart attack, or death.
Here are a few complications from cardiac surgery:
- Infection In The Incision Site Or Inside The Chest
Infections are one of the most common complications following heart surgery. It may occur in the incision sites on the chest or in the leg. It may present as redness, warmth, swelling or discharge around the wound.
Antibiotics and painkillers are usually given to prevent infection. Proper wound care is required to reduce the risk of infection.
Your physiotherapist may show coughing and breathing exercises to help prevent a chest infection.
- Post-operative Bleeding
It is normal to have little bleeding after cardiac surgery as the surgery involves a lot of surgical cuts and careful suturing. It can occur at the incision site or internally. The surgical team will monitor the amount of bleeding after the surgery.
If the bleeding continues for several hours, then the surgeon may take you back to the operation theatre and re-open the chest wound to inspect for any abnormalities. Discontinuing the use of anticoagulants after the surgery may prevent further bleeding issues.
- Stroke
Stroke may occur after heart surgery due to blood clots that travel to the brain or irregular heart rhythms. It can be a serious and life-threatening complication. The risk may be higher if you have had a previous history of heart problems or if you have had combined surgery.
Your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants, and occasionally, you may require a surgical intervention to remove the clot.
- Blood Clots
Blood clots are another potential complication after heart surgery. It may usually form in the legs and is known as deep vein thrombosis and may move to your lungs and can be life-threatening.
You may notice swelling in the leg and pain in the calf. You may also have shortness of breath and chest pain.
Doctors may prescribe blood thinners after surgery to reduce the risk of clot formation. Patients are encouraged to gradually and early mobilise after surgery to avoid blood clots.
- Reduced Kidney Function
Kidney dysfunction is another possible complication after heart surgery, especially in patients who have pre-existing kidney conditions or other risk factors.
In most cases, it is temporary, and kidneys may work normally after a few days or weeks. Else, certain medications may required to manage kidney function.
On rare occasions, temporary dialysis may be required until the kidneys recover.
- Muffled Hearing
Muffled hearing after heart surgery may occur after cardiac surgery. It is generally short-lived and resolves as the body.
It is important to report any persistent or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider especially if accompanied by pain or dizziness.
- Irregular Heartbeat
Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats are common complications after heart surgery. It may range from palpitations to life-threatening conditions, including atrial fibrillation.
The irregular heartbeat may go away with rest. Medications, including antiarrhythmic drugs, are given to the patients to slow down the heart rate and regulate the heart’s rhythms.
If it continues for a couple of days, a procedure called cardioversion is done where you will receive an electric shock to restore the heartbeat to normal. In severe cases, a pacemaker or defibrillator may be required.
- Urinary Retention
Sometimes, urinary retention may happen occassionally in some men and urine builds up after the heart surgery.
In such instances, a new catheter is inserted into your bladder under local anaesthesia. It will remain until you are mobile and have opened the bowels. If it still persists, you may be referred to a Urologist.
- Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction
Post-operative cognitive dysfunction refers to a decline in cognitive function that may occur after heart surgery, particularly in older adults. It may be manifested as confusion, memory problems, and difficulty in concentration.
It may get better over the first months and very rarely may last permanently.
- Nausea And Constipation
It is very common to feel nauseated or constipated after heart surgery, often caused by medications, including pain relievers, anaesthesia, and changes in diet.
It is important to stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods. It is recommended to consult your healthcare provider to give you anti-sickness medicines.
- Blurred Vision
Some patients may develop blurred vision after the surgery which may be due to the effects of anaesthesia or medications, and it is only temporary.
If it is persistent or is accompanied by dizziness or severe headache, it is important to consult your healthcare professional to rule out any underlying reason.
- Sleeping Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are common after heart surgery and can be caused by a variety of factors. Anxiety, depression or changes in routine may also contribute to sleep disturbances during recovery.
Avoid sleeping on the front during the first 6 weeks while the chest wound is healing. Relaxation techniques, including deep breathing or meditation, may help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
- Pain
You may feel discomfort and pain after having heart surgery in the chest and surrounding tissues. The different steps to take to overcome pain are
- Hold a clean pillow to your chest area while you cough
- Exercise gradually as recommended by the physiotherapist.
- Apply a heat or cold pack over the chest area.
- Take painkillers as prescribed to control the pain.
- Poor Appetite
You may have a poor appetite after having heart surgery. It will get better over time.
You may try to eat a little often and keep hydrated so that your body gets enough nutrients it needs to repair itself and heal quickly.
How to Prevent Complications from Cardiac Surgery?
Here are some precautionary steps that can help minimize the risk of complications after heart surgery:
- Adhere to post-surgery instructions carefully: Take all the prescribed medications, including pain relievers, antibiotics, and anticoagulants. as instructed by the healthcare provider.
- Wound care: Ensure that the surgical sites, including the incisions on the chest or legs, are kept clean and dry.
- Monitor the temperature: Keep track of the temperature, heart rate and other vital signs immediately after the surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you observe persistent fever, swelling, or excessive pain.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats to support recovery.
- Early mobilization: It is important to slowly begin moving and walking after the heart surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. However, avoid heavy lifting to reduce strain on the chest.
Conclusion
Heart surgery is an important procedure for improving heart health,T and it is essential to be informed of the potential complications that may occur during the recovery process. If you experience any persistent or severe complications, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery or potential complications, feel free to reach out to Heart360 Care for a consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some individuals may experience memory and attention problems and find it difficult to concentrate on things, including reading a book after heart surgery. It may be common in older patients and can be temporary. Many patients may also experience anxiety, depression or stress following the heart surgery.
The most common complication after heart surgery is an infection in the chest or leg. It may also affect the lungs or inside the chest. It may be treated with antibiotics or injections. The other common complications are bleeding, arrhythmias, blood clots, respiratory issues, and kidney complications.
You may follow the instructions given by the healthcare provider for cleaning and caring for your incision. Watch for signs, including redness, swelling, warmth or discharge at the incision site. Avoid applying oil or ointment over the incision area unless recommended by the healthcare provider.
If you notice bleeding after cardiac surgery, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. If the bleeding is persistent or worsens, you may contact your healthcare provider immediately.
