Despite many advantages of cardiac procedures, it is quite a complex surgery; a delicate organ heart has been operative by the cardiac surgeon, which sometimes may result in fatality or disability. 

The survival rate after one year of cardiac surgery is about 96–97%. Most of the time, the fatality or disability is due to postoperative complications of cardiac surgery.

Although cardiac surgery is necessary to treat complex cardiac conditions like valve repair, heart failure, etc., people should take precautions to avoid surgery and make their hearts healthy. Your heart deserves better care, so let’s discuss practical tips to help you avoid cardiac surgery and promote a stronger, healthier heart.

What are the Complications of Cardiac Surgery?

Cardiac surgery, while often necessary for certain heart conditions, comes with potential complications. Complications may vary depending on the type of cardiac surgery performed. Some of the complications that arise are:

• Infection: Most of the time, after surgery, infections can occur at the incision site of the chest cavity. These infections may be superficial or more severe, such as mediastinitis (infection of the chest cavity).
• Bleeding and Blood Clots: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery is a potential complication. Sometimes, blood clots can occur in the veins or arteries, leading to complications such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. This may require additional procedures or interventions to control the bleeding and blood clots.
• Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmias): Cardiac surgery can disrupt the regular electrical activity of the heart, leading to arrhythmias. Most are temporary and resolve with time, but some may require treatment.
• Stroke and Heart Attack: The manipulation of blood vessels during surgery can increase the risk of emboli (clots) traveling to the brain, causing a stroke. A heart attack can occur during or after surgery due to various factors, such as disruption of blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Pericardial Effusion: One of the most common postoperative issues is fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac (pericardial effusion), which can occur, putting pressure on the heart and affecting its function.
• Cognitive Decline: Some patients may experience cognitive decline, commonly called postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which can affect memory and cognitive function.

What are the Factors to be Implemented to Avoid Cardiac Surgery?

To prevent such complications, people should adopt healthy lifestyles to make the heart stronger and healthier. Some of the factors that should be implemented in day-to-day life are:

• Prioritize a Heart-Healthy Diet: Habits to avoid heart surgery start by adopting a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet. Focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce the intake of fats (saturated and trans), sodium, and processed foods. Embracing a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, nuts, and fish has been associated with lower cardiovascular risks.
• Stay Physically Active: Another way to improve heart health is regular exercise. At least 150 minutes a week should be spent on moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise or 75 minutes a week on vigorous exercise. Incorporate activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing into your routine. Exercise strengthens your heart and helps control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Manage Stress: Heart issues may be increased by ongoing stress. To keep stress levels in line, use stress-reduction methods like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. Participating in things you enjoy and establishing a healthy work-life balance can help enhance general well-being.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake: One of the major risk factors of heart disease is smoking. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your heart health. Similarly, moderate alcohol consumption may have certain cardiovascular benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to heart-related issues.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese puts additional strain on your heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A balanced diet should be taken to maintain a healthy weight. Consult with a healthcare professional to establish realistic weight loss goals.
• Regular Health Checkups: Regular checkups with your physician to monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure, and basic heart health. Early detection and treatment of cardiac problems reduce heart surgery risks.

To Summarize

The chance of requiring cardiac surgery can be considerably decreased by taking proactive measures to take care of your heart. Through the adoption of a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, consistent exercise, effective stress management, and avoidance of harmful habits, you enable yourself to live a life that supports cardiovascular health. Remember that the small changes can significantly impact maintaining a strong and resilient heart.