Preparing for Open Heart Surgery

Calendar January 24, 2012 | Posted by Central Florida Regional

Worried about upcoming open heart surgery? The more you know and the more you prepare, the better you’re likely to feel.

• Know that while serious, heart surgery is common. Thousands are performed successfully each day in the United States. Since opening in 1993, The Heart Institute at Central Florida Regional Hospital has earned a reputation for excellence in open-heart surgery and the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

• Talk with your cardiologist and/or surgeon. Ask questions, and discuss risks, possible outcomes, the recovery process and realistic expectations. Also talk about whether or not to continue taking current medications.

• Part of preparing for surgeryy involves preparing for lifestyle changes you’ll need to make post surgery. Research a heart-healthy diet, heart-smart exercise options, stress management techniques and more. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of instituting these changes prior to surgery.

• Take care of health and financial details involving health insurance coverage and medical directives.

• Create a support system of family, friends and/or coworkers to help you before and after surgery. Also consider getting professional mental health counseling to help cope with lifestyle changes, physical limitations, stress and/or depression.

• In preparation for surgery, you will likely be admitted to the hospital the day before your scheduled procedure so that your medical team can do blood work and run tests. Tests may include an electrocardiogram and/or chest X-ray.

• Know that your doctor will administer medication prior to surgery to help you relax and that the anesthesia you will be given will keep you sedated throughout the procedure.

To learn more about open heart surgery and Central Florida Regional Hospital’s award-winning, full-service cardiac care contact the Heart Institute at Central Florida Regional Hospital. Visit us online or call our free 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-800-445-3392.

Related Posts:
What Does Full-Service Cardiac Care Mean?
Top Reasons to Seek Specialized Cardiac Care

About Central Florida Regional

Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to deliver high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities we serve. In pursuit of our mission, we believe the following value statements are essential and timeless. ■We recognize and affirm the unique and intrinsic worth of each individual. ■We treat all those we serve with compassion and kindness. ■We act with absolute honesty, integrity and fairness in the way we conduct our business and the way we live our lives. ■We trust our colleagues as valuable members of our healthcare team and pledge to treat one another with loyalty, respect and dignity. VISION STATEMENT Central Florida Regional Hospital will be the hospital of choice in the communities we serve.
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