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Cardiac surgery might not be the preferred treatment for all kinds of heart problems, but doctors do recommend it in certain cases. It can help save people from life-threatening blood clots, heart attacks or other such serious issues.
Heart issues can be life-threatening if not attended to on time. Issues like congenital heart defects, narrowed or blocked arteries, and irregular heartbeats can cause serious repercussions if they go unattended. Therefore, a proper diagnosis followed by cardiac surgery in required cases is important.
Even though doctors recommend it as a safe and reliable procedure in most cases, there are still some common myths about cardiac surgery. Let’s debunk them this time!
Let’s Debunk The 10 Common Myths About Cardiac Surgery!
Has the best cardiac surgeon in Mumbai recommended surgery for your heart condition? But are the myths revolving around cardiac surgery troubling your thoughts upon getting the treatment done?
Well, this is the case with most people out there! There are several patients who dig up the internet to prove their own sets of theories and facts associated with life after heart surgery. But not everything specified is true. As per the expert opinions, here are some of the common myths associated with cardiac surgery that we are about to debunk:
Myth 1: Cardiac surgery is extremely risky.
There are myths that doctors take the heart out of the chest to perform surgery, and some believe that this treatment might adversely affect brain function or trigger a stroke. But that’s a myth! If you were worried about how dangerous is heart surgery, then stop that right away.
There have been some targeted enhancements in the surgical techniques to reduce the risks of adverse effects caused to the brain. With the advanced medical science, heart operations of today are mostly conducted through minimally invasive techniques. Heart transplantation is the only procedure where the heart is taken out of the chest!
Myth 2: I’m too old for cardiac surgery.
Heart attacks by age are not the only prerequisite for determining if you are a candidate for heart surgery. There have been numerous surveys conducted by professionals on older adults that have been proven a great success.
As per medical statistics, cardiac surgery can be performed in patients of up to 85 years or older, with safe and good outcomes. Extra care is taken for elderly patients to help them recover faster from the surgeries.
Myth 3: Cardiac surgery always requires a long and painful recovery.
It is not at all true! There are some forms of heart surgeries that might take a long recovery time, but you will be able to walk around easily right after a day or two. You don’t have to be bedridden for weeks! Depending on your condition, doctors will let you head home within five days of treatment.
Doctors implement minimally invasive techniques for most types of heart surgery and offer post-operative care to speed up the recovery process in patients. But, there are certain lifestyle changes you need to make for a healthy heart, which will also be recommended to you by the surgeons.
Myth 4: Minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures are currently not available.
It is completely false as several minimally invasive heart surgery procedures can be used for treating several heart conditions easily. Compared to open-heart surgery, minimally invasive options cause less pain and support faster recovery.
Some of the minimally invasive options include robotic surgery and transcatheter techniques. Robotic cardiac surgery aims to approach the process with small incisions, reducing the bleeding effect and risk of infection. Similarly, the transcatheter techniques help restore heart health for common conditions, such as breath shortness or chest pain, with minimal incisions.
For more information, visit our blog about the cost of minimally invasive heart surgery in Mumbai.
Myth 5: Once you have heart surgery, you can’t lead a normal life.
It is one of the most common myths that is important to be debunked. In general, the patients who have undergone cardiac surgery tend to live longer with good health afterwards. Once you have completed the post-surgery care measures and are adapting to positive lifestyle changes upon recovery, you can get back to your normal life.
With the passing of time within the recovery window, you will find yourself back in your usual routine. You can take part in all activities that you did before the surgery. In some cases, you might have to follow the doctor’s advice on the type of activities ideal for you, depending on the severity of your surgery.
Myth 6: Cardiac surgery is only limited for men.
Cardiac surgery is not destined just for men, but it is also a commonly preferred treatment option for women. The recovery period for women might vary in comparison to men upon heart surgery, but the treatment is a success, irrespective of gender.
Facts about heart attacks and other problems state women are more prone to experiencing cardiovascular risks at an old age than men. Female patients share the same mortality as men when it comes to heart disease. Therefore, the treatment provided is also the same.
Myth 7: There is no freedom to choose a surgeon or hospital for cardiac surgery.
You have all the right to choose a quality surgeon and hospital to get your cardiac surgery done. There is no mandate for you to get your surgery done by the facility or doctor who diagnosed the issue.
It is your right to look for the best treatment options out there and qualified doctors to attend the case. Turn up to them and attain peace of mind about your surgery and speedy recovery.
Myth 8: All Heart Problems can be Treated with Medication Alone
This is a very wrong myth to believe in! Most people believe that heart surgery is the last resort for several cases. But that’s wrong! Delaying on a cardiac surgery requirement and suppressing it with medicines will only worsen the case.
There are certain heart adversity symptoms that can be attended to by medicines. But surgery is the most beneficial solution for all. Upon completion of the surgery, doctors will recommend some medicines and heart healthy foods for speedy recovery.
Myth 9: Cardiac Surgery is Only for Emergencies
Unnecessary delays to the cardiac surgery might lead to negative repercussions. What’s important in case of heart conditions is early diagnosis. Identifying the problem indicates you must get the surgical treatment done immediately.
Follow the doctor’s recommendations on getting the best out of the procedure. Professionals won’t let you wait till the emergency knocks on your door. Instead, it is better to prevent complicated or emergency situations through early surgery.
Myth 10: I’ll Need to Travel Long Distances for Cardiac Surgery
There are several local or regional hospitals that offer you the best quality cardiac surgery. You just need to check the reviews of doctors conducting the procedure and the care facilities of the hospital.
You don’t have to travel extensively to places looking for reputed hospitals only. Do a bit of research on the hospitals and doctors around, and you can save a lot on your cost of treatment and the hassle of traveling. In the quest of searching for the best hospital near you, keep doing some exercises to keep your heart healthy and in stable condition.
Conclusion
These are some of the common myths that people believe about cardiac surgery. Well, this article was a fact-check for everyone who heard and believed in any one of these myths stated above.
If you are experiencing any kind of heart discomfort, do not make your own assumptions. Instead, get guidance from the experts. Dr. Vishal Khullar is one of the best cardiac surgeons in Mumbai and all of India, to help you with the right advice and treatment solutions. Connect with the team to book your appointment.
[…] with the ultimate goal of leading a healthier, more satisfying life. While there are a number of myths surrounding cardiac surgeries, it always helps to stay informed to ensure your […]