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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Surgeons: Who They Are and What They Do
Introduction
Heart surgeons, also known as cardiothoracic surgeons, are specialists who perform surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other thoracic organs. Their work is critical for patients with severe cardiovascular conditions that cannot be managed with medication alone.
Common Conditions Treated by Heart Surgeons
Heart surgeons operate on various conditions, including:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Blockages in the coronary arteries that may require bypass surgery.
- Heart Valve Disease: Malfunctioning heart valves that may need repair or replacement.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural heart defects present from birth.
- Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: Weakening or rupture of the aorta.
- End-Stage Heart Failure: Cases requiring heart transplantation or device implantation (e.g., LVAD).
Types of Heart Surgeries
Some of the most common surgical procedures performed include:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Creating a detour around blocked arteries to restore blood flow.
- Heart Valve Surgery: Repairing or replacing damaged valves.
- Aneurysm Repair: Reinforcing or replacing a weakened section of blood vessels.
- Heart Transplantation: Replacing a failing heart with a donor heart.
- Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery: Using advanced techniques like robotic surgery and catheter-based interventions.
Risks and Recovery
Heart surgery is complex and carries possible risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Stroke
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure complications
Recovery varies by procedure, but it typically involves a hospital stay of 5-10 days, followed by several weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Heart surgeons play a crucial role in saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients with serious cardiovascular conditions. If you need heart surgery, it's essential to work with an experienced team and follow all post-operative guidance.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34882435/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0b013e31823c074e
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22064600/
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/american-college-of-cardiology-american-heart-association-issue-coronary-artery-revascularization-guideline
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Myocardial Revascularization
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-EACTS-Guidelines-in-Myocardial-Revascularisation-Guidelines-for
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/2/87/5079120
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173339/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/37/2541/581070
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30165437/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.