Cardiac Preoperative Clearance: What to Expect During Your Exam

Are you scheduled for surgery? It’s essential to make sure your heart is in optimal condition before. Cardiac preoperative clearance is designed to do just that.

Our team at AssociatesMD specializes in these comprehensive exams to detect any heart issues or risk factors that could impact your surgery. 

With locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, we make it easy to get the quality care you need.

Here’s what you can expect during your cardiac preoperative clearance so you can feel more prepared and confident.

The importance of cardiac preoperative clearance

When non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to address your health concerns, surgery can be an effective option and a definitive solution. However, even when surgery is necessary, it puts stress on your body — and it’s important to ensure your heart is functioning well enough to handle it.

Cardiac preoperative clearance assesses your cardiovascular system to identify any potential issues that could complicate your surgery. The goal is to detect existing heart conditions or other risk factors so your surgical team can develop a proactive management plan.

What to expect during your cardiac preoperative clearance exam

Your exam is a comprehensive heart health evaluation that involves several steps. Before your appointment, gather any relevant medical records, including previous test results and a list of your current medications.

The exam typically takes about an hour. However, it can vary depending on the tests we perform. Some possible screenings include:

Medical history review

We start with a thorough review of your medical history. Our team asks about any existing heart conditions, previous surgeries, medications, and lifestyle factors like smoking and exercise habits. This information helps us identify any pre-existing conditions or risk factors that must be addressed.

Physical examination

Next, we perform a detailed physical exam. We check your blood pressure and heart rate and listen to your heart and lungs. Taking your vital signs helps identify signs of cardiovascular issues that might require further investigation. We use these baseline numbers to compare your other test results.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

An EKG records your heart’s electrical activity. It can detect irregularities in your heart rhythm, signs of a previous heart attack, or other cardiac conditions that might affect your surgery.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of your heart. It provides detailed information about your heart's structure and function, including its size and shape, how well your heart’s chambers and valves work, and the blood flow.

Stress testing

Sometimes, we may recommend a stress test. This test evaluates how your heart performs under physical stress, so we typically have you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while monitoring your heart's activity. It helps identify issues that may not be apparent when your heart is at rest.

Laboratory tests

Blood tests provide valuable information about your overall health and identify potential issues such as anemia, diabetes, or kidney problems that could impact your surgery.

Once your exam is complete, you’re free to go about your day. We review your test results and provide recommendations. If any issues are identified, we may suggest additional tests, medications, or changes to your treatment plan to optimize your heart health before surgery.

When you’re scheduled for surgery, cardiac preoperative clearance is an essential step. By identifying potential risks, we can take a proactive approach to make sure your procedure is as safe and effective as possible. Schedule your cardiac preoperative clearance at AssociatesMD online or call us at 844-954-3627 today.