Open heart surgery carries some risks, but they vary depending on factors like patient age, overall health, urgency of surgery, and specific heart conditions. For planned and non-urgent surgeries such as bypass operations, the risk of death is typically around 1-2%. Common risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), stroke, temporary kidney or lung dysfunction, memory and concentration problems (often temporary), and in rare cases, death. The risk is higher in emergency situations, in older patients with other health conditions, or if complications arise during surgery. Long-term side effects may include chronic chest pain, cognitive changes, and emotional challenges, but many side effects improve with time and proper care. Preparing for surgery and following doctor's advice can help minimize some of these risks.
Key Risks of Open Heart Surgery
- Death risk around 1-2% in planned surgeries, higher in emergencies
- Bleeding and need for additional surgery in some cases
- Infection at wound or lungs
- Blood clots and stroke
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Temporary kidney or lung problems
- Memory loss and concentration difficulties, often temporary
- Longer-term issues like chronic pain or cognitive changes in a minority of patients
Factors Increasing Surgical Risks
- Older age and multiple health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney, lung disease)
- Emergency surgery after heart attack
- Obesity or previous heart surgeries
Open heart surgery remains a major procedure with significant risks, but it often provides vital treatment benefits that outweigh these risks when carefully managed.
