Is A Cosmetic Surgery Safe When Suffering From Myocardial Infarction?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Question: Hi Doctor,
Am slated for cosmetic surgery in usa 25 XXXXXXX Surgeon wants Cardiologist clearance but there are no card. in the country where I live, Antigua. Two yrs ago I had normal EKG
Nov 2013 EKG for pre surgery - normal
Last week....test repeated 2x in two dif. locations. Normal Sinus Rhythm with MI (probably old) on readout. I feel great always, work out with trainer 4x a week-run 2000 steps once a week, eat very healthy, distance swim. Do have high stress and do smoke. I have all 3 printouts available.
This is scary -- is surgery safe and why no symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Further cardiac evaluation is needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

I have gone through your ECG carefully. Please bare in mind that there is a machine analyzing the ECG findings, which sometimes, are mistakenly reported. That's why cardiologist analysis is highly recommended.

With regards to the suspicious findings in your ECG for an old anteroseptal myocardial infarction, I would suggest to run further tests:
- stress test
- cardiac echo

to evaluate the damages to the heart and finally conclude that it is an old infarction prior to surgery.

With regards to your bradychardia, it is within normal range as you are an athlete.

First, make sure that everything is ok with your heart through the above-mentioned cardiac tests, then, decide to go for surgery.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar