What Does Memory Loss And Blackouts After Open Heart Surgery Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 25 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 18 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my husband had had open heart surgery. He has memory loss and today had a few seconds of blackout. He also has a problem with his eye that clouds over at least once a day. His operation was 2 months ago. Is this just still complications of his surgery or something else. He also has a blocked carotid artery.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Side effect from surgery

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I agree with you that your husband needs to be seen ASAP by a medical provider. The memory loss is a very common side effect from open heart surgery. These recent black out spells and vision loss is concern for possible strokes or continued heart problems or side effects from his medication.

I would take your husband immediately to the ER to be evaluated

I hope I answered your question. Please contact me again if you have any additional questions or comments.

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