Question:
Did anyone have surgery without having a pre-op EKG?

My surgeon doesn't require an EKG prior to surgery. My blood pressure is normal and I have not had any heart problems (that I know of) in the past, but now that surgery is getting closer of course I'm worrying about EVERYTHING now!! Did anyone have a similar situation that didn't do an EKG before surgery? And I would appreciate also hearing from any medical professionals out there as to whether or not they closely monitor your heart while you are under anesthesia. Thank you!    — beeda (posted on July 17, 2003)

July 17, 2003
Some states require EKG's before surgery regardless of what a Dr or Insurance Co wants. If one was mandatory, you would have been told by now. Some hospitals require it either in advance or while you are in pre-op. I am not a medical professional but I am a very experience surgical patient. I have had 2 C-sections, 5 major leg surgeries, my thyroid removed and the RNY-Lap. They hook you up to a heart monitor all through surgery. The anesthesiologist watches your anesthesia level and heart, it's one of their responsibilities. They are ofetn involved with pain management after surgery as well. Best wishes,
   — M B.

July 17, 2003
I had surgery May 13, 2003 and I did not have to have a EKG pre-op. All was fine with my surgery. Don't worry.
   — Noreen M.

July 17, 2003
I have personally never heard of someone having general anesthesia without an EKG. I worked for a surgeon as the office manager, and have worked in the medical field for 16 years, and anybody having general anesthesia gets an EKG. Even if your doc isn't requiring it, I'd be surprised if the anesthesiologist doesn't. And yes, they do monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc., constantly while under anesthesia. That is the main reason the anesthesiologist is there - besides knocking you out. I believe they would probably monitor you for a minute before the case if there wasn't an EKG ahead of time - sort of an on-table EKG, but I would definitely request one anyway - it is just standard to rule out problems, and having obesity is certainly a reason to make sure of the status of your heart. Just one more way to feel sure of your physical readiness for the procedure.
   — bethybb

July 17, 2003
I've had three body surgeries and two oral (all under anesthesia) and have never had an EKG prior to any of them. My first surgery was at 16 and my last at 35. I had high blood pressure for two of them and have smoked when I had each. No heart trouble - one EKG when I had an anxiety attack about 7 years ago. And yes, they DO closely monitor your heart and all vital statistics while you're under (but I'm not a med prof :>) Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 18, 2003
I had lap gallbladder (1997), and rny (this year) with no EKG - only blood work. Of course, I am still young and other than being obese, I have no other health issues. I wouldn't worry about it too much, like previous posters have said, you will be closely monitored the whole time. Good luck!
   — eaamc

July 18, 2003
An EKG is quick, easy and relatively cheap. It would make me wonder why it would NOT be done, even with no history of heart problems, especially in "at risk" morbidly obese folks. An EKG is 12 leads or 12 "different views" of the electrical conduction of the heart. When you are monitored during surgery, it is typically only 1 or 2 of these "views" and generally only shows an obvious arrythmia, whereas an EKG can reveal past (or recent) damage to various areas of the heart muscle, where conduction has been affected. (Ever hear of someone having a "silent heart attack"? It happens, and often is only detected by an EKG being done for some other reason). Many times the anesthesiologist or surgeon will want a pre-op EKG, so that if a problem developes they have something to compare it to. Also, some hospitals do have more sophisticated monitoring systems during surgery. You could call and ask if an EKG will be part of your pre-op work up - when you have labs done and so forth a few days before surgery.Then again, they may do one, at the anesthesiologist's request, right before surgery.
   — koogy

July 18, 2003
I didn't have one, and I have bradychardia....no problem. All OK.
   — sandieguy