Question:
Anyone else needing clearance from cardiologist?

Hello all....I am scheduled to have surgery 8/13/02. Currently, I weigh 312 lbs and exercise three times a week for about 30-40 minutes each. I did my pre-op testing last thursday and the doctor performing the surgery referred me to a cardiologist to get clearance for the surgery. My blood pressure (do have history) is normal, my sugar level (diabetic, control through diet only) is also normal. I went today and he said my EKG is a little abnormal and scheduled me for a stress test (treadmill) tomorrow morning. I am sure I can do the test but I've heard these EKG tests are not always correct because women generally have abnormal readings. Am I worring for nothing? I REALLY enjoy this site and value any and all advice. Thanks, Vikki Hoke    — Vikki H. (posted on August 6, 2002)

August 5, 2002
Despite appearing to be the pinnacle of good health, regardless of my MO status, my (first) surgeon also required clearance by a cardiologist. I have always had perfect blood pressure and normal EKGs (I've always gotten one as part of my yearly physical), but I had to go for not even a regular stress test, but a Nuclear Stress test, which is an even more elaborate test. It was all good though...some doctors just do it as a matter of course, I am sure there is nothing to worry about. And god forbid there is, it will be a good thing to know before hand. Best of luck to you on your surgery!
   — PaulaM

August 5, 2002
Vikki, I also had to had cardiac clearance due to a changes noted on my resting ekg,,,did a treadmill,,stopping after 6 minutes (could'nt go any longer), and the cardiologist said, it was a normal finding for me and not to worry. I also have heart flutters or palpatations,,she said that it was prob due to stress, and that it is ok to have occasional palpatations. Had my surg 4-30-02 (345lbs), and am now down to 255 lbs. No probs during surgery, but I told my anesthesia doc about the palpatations, and he told me not to worry, that if I did have some he could control them, but everything went well,,,hope it will for you too,,good luck!! Susie
   — Susie R.

August 6, 2002
Vikki, I was 1 week before surgery and went for my pre-op testing and the anesthesiologist said he wanted clearance from a cardiologist because of my ekg. My surgery was delayed a month but I got the clearance and all was fine. It's always good to be cautious. Good luck! Peggy
   — Peggy D.

August 6, 2002
Hi Vikki - I have cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia. My surgeon required me to get a surgery clearence from my cardiologist. My cario doc did a stress echo because I can't do the walking stress test because of my asthma. The only stipulation he had for the surgery was that I stay on Altace at the lowest dose. He felt there was other benefits to the medication. My sugeon was fine but the Anaesthetsist(sp?) put in an extra IV right into my artory to watch the activity of my heart during surgery (I was out cold when he put it in). He also insisted that I spend the first night in ICU. My surgeon told me that although he felt I was fine he didn't want to argue with him. Better safe than sorry. I was glad the Anaest. doc watched out for me. Now I don't have to take any heart or blood pressure meds besides the Altace. Once in a while I'll feel a palpatation but not like before surgery. Good luck!! If you have more questions you can e-mail me.
   — Donna W.

August 6, 2002
Hi Vikki - I had to have clearance from the cardiologist before I could proceed through the process. I did the treadmill stress test twice and both tests were inconclusive, so they sent me for an inpatient procedure, the angiogram. Oh yeah, yes, they did find abnormalities with my stress tests. The second stress test was with Nuclear Medicine and they had to inject some radio-active stuff into my arm while I was on the treadmill, into an IV. I had to check into the hospital for the angiogram and was there all day. The angiogram finally cleared me with my cardiologist. The only drawback that I can see is that it took me months to go through all of these procedures because of the patient backup - (waiting time to see a doctor.) I currently have Health Net and live in Sacramento, so you may not experience this problem where you are. Good luck.
   — Cindy J.

August 6, 2002
I WENT TODAY FOR CARDIAC CLEARANCE I WAS CLEARED, AND I'LL PRAY YOU WILL TOO GOOD LUCK
   — KENYA M.

August 6, 2002
my cardiologist has put me through the works, EKG, echocardiogram and a two part adrenoline cariolite stress test. That was yesterday....still waiting for results!! My surgery is a week from tomorrow. I NEED THAT CLEARANCE!!!!
   — Diane H.

August 7, 2002
Vikki, I too had an irregular EKG, and when they did the stress test, it too came back with a small irregularity, but they decided to do a heart cath. This showed an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. I would never have known I had this condition if my doctor had not been cautious. This is a silent killer and most people do not know they have an aneurysm till it is too late. Take your tests. Don't worry. If they find something, better early than too late. If they don't find anything, you can rest without fear. Joy Lawson
   — Joy L.