Question:
Exactly WHAT is involved in cardiac clearance before surgery

   — Mary Ellen R. (posted on June 1, 2003)

June 1, 2003
My doctor required an EKG and exam by a cardiologist.
   — GPoynor

June 1, 2003
I believe it involves actually seeing a cardiolgist and they determine what additionally testing if any is needed up and above the EKG. The cardiologist then writes a recommendation to your surgeon that you should be able to handle the surgical procedure or what he recommends. Some cardiologist will require an ultrasound of the heart, some ask for a stress test or thallium treadmill test. The first step is seeing the cardiologist. Good Luck.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 1, 2003
I only had to have an EKG and labs done that was it. I also had to see an internist and my surgeon. They both reviewed my EKG and labs and I was cleared within days for surgery. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

June 2, 2003
It will depend on your cardiac history. My DH had a repair of a coarctation of the aorta done when he was 17, so he had to have cardiac clearance before surgery. He saw a cardiologist who did the standard EKG, then he had a CT angiogram done(took about 15 minutes, outpatient procedure.) They saw a "mass" so a follow up MRI was done. (turned out the mass was a cyst in the pulmonary vein - no big deal at all.) Just depends on what the ardiologist thinks is necessary. Good luck!
   — koogy

June 2, 2003
I had to stress test which was drug induced which the Dr. monitor,s your heart through ultrasound. This procedure was painless . I also had a EKG done.
   — charanewme