Having heart surgery
Surgeons, nurses and patients have created this information to help guide you through having heart surgery.
This health information was created using the expert knowledge and experience of the SCTS surgeons and nurses.
Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland
If you're having a heart operation, the things you need to know about the lead-up to surgery and what happens during your recovery time are similar – no matter what type of surgery you're having.
The information here has been divided up so that you can click on the part that’s relevant to you, at the time when you need it.
1. Surgery options for your heart condition
2. Seeing your surgeon
When you're deciding to have heart surgery, you'll meet with your surgeon to talk about your options. You'll discuss consent, the risks and benefits, and any questions you have.
3. Preparing for surgery
4. The day of your operation
Here we take you through each stage of the day of surgery, from arriving at the hospital to waking up after the operation.
5. The first three days after surgery
On this page, we talk through the first three days after surgery as you start your journey towards recovery.
6. Side-effects and complications
7. Going home and continuing your recovery
8. Cardiac rehabilitation programme
Videos about having heart surgery
About our partnership
This health information was created using the expert knowledge and experience of the SCTS surgeons and nurses.
Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland
This information has been created by Bupa and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery. It is designed to provide you, your family and carers with the information you need at each stage of heart surgery, from your initial appointment with your surgeon all the way through to recovery. Here you will find information and advice from SCTS's nurses and surgeons, interviews with people who have been through surgery themselves, and practical tools and checklists to help support you through your operation.
To find out more about the SCTS please visit www.scts.org
Legal disclaimer
This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition.
The information contained on this page and in any third party websites referred to on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. We do not accept advertising on this page.
For more details on how we produce our content and its sources, visit the 'About our health information' section.
