PATIENT INFORMATION
Why was I sent to a cardiologist?
A cardiology opinion may be useful when a heart problem needs diagnosis, treatment or clarification before surgery, or when the result could change the timing or management of the operation. Examples include new chest pain, unexplained breathlessness, suspected severe valve disease, unstable rhythm problems, recent cardiac events or uncertainty about complex heart treatment.
A referral does not automatically mean that surgery is unsafe. Modern perioperative guidance tries to avoid unnecessary cardiac testing and recommends using the same indications for cardiovascular assessment that would apply outside the surgical setting.
An abnormal result needs interpretation in your clinical context. Do not decide whether surgery is safe, or change treatment, solely from information on this website.