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.
Common reasons
- New chest pain or unexplained breathlessness
- Suspected severe valve disease
- Unstable heart rhythm problems
- Recent cardiac events, such as a heart attack or stent
- Uncertainty about complex heart treatment or implanted devices
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.
How to make the visit useful
- Bring the referral letter, so the cardiologist knows what question is being asked.
- Bring your medicine list, previous heart reports, ECGs and echo reports.
- Describe your symptoms clearly, including how far you can walk.
- Ask the cardiologist to send a written opinion to your surgical and anaesthesia team.
What the outcome may be
The cardiologist may advise that surgery can proceed, recommend further tests or treatment first, or suggest changes to medicines around surgery. The final perioperative plan is made jointly with your surgical and anaesthesia team.
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.