Heart surgery is performed for a variety of conditions. Bypassing blocked arteries, repairing valves, bulges or aneurysms, inserting pacemakers and heart transplantation are some of the reasons for heart surgery, according to MedlinePlus. Although heart surgeries are largely effective for correcting heart problems, the National Heart Lung Blood Institute indicates that there are certain risks involved.
Bleeding and Inflammation
The National Heart Lung Blood Institute reports that bleeding is a risk involved in open heart surgeries. The individual may begin to bleed and blood transfusion might be needed to deal with the blood loss. Inflammation is another complication that may be experienced. The individual may develop infection in the wound on the chest. This can be accompanied by fever and swelling in the area around the wound.
Irregular Heart Beats
Another complication that may occur during or after a heart surgery is arrhythmia, reports the National Heart Lung Blood Institute. This is a condition in which the heart of the individual begins to beat irregularly. The individual's heart may begin to beat rapidly or may beat too slowly, which could prove to be life-threatening.
Memory Loss and Allergic Reactions
According to the National Heart Lung Blood Institute, memory loss may occur after the heart surgery. The individual may experience problems remembering things and may also have difficulties in concentration, or with thinking clearly post-surgery.
Allergic Reaction
Medline Plus reports that medications used before the surgery to put the individual to sleep may lead to an allergic reaction in the individual. There is also a danger of damage occurring to the tissues in the heart during the surgery. The tissues in the kidneys and lungs may also be damaged as a result of heart surgery, a situation that may require additional surgeries.
