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Atrial Septal Defect Surgical Repair

WHAT YOU Want TO KNOW:

Atrial septal defect (ASD) surgery is done to close a hole in the septum (wall) between the upper chambers of your heart. The upper chambers are called the left atrium and the perfect atrium.

DISCHARGE directions:

Medicines:

• Compounds assist in preventing a heart disorder known as bacterial endocarditis. You might want to take antibiotics before procedures for as much as six months after your ASD surgery. Tell your health professionals on your ASD surgery. Always take your medicine as directed by your primary healthcare provider (PHP) or cardiologist.
• Blood thinners assist in preventing blood clots from forming. Clots be life-threatening, and also may result in strokes, heart attacks. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. If you`re carrying a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding from your nose or gums. Watch for blood. Work with a toothbrush onto your teeth and also a wash cloth on your skin. Use an electric shaver Should you shave.
  • Be mindful of exactly what medicines you take. Many medicines cannot be utilized when choosing medicine to thin your blood. Tell caregivers and your dentist that you take blood-thinning medication. Wear or take medical alert information that says you`re taking this medication.
  • Take this medicine exactly as your PHP tells you. Tell him in case you forget to choose the medicine, or if you take a lot better. You might want to have regular blood tests while.
  • Talk with your PHP on your daily diet plan. This medicine is most effective when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K daily. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and other food items.
• Heart medicine helps strengthen or regulate your heartbeat.
• Aspirin thins the bloodstream to maintain blood clots from forming. This medicine which makes it more likely for you to bruise or bleed.
• Blood pressure medicine lowers your blood pressure. A blood pressure that is controlled may help protect lungs, your heart, brain, and kidneys. Take your blood pressure medicine as directed.
• Diuretics help remove extra fluid that collects in your body, like in your lungs or heart. This helps reduce your blood pressure. You will inhale more frequently when you choose this medication.
• Simply take your medicine as directed. Telephone your PHP or cardiologist in case you believe your medicine isn`t helping or if you`ve got sideeffects. If you`re allergic to any medication, tell him. Maintain a set of those medicines, vitamins, minerals, and herbs you take. Include when and why you choose them, the amounts. Bring the the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Take your medicine list in the event of an unexpected urgent situation beside you.

Followup with your PHP or cardiologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them.

Cardiac rehab:

Your PHP or cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehabilitation (rehab). This is an application conducted by specialists who will allow you to prevent and also strengthen your heart more cardiovascular problems. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress control, and heart-healthy nutrition. Care givers will even check to make sure any medicines you`re carrying work.

Activity:

Whenever you feel it is needed, rest. It may require 6 to 2 months after surgery before you feel better. Ask friends or family to help you with your daily pursuits. Slowly begin to do more each time, but don`t over do it. You will feel like resting more after surgery. Avoid lifting heavy items. Ask when you`re able to begin doing all of your regular activities again. Including returning to work, forcing, and carrying bath or a shower.

Wound care:

Carefully wash the wound with warm water and soap. Dry the region and put on fresh, clean bandages as directed. Change your pharmacist whenever they become dirty or wet.

Weigh yourself every day prior to breakfast:

Weight gain may be a indication of fluid in body or your lungs. Extra fluid can get your heart work harder and will cause health issues.

Contact your PHP or cardiologist when:

• You have a fever or distress.
• You gain 2 to 3 lbs in a day or 5 pounds in a week.
• Your stitches or staples come apartfrom
• Your wound is red, bloated, or draining pus.
• Your heart is as though it is beating too fast or unevenly.
• You have concerns or questions about your condition or attention.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have some of these indicators of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest that lasts longer than five minutes or even yields
  • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, chin, tummy, or shoulder
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat, specially with chest pain or trouble breathing
• You have some of these signs of a stroke:
  • component of one`s face droops or is numb
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or trouble talking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You cough up blood.
• Your leg or arm feels warm, tender, and debilitating. It could appear red and swollen.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.

Further info

Always ask with your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on these pages applies to a personal circumstances.