Is an EKG Necessary for Pre-op Rhinoplasty in a 45 Year Old with No Heart Issues?

EKG testing is routine and non-invasive for patients requesting nose job surgery that are over 40. In my practice, blood work is not indicated in otherwise healthy 40-year-olds, unless the "bleeding questionnaire" raises concerns.

Good luck.

Dr. Joseph

This is a good question!

As others have said, the institutional policy usually dictates what is required.  According to more recent studies of preoperative studies (like labs, EKG, X-Rays, etc), there is usually very little to gain from doing an EKG in a healthy individual with no cardiac history.  On the other hand, if a patient is diabetic, has a history of heart disease (including immediate family members), any history of chest pain or early exertion or similar warning signs, an EKG or even a more extensive workup may be indicated.

For my location, someone who lacks any risk factors or history and is under 55 does not require any studies prior to surgery.  That being said, I do screen my patients thoroughly for these things by reviewing their history, examining them and interviewing them prior to their big day.

All the best to you!

It depends on the policy of the  institution or private clinic you are having surgery.  In the past EKG and blood work was ordered routinely before elective surgery. Recently there has been a move towards ordering lab work when it is  clinically indicated.