Elevated heart rate - My heart rate is at 80 resting. I had tummy tuck surgery Thursday morning.

Question

I'm taking oxycodone and another medication for muscle spasms along with antibiotics, Bromelain and Arnica. Not all at once just when I'm supposed to. Is the elevated heart rate just from the medications and surgery or is this a concern?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your surgery!  Without knowing your heart rate prior to surgery it is difficult to offer definite recommendations, as 80 beats per minute is not abnormal for many people.  Talk to your surgeon about your concerns, they can provide you with reassurance.

Andrew M. Lofman, MD, FACS · Answer

An elevated heart rate soon after surgery often is due to pain. However, there are other reasons such as dehydration, fever, hypovolemia (loss of blood at time of surgery or soon after), pulmonary embolism, Urinary tract infection, etc. you can see that some reasons are much more serious than other reasons. Therefore you must see your surgeon and let them know exactly what is going on so they can properly evaluate and treat you.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

We do not know what your base heart rate was before tummy tuck, though an elevated heart rate can mean many things such as fever, dehydration, or even can be a first sign of pulmonary embolus or PE. If you think you are at all unwell then the right thing to do is call your surgeon immediately.

Elliot Duboys, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A resting heart rate of 80, although not ideal is not abnormal.  You didn't mention what your heart rate was prior to your surgery.  What is your blood pressure?  If you are concerned,  please ask your plastic surgeon, as this is a question that cannot be properly answered on a forum such as this.

Elevated heart rate - My heart rate is at 80 resting. I had tummy tuck surgery Thursday morning.

Answers (4)

Answer: Doubt that it is a concern

Answer: Doubt that it is a concern

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Elevated heart rate - My heart rate is at 80 resting. I had tummy tuck surgery Thursday morning.

Answers (4)

Answer: Doubt that it is a concern

Answer: Doubt that it is a concern

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.