Currently, a vegan and eating healthy such soy, Boca, Morning star, Lightlife products. No process foods,no meats, or dairy. All laboratory tests are good such as CBC, CAT scan,blood pressure 105\65 but a slow heart rate and vitamin D deficiency.
Answer
Patients that are aerobically fit often have bradycardia. There are other medically significant issues that can cause this but it doesn't sound like that applies to you. You can discuss this with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Dr. Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Bradycardia is not a contraindication to surgery or mommy makeover. Many patients with bradycardia have a very healthy heart as a result of running and exercise. Your physician may ask for a cardiac evaluation prior to surgery which is reasonable as your safety should be their utmost concern. Best of luck,
Dr. Christopher J. Morea, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Bradycardia is simply a relatively slow heart rate. Many patients with bradycardia are extremely healthy and the condition can be a sign that the heart is extremely efficient at pumping blood to the rest of the body. But there are times when a bradycardia condition can indicate that the heart is not functioning properly. You may need to have a cardiologist evaluation to know for certain if you are at any increased risk with surgery. Following a vegan diet can be very healthy. But it also can make it difficult to maintain the proper level of protein needed to heal large surgical wounds. I would recommend getting a complete evaluation of your protein levels before having a tummy tuck surgery. This would include checking an albumin, prealbumin, and any other tests suggested by your surgeon.
Dr. William T. Stoeckel, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Having bradycardia is not a problem. If you are concerned and want to be checked out, your surgeon would probably want a note from your family doctor summarizing your overall health and any cardiac-related assessments.
Dr. Martin Jugenburg, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Sounds like you're living a very healthy lifestyle. You should have your bradycardia checked by a cardiologist to make sure that this is not a product of your healthy living versus a problem with your heart. If you get clearance by her cardiologist you should be to have body contouring surgery if a plastic surgeon deems you suitable.
Dr. Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
