Borderline EKG. Am I able to proceed with Rhinoplasty under GA?

Question

32 year old seeking revision rhinoplasty. Not on any medications and no history of any medical conditions. No history of chest pain etc. Active, fit female with good BMI. Blood work and urine analysis came back normal. Had an EKG and it was borderline. Showed DELAYED PRECORDIAL R WAVE PROGRESSION. Am I able to proceed with surgery under general anesthesia?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

You should have a preoperative clearance with either your primary care doctor or a cardiologist to make sure the EKG finding is ok. Your rhinoplasty surgeon wouldn't typically be able to make that assessment.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Borderline EKG and surgery? Yes IF you receive clearance from your internist or cardiologist after an examination . This happens often and should be cleared not by a surgeon but as stated above.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The EKG results are likely computer generated by the machine. But I would still recommend a cardiology clearance prior to having your surgery. Best of luck with your procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's best to get clearance from your cardiologist or primary care physician before undergoing general anesthesia with an abnormal EKG. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will also need to look that EKG prior to the surgery.

Borderline EKG. Am I able to proceed with Rhinoplasty under GA?

Answers (4)