I am 61, type II diabetic with an abnormal EKG for at least 15 years...shows possible ST depression and some Q waves. 5 yrs ago did nuclear stress test, echo...all just fine. Now I want to get mommy make-over and Cardiologist and she wants same nuclear stress test and echo repeated I understand the concern...but IF these tests are normal again, do you think I will have trouble being approved?
September 8, 2015
Answer: Medical clearance Thanks for your question. Abnormal ekg's are not uncommon, but they have to be looked at as only one part of the bigger picture about a patient. If these abnormalities are unchanged over the last decade then you will most likely be cleared for surgery. Next we usually ask patients about symptoms and exercise tolerance. The problem with a diabetic patient is that sometimes the symptoms of heart disease can be missing. ( ie no chest pain ) So in an effort to make sure that this elective surgery is as safe as possible I would agree on having a stress test to rule out any significant heart disease. Once all of that is done then your plastic surgeon has to decide if they are willing to proceed. Having operated on hundreds of diabetic patients over the years the cardiac risks are usually not the problem. We know that wound healing and skin breakdown are a much greater risk than non-diabetic patients. Therefore I do treat these patients a little different so as to minimize these risks. Good luck.
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September 8, 2015
Answer: Medical clearance Thanks for your question. Abnormal ekg's are not uncommon, but they have to be looked at as only one part of the bigger picture about a patient. If these abnormalities are unchanged over the last decade then you will most likely be cleared for surgery. Next we usually ask patients about symptoms and exercise tolerance. The problem with a diabetic patient is that sometimes the symptoms of heart disease can be missing. ( ie no chest pain ) So in an effort to make sure that this elective surgery is as safe as possible I would agree on having a stress test to rule out any significant heart disease. Once all of that is done then your plastic surgeon has to decide if they are willing to proceed. Having operated on hundreds of diabetic patients over the years the cardiac risks are usually not the problem. We know that wound healing and skin breakdown are a much greater risk than non-diabetic patients. Therefore I do treat these patients a little different so as to minimize these risks. Good luck.
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September 6, 2015
Answer: Abnormal EKG and mommy makeover If you have been cleared by her cardiologist it depends on if your plastic surgeon elects to proceed with the surgical services for you. In my opinion, with a clearance from cardiology and no change in the last 5-15 years you should be able to proceed.
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September 6, 2015
Answer: Abnormal EKG and mommy makeover If you have been cleared by her cardiologist it depends on if your plastic surgeon elects to proceed with the surgical services for you. In my opinion, with a clearance from cardiology and no change in the last 5-15 years you should be able to proceed.
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