Pre-surgery heart checkup checklist at Livasa Mohali: what you need to know

Preparing for heart surgery can feel overwhelming for patients and families. This detailed guide explains the cardiac pre op process at Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Mohali, outlines the standard pre op tests for CABG and other heart procedures, and provides a practical checklist of documents, medications, and arrival instructions so you are confident and prepared for surgery in Mohali, Punjab. For appointments call +91 80788 80788 or book online: Livasa Hospitals appointment.

Introduction

Heart surgery preparation in Mohali and around Punjab begins well before the operating theatre. The goal of a comprehensive pre-operative cardiac evaluation is to reduce risks, optimize medical conditions, and ensure the surgical and anesthesia teams have the information needed for a safe operation. At Livasa Mohali our cardiac team uses standardized protocols tailored to the patient’s condition—whether the planned procedure is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, or device implantation. Cardiac pre op includes clinical assessment, focused investigations such as electrocardiogram and echocardiography, laboratory testing, and consultations with cardiac anesthesiologists and surgeons.

Ahead of surgery, patients and caregivers should understand what tests are typically required, which medications should be continued or stopped, and practical matters such as documents to bring, fasting instructions, and arrival timing. This is particularly important for CABG patients because CABG is one of the most commonly performed open-heart procedures in India and in tertiary centres across Punjab. Being informed reduces anxiety, lowers complication rates, and contributes to faster recovery.

In this article we cover everything from the typical pre op cardiac tests list Mohali to the step-by-step checklist used by the heart team at Livasa Mohali, local logistics for patients traveling from Mohali and nearby areas, cost considerations, and frequently asked questions. Every section includes practical tips and alternatives so you can plan effectively.

Why a pre-surgery heart checkup is important

Undergoing heart surgery without a thorough pre-surgery check can increase the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, heart rhythm disturbances, kidney dysfunction, and respiratory problems. A comprehensive pre-operative cardiac clearance Punjab aims to identify modifiable risks before the operation and to optimize medical therapy. For example, uncontrolled diabetes, poor lung function, anemia, or active infection can be addressed preoperatively to improve outcomes.

Global and national statistics emphasise the importance of optimal preoperative care. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, responsible for roughly 17.9 million deaths annually. India bears a significant portion of that burden; ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of mortality across Indian states, including Punjab. In urban India, coronary artery disease prevalence estimates range from 6–10% depending on age and risk factors. These figures underline why careful preparation and standardised pre-op assessment are essential.

At the individual level, a focused cardiac pre op can:

• Clarify the heart’s condition—echocardiography, ECG, and angiography define anatomy and function.
• Identify comorbidities—kidney function, anemia, diabetes, and lung disease are screened and treated.
• Reduce perioperative risk—adjusting medications and treating infections lowers complications.
• Plan for anesthesia—anesthetic risk is assessed so the team can choose the safest plan.
• Educate patients and families—pre-surgery counselling improves compliance and discharge planning.

Timely pre-op checks are especially critical for patients coming from Mohali and nearby regions like Chandigarh or Zirakpur, where early intervention and clearance at Livasa Mohali minimize last-minute delays and improve surgical scheduling.

Common pre-op cardiac tests and what they show

Every cardiac centre has a protocol but most share a common set of investigations used to evaluate surgical readiness. Below is a practical pre op cardiac tests list Mohali with the purpose and typical timing for each test. These tests are commonly ordered before CABG or valve surgery at Livasa Mohali, and they form the backbone of the cardiac pre-op assessment.

Additional tests that may be required depending on age and comorbidity include pulmonary function tests, carotid Doppler (if neurovascular risk is suspected), dental review (to clear oral infections), and specialized blood tests. For patients scheduled for CABG, the phrase pre op tests for CABG Punjab often refers to this comprehensive panel plus cross-matching for blood units if transfusion might be needed.

At Livasa Mohali the cardiac team coordinates these tests through a single pre-op visit whenever possible, reducing visits for patients traveling from Mohali and surrounding localities. If you have recent test reports from another centre, bring them — the team will review and advise if repeats are necessary.

Step-by-step cardiac pre-op checklist at Livasa Mohali

Livasa Mohali follows a structured pre-surgery pathway to ensure every patient receives consistent, safe care. Below is a step-by-step checklist that mirrors the hospital’s approach and helps patients know what to expect. Use this as a printable checklist for heart surgery preparation Mohali.

• Initial cardiology consultation: Clinical history, review of symptoms, medication list, and baseline physical examination. This visit usually initiates the testing plan.
• Diagnostic tests ordered: ECG, echocardiogram, coronary angiography or CT coronary angiogram (if needed), blood tests, chest X-ray, and others as indicated.
• Pre-anesthesia evaluation: Cardiac anesthesiologist reviews cardiac function, airway and comorbidities, and discusses anesthesia plan and risks.
• Optimization of comorbidities: Diabetes control, blood pressure management, anemia correction, and treatment of infections. Livasa Mohali coordinates internal medicine consultations if necessary.
• Consent and counselling: Surgeon discusses the procedure, alternatives, expected recovery, and potential complications. Families are encouraged to ask questions and understand ICU planning and rehabilitation.
• Blood arrangement and cross-match: If transfusion is likely (e.g., CABG), the blood bank arranges units and performs cross-matching. Patients are advised to bring donor details if using replacement donors.
• Pre-op physiotherapy and education: Respiratory physiotherapy, incentive spirometry training and early mobilization planning to speed recovery after surgery.
• Final review and surgery scheduling: Final pre-op tests are reviewed 24–48 hours before surgery and a target time is confirmed. Patients receive arrival instructions.

For patients seeking pre-operative cardiac evaluation Livasa Hospitals Mohali, the hospital provides a streamlined appointment booking process. If you live in Mohali, Chandigarh, or Zirakpur, scheduling can usually be completed within a few days when surgery is elective. For urgent or emergency cases the team prioritizes rapid assessment and operative planning.

What to bring and medications to stop before surgery

Knowing exactly what to bring for bypass surgery Mohali and which medicines to stop reduces confusion on the day of admission. Below is a comprehensive list of documents, personal items, and medication guidance commonly used by the cardiac team at Livasa Mohali.

Documents and items to bring

• Photo identification (Aadhar card, passport, driver’s licence)
• Hospital referral letter and previous medical records, including prior angiogram or echocardiograms
• List of current medications (name, dose, timing)
• Recent blood test reports and imaging CDs if available
• Insurance documents and authorisation (if applicable)
• Contact information of next of kin and responsible family member
• Comfortable clothing and essential toiletries (avoid valuables)

Medications commonly modified before heart surgery

Medication management is individualized; do not stop any drugs without direct instruction from your cardiologist or surgeon. Typical guidance includes:

• Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel): Often stopped 5–7 days before CABG to reduce bleeding risk, but may be continued in other scenarios—follow hospital advice.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, NOACs): Warfarin is usually stopped several days prior with INR monitoring; direct oral anticoagulants are often stopped 24–72 hours depending on renal function.
• Diabetes medications: Oral hypoglycemics may be withheld on the morning of surgery; insulin management is adjusted with sliding scales—coordinate with the endocrine/anaesthesia team.
• ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Some surgeons advise withholding on the day of surgery—discuss with your team.
• Beta blockers: Often continued unless contraindicated because they protect against heart rhythm problems.
• Herbal supplements: Stop these 1–2 weeks before surgery due to bleeding and interaction risks.

Because each patient’s medication plan varies, Livasa Mohali provides a documented list of pre-op medication instructions at the pre-anesthesia visit. If you are unsure which medications to stop, call the cardiac pre-op team at +91 80788 80788 before making changes.

Preparing physically and mentally for heart surgery

Preparing for heart surgery includes both practical physical preparation and mental readiness. Studies show that prehabilitation—targeted physiotherapy, respiratory exercises, and nutritional optimization—can shorten hospital stays and improve outcomes. At Livasa Mohali the cardiac rehabilitation team offers pre-surgical advice tailored to the patient’s fitness level.

Key elements of physical preparation:

• Quit smoking: Smoking increases wound and lung complications; quitting as early as possible, even a few weeks before surgery, reduces risk.
• Improve nutrition: Adequate protein and calorie intake supports healing. If underweight or malnourished, the dietician will provide supplements.
• Exercise as tolerated: Gentle, supervised walking and breathing exercises improve lung function and circulation.
• Respiratory training: Incentive spirometry and chest physiotherapy reduce post-op pneumonia risk.
• Control chronic conditions: Work with your team to stabilise diabetes, blood pressure and kidney function prior to surgery.

Mental preparation is equally important. Anxiety and depression are common in patients awaiting heart surgery and can affect recovery. At Livasa Mohali patients meet a counsellor or cardiac rehabilitation nurse who:

• Explains the surgical steps and ICU pathway in simple terms
• Discusses realistic recovery timelines and expectations
• Teaches relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce perioperative stress
• Helps families plan post-discharge care and rehabilitation

Practical advice for caregivers: arrange transportation and an escort for surgery day, prepare the home for post-operative mobility needs, and ensure a clear contact chain for updates during surgery and ICU stay. For patients in Mohali, Livasa Hospitals provides local guidance on nearby accommodations for families travelling from other parts of Punjab.

Comparing surgical approaches and pre-op differences

There are several approaches to heart surgery—each has different pre-op implications. The two broad categories are minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and traditional open-heart surgery (median sternotomy). Choosing an approach depends on the patient’s anatomy, the surgeon’s assessment, and the specific cardiac condition. Below is a table comparing the approaches with benefits and recovery considerations, and how pre-operative testing may differ.

At Livasa Mohali the cardiac team—supported by advanced imaging tools such as OCT and IVUS in the cath lab—selects the approach that optimizes safety and outcomes. For example, minimally invasive techniques offered at the centre reduce recovery time and are an excellent option for eligible patients; however, the decision for MICS versus sternotomy depends on coronary anatomy, prior surgeries, and the presence of calcified or diffusely diseased vessels.

Cost, insurance and logistics for patients in Mohali

One of the most asked questions is about the cost of pre-op tests for heart surgery Mohali and overall financial planning. Costs vary depending on the complexity of tests, whether advanced imaging is required, and the chosen surgical approach. Typical cost categories include diagnostic tests (ECG, echo, angiogram, blood tests), anaesthesia evaluation, hospital bed and ICU charges, surgeon and anesthetist fees, and post-op rehabilitation.

General guidance (estimates; actual costs vary):

• Pre-op diagnostics: Basic panels and ECG are modest; coronary angiography and CT imaging are higher-cost items.
• Pre-op consultations: Cardiology and anaesthesia evaluations are part of the hospital package or may have separate consultation fees.
• Hospital and surgery: CABG and valve surgery cost depends on implants used and length of ICU stay.

Many patients use health insurance to cover major costs. Livasa Mohali assists with claim pre-authorisation and documentation. For those paying directly, the hospital provides a detailed cost estimate after the pre-op assessment. If cost is a concern, discuss options with the hospital’s patient financial counsellor early in the pre-op process.

Logistics and arrival instructions for Mohali patients:

• Confirm surgery date and arrival time at least 48 hours before admission.
• Plan to arrive with an escort who can stay in the visitor waiting area during surgery.
• Bring original ID, insurance cards, medical records and recent test reports.
• For outstation families we can advise on nearby accommodation; Livasa Mohali is accessible from central Mohali and Chandigarh.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your procedure and health status, contact Livasa Mohali’s cardiac admissions team at +91 80788 80788 or book a pre-operative appointment through Livasa Hospitals appointment. Early financial planning reduces last-minute stress and enables timely surgery scheduling.

Day before and day of surgery: detailed instructions

Whether you are having CABG, valve surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, clear instructions for the day before and the day of surgery help the process run smoothly. These are general guidelines; always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon and anesthesiologist at Livasa Mohali.

Day before surgery

• Complete any final blood tests, ECG, or chest X-ray requested.
• Shower thoroughly the night before; do not apply lotion or perfume on the day of surgery.
• Follow instructions about medication timing—some medicines are to be taken with a small sip of water.
• Arrange for transportation and an escort; verify parking and entry points for Livasa Mohali.
• Pack a small bag with necessary documents and essential items; leave valuables at home.
• If you smoke, avoid smoking on the day of surgery—ideally quit several weeks prior.

Day of surgery

• Arrive at the hospital at the scheduled time—usually 2–3 hours before the scheduled theatre time for admission formalities.
• Do not eat any solid food after midnight unless instructed otherwise. Clear sips of water may be allowed for certain medicines—confirm with the team. This aligns with general fasting instructions before heart surgery Mohali.
• Remove jewellery, contact lenses, and nail polish. Wear comfortable, loose clothing for discharge.
• Consent forms will be reviewed and signed; the anaesthesia team will meet you to explain the plan and risks.
• Family members will be provided with updates and a waiting area; expect an ICU handover and initial family briefing after the surgery.

Once in the operating room, the anaesthesia team will monitor hemodynamics closely. After surgery most patients are transferred to the cardiac ICU for close monitoring and ventilatory support until extubation. Early communication with family is provided by the ICU team. Livasa Mohali ensures that all perioperative steps are explained clearly to the patient and caregivers to reduce anxiety and promote informed involvement.

Frequently asked questions and contact details

Below are common questions patients ask when preparing for heart surgery at Livasa Mohali. If your question is not listed, call our team for personalised guidance.

FAQ

• How long before surgery should I stop blood thinners? This depends on the drug: clopidogrel is often stopped 5–7 days before CABG; warfarin is stopped with INR monitoring. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
• What if my tests show a new problem? Additional tests or specialist consultations may be scheduled to optimise care before proceeding with surgery.
• How soon can I go home after CABG? Recovery varies. Many patients stay in hospital 5–10 days after uncomplicated CABG, with outpatients returning for cardiac rehabilitation. Minimally invasive approaches may shorten stay.
• Are blood transfusions likely? Transfusion need is case-dependent. The blood bank at Livasa Mohali performs cross-match and arranges units as required.
• Can family stay overnight? Visitor policies differ; one family member can usually stay in designated areas. Discuss accommodation needs with patient relations.

For direct assistance with pre-surgery heart checkup checklist Livasa Mohali or to schedule a pre anesthesia check for heart surgery Mohali, contact the cardiac admissions team:

If you or a family member live in Mohali or nearby areas such as Chandigarh and Zirakpur and are preparing for heart surgery, the Livasa Mohali cardiac team is experienced in guiding patients through every step: from pre-surgery counselling for heart surgery Mohali to pre-operative cardiac clearance Mohali Punjab. Early contact allows efficient planning and reduces delays.