Preparing for Heart Surgery: A Practical Guide to the Weeks Before

Most advice about heart surgery focuses on recovery. Yet the weeks before an operation are just as important, and they are the part of the process patients can influence most. Good preparation can shorten hospital stays, lower the risk of complications and make the first days at home far easier.

What tests will I need?

Expect a series of pre-operative checks, usually one to two weeks before the date. These typically include blood tests (including clotting and kidney function), an ECG, a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram and lung function tests. Some patients also need a CT scan or coronary angiography to help the surgeon plan. An anaesthetist will review your medical history, previous anaesthetics and any breathing problems.

Sorting out your medicines

Share a full list of your medicines with the surgical team, including supplements and herbal products. You may need to stop or adjust some medicines before surgery, including blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs and certain diabetes treatments. Do not make any changes yourself. Follow your doctor’s instructions on which medicines to take and when to stop them.

Why quitting smoking can improve recovery

If you smoke, vape or use shisha, try to stop before surgery. Smoking increases the risk of chest infections and can slow wound healing. Some hospitals advise patients to quit at least two weeks before the operation. Avoiding or reducing alcohol before surgery may also help with recovery.

Prehabilitation: getting fitter before surgery

“Prehabilitation” involves preparing your body for surgery to help with recovery. Your cardiologist may recommend daily walks within safe limits, along with deep breathing and coughing exercises. Eating a healthy diet with enough protein also helps your body heal. 

During Dubai’s hotter months, walk early in the morning, later in the evening, or indoors to avoid the heat. If you have diabetes, good blood sugar control in the weeks before surgery lowers the risk of wound infection.

The dental check people forget

Mouth infections can spread to the heart, particularly after valve surgery. Many surgical teams ask for a dental review beforehand so that any problem teeth are dealt with first.

Practical planning in Dubai

Insurance approval may be required before planned heart surgery, and the process can take time. Contact your insurer and ask the hospital to begin the paperwork early. Keep copies of all reports and approval documents. Before going into hospital, arrange for someone to take you home, help with shopping and drive you to follow-up appointments. 

You will usually need to avoid driving for several weeks after heart surgery, so make sure you have support at home while you recover. Prepare the home too. Put everyday items at waist height so you do not have to stretch or lift, and if you live in a villa with stairs, consider setting up a ground-floor rest area for the first week or two.

What to pack

Loose, front-opening clothes, comfortable slip-on shoes, your medicine list, reading glasses, phone charger and a small pillow to hold against your chest when you cough. Leave valuables at home.

Looking after your mind

Anxiety before heart surgery is normal. Ask for a proper explanation of the operation, the recovery timeline and the risks, and bring a family member to the consultation. Many hospitals offer counselling or patient education sessions; they are worth using.

The day before

You will usually be asked to fast from midnight, to shower with an antiseptic wash and to remove nail polish and jewellery. Some medicines are taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery; others are not. Confirm the plan in writing and keep it with your hospital bag.

Questions for the surgical team

How long will I be in intensive care and in hospital? Which medicines should I stop, and when? Whom do I call if I have questions before the date? What support is there after discharge?

Choosing a surgical team

When comparing the top heart hospitals in Dubai, ask how the hospital prepares patients for surgery. Check whether you will receive written instructions, have a contact person for your questions and access to counselling before the operation.

What pre-surgery support is available in Dubai?

Aster Hospitals provides cardiac surgery services across its Dubai facilities, including Al Qusais, Mankhool, Muhaisnah and Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic in Jebel Ali. For minimally invasive heart surgery, the hospital’s published care pathway includes pre-operative tests one to two weeks before the procedure, advice to stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least two weeks beforehand, a dedicated care coordinator and counselling for patients and their families. Find out more about heart surgery in Dubai. 

Preparing for heart surgery takes more than completing medical tests. Reviewing your medicines, improving your fitness, arranging help at home and understanding what to expect can all make the experience easier to manage. If anything is unclear, speak to your surgical team before the admission date rather than waiting until the last minute. A little planning in the weeks before surgery can help you feel better prepared for the operation and the recovery that follows.