Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Anaesthetics
Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic Area: Cardiomyopathy
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 30, 1999 at 14:13:12:
In Reply to: Anaesthetics posted by Kim on March 30, 1999 at 11:18:28:


I am a 49 year old female with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, my ef has gone from 17% to normal although I don't have a normal heart. I am going to have breast implants removed and needed to understand what the different effects general anaesthetics or local anaesthetics may have on my heart? Thank you, Kim

Dear Kim

General anesthetics can depress the heart's function. Local anesthetics in high enough concentrations can also depress the heart's function. Spinal anesthesia is sometimes referred to as local anesthesia, but it really has systemic effects and can also cause cardiac instability. Make sure your anesthesiologist and surgeon both know your history.

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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