Reversed T Waves During Surgery

I am a 58 year old female who recently underwent major surgery (Gastric Bypass). During the surgery my T waves reversed. The tests done before surgery showed my heart to be fine.They kept me on a heart monitor the following 4 days that I was in the hospital and everything remained normal. The Cardiologist asked me the usual questions associated with a prior heart attack, and to my knowledge I have never had any problems. They want to do testing soon to try and discover what could have happened. The Cardiologist said it could have been the anethesia as It was a
5 1/2 hour surgery. I am going to follow up with the Cardiologist on this, but in the meantime I would like to know your thoughts and if you also agree that it could have resulted from the anethesia. If so what happens in the future if I need major surgery again?

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Bobbon,

You experienced some changes on your electrocardiogram during surgery. It is possible that the anesthesia may have played a role, however it could be that your heart experienced a period where parts of it were not getting enough blood flow. This could be the result of blockages in the heart arteries. Though you had normal tests prior to surgery this could still be possible. I would suggest follow-up with your cardiologist, it is likely that he/she would like to perform more tests to evaluate your heart for blockages.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE