Understanding Your Heart, Chest and Surgical Care
Learn what cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons treat, what to expect from an assessment and how to discuss your care options with a specialist.
What These Specialists Do
Care for Conditions of the Heart, Blood Vessels and Chest
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons assess conditions affecting the heart, major blood vessels, lungs and other structures within the chest. Patients may be referred for concerns such as heart valve disease, blocked heart arteries, diseases of the aorta, lung conditions or chest injuries. A specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history and test results to help determine whether surgery, another procedure or continued monitoring may be appropriate. They also work with other healthcare professionals to plan treatment and support recovery.
Areas of Specialist Care
Heart Surgery Assessment
GSCTS-affiliated professionals may assess heart valve problems and coronary artery disease, explain relevant surgical options and help patients understand the next steps in care.
Thoracic Surgery Assessment
Specialists may evaluate conditions affecting the lungs, chest wall and other structures in the chest, using clinical findings and imaging to guide treatment discussions.
Aortic and Vascular Assessment
Patients with conditions involving the aorta or other major blood vessels may receive specialist assessment to discuss the need for monitoring, further tests or intervention.
From Referral to Recovery
1
Seek Advice and Arrange a Referral
2
Meet Your Specialist and Plan Care
3
Receive Treatment and Follow-Up
What to Bring to Your Surgical Consultation
- Referral letter from your doctor
- Recent clinic notes and discharge summaries
- Details of previous operations or procedures
- Records of heart, lung, and other ongoing conditions
- Allergy and adverse reaction information
- Relevant family medical history
- ECG and echocardiogram reports
- CT, MRI, or chest X-ray reports and images
- Cardiac catheterisation or angiography results
- Recent blood test results
- Pulmonary function test results, if available
- Names and doses of prescribed medicines, supplements, and herbal products
- What is my diagnosis, and are more tests needed?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the benefits and risks of each option?
- How should I prepare if surgery is recommended?
- How long might I stay in hospital and recover?
- Who should I contact if symptoms change?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a cardiovascular or thoracic surgeon?
Many specialist consultations begin with a referral from a doctor who can share your medical history and test results. Ask your chosen hospital or clinic about its appointment and referral requirements.
What happens during a surgical consultation?
The surgeon will discuss your symptoms, review your records and test results, and assess whether surgery or another approach may help. You can ask about the proposed plan, risks, and next steps.
Will I need more tests before a treatment decision?
You may need additional imaging, heart or lung tests, or blood tests to clarify your diagnosis and assess your overall health. Your clinical team will explain which tests are relevant to you.
Does seeing a surgeon mean I will need an operation?
No. A surgical evaluation helps determine the most appropriate care. Depending on your condition, options may include monitoring, medicines, a procedure, or surgery.
How are treatment options chosen?
Your team considers your diagnosis, symptoms, test results, general health, and preferences. Ask them to explain the expected benefits, possible risks, and alternatives for each recommended option.
How should I prepare if surgery is recommended?
Follow your hospital's instructions about medicines, eating and drinking, and preoperative tests. Arrange practical support for your hospital stay and return home, and tell your team about any change in your health.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
Recovery varies with the procedure and your health. Your care team can explain your likely hospital stay, activity restrictions, wound care, and when you may return to usual activities.
What symptoms should I report during recovery?
Contact your care team if you develop a fever, worsening wound pain or redness, new breathing difficulty, or symptoms that concern you. Seek urgent medical attention for severe chest pain or serious breathing problems.
Will I need follow-up appointments after treatment?
Follow-up visits help your team check healing, review medicines and test results, and adjust your care plan. Before leaving hospital, confirm when and where to attend and whom to contact with questions.
Phone
For general patient information, contact GSCTS through your hospital or care team.
Address
For urgent symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or call your local emergency number.