If you’re scheduled for surgery, you’ve probably heard your doctor or nurse say: “Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.” But have you ever wondered why fasting before surgery is so important? And what happens if you accidentally drink water before your procedure? Let’s break it down in simple terms. Surgery … Read more
If you or someone close to you has ever been scheduled for surgery, you may have noticed that your doctor orders several blood tests, an ECG, or sometimes even a chest X-ray before the procedure. It’s natural to wonder, “Why are all these tests necessary?” The answer is simple: these tests … Read more
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), hypertension (high blood pressure) is generally defined as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. But what exactly is blood pressure, and why does it matter? Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries—the blood … Read more
Smoking affects much more than just the lungs. It can also harm the heart, blood vessels, immune system, and wound healing. If you are planning to undergo surgery, smoking can increase the risks related to anesthesia and recovery. The good news is that quitting smoking before surgery can greatly improve your … Read more
Recent mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics show a reassuring trend: a child born in the United States in 2024 can expect to live nearly 79 years—an increase of more than half a year compared to 2023, and the highest recorded life expectancy since 1900. … Read more
Surgery is often described as a team effort—but one of the most critical players is the anesthesiologist, the physician responsible for keeping you safe, stable, and pain-free throughout the procedure. While most patients focus on the surgeon, it’s equally important to understand that your safety under anesthesia depends heavily on the … Read more