EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers, and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: How should I prepare for heart surgery?

Dr. Michael Firstenberg, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Hawaii Heart Associates: Heart surgery is a major procedure, but preparing ahead can help ensure a smoother recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Your doctor will go over the details of your surgery and provide any special instructions, including possible changes to your medications. Be sure to follow their guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about the procedure or your recovery.

Take steps to prepare your body in the weeks leading up to surgery. If you smoke, try to quit at least three weeks before your surgery; your doctor can provide support if needed. Eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, and find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, deep breathing, or talking with friends. If you have any dental issues, visit your dentist, as certain infections can delay surgery.

Planning for your hospital stay and recovery can also make the process smoother. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to act as your spokesperson during surgery, relaying updates from your healthcare team to loved ones. Prepare your home by tidying up, stocking up on supplies, and making frozen meals for your return.

Since you won’t be able to drive for a while, set up help for everyday tasks like grocery shopping, pet care, and transportation. Schedule time off work and plan to take it easy after surgery. Lastly, don’t forget to book a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist.

By preparing both physically and mentally, and following your care team’s instructions, you can help set yourself up for a successful heart surgery and recovery. If you have any concerns, reach out to your doctor.

For more information on preparing for heart surgery, including a video walk-through of what to expect on the day of your procedure, visit mauihealth.org/heart.

Q: What are the signs of a stroke?

Casi Saranillio RN, Stroke Program Manager, Maui Health: A stroke is a medical emergency. It’s the fifth most common cause of death in the United States and third in Hawaii. Stroke is the leading cause of chronic disability in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly to get treatment can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term effects.

Use the B.E.F.A.S.T. method to identify a stroke. In stroke, these symptoms come on suddenly and can’t be explained by any pre-existing health conditions.

• B — Balance. Sudden changes to balance, coordination or dizziness.

• E — Eyes. Sudden changes to vision in one or both eyes.

• F — Face Drooping. Does one side of the face droop or sag? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?

• A — Arm Weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm slide back down?

• S — Speech Difficulty. Is the person’s speech slurred or hard to understand?

• T — Time to Call 911. They may be having a stroke!

Other warning signs of stroke can include sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Stroke symptoms start suddenly and require immediate attention. Paramedics can alert the ER and start treatment even before getting to the hospital, so don’t wait, and don’t try to drive yourself — call 911.

Maui Memorial is a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, and we’ve been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke care. We are fully equipped with a specialized stroke team, state-of-the-art imaging for fast diagnosis, and medications and procedures to stop a stroke in progress.

Remember, every minute matters when it comes to stroke. Getting to the hospital quickly can mean the difference between making a full recovery and long-term disability — or death.

Know the signs. Make the call. You might just save a life.

Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center and has been honored with the Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Elite Quality Award from the American Heart Association for our exceptional stroke care performance. To learn more, visit mauihealth.org/stroke.