What is a common complication following heart surgery?

A common complication following heart surgery includes infection, bleeding, or arrhythmias due to the invasive nature of such procedures. During heart surgery, incisions are made in the chest, and the heart may need to be temporarily stopped and connected to a heart-lung machine, which can lead to various complications.

Infection is a significant risk because the surgical site and the introduction of foreign materials (like stents or grafts) can serve as a potential entry point for bacteria. Bleeding can occur during or after the procedure due to the disruption of blood vessels or coagulation problems. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can arise from changes in the heart's electrical conduction system caused by surgery, manipulation of heart tissues, or scarring.

While other options like weight gain, airway obstruction, or chronic fatigue could occur in the postoperative period, they are not as directly associated or prevalent as the complications of infection, bleeding, and arrhythmias in the immediate postoperative period following heart surgery. These specific complications are critical to monitor and address during the recovery phase to ensure optimal healing and prevent further medical issues.