Chest x-ray

An x-ray of the chest is useful for detecting:

• lung disorders (e.g. chest infections)
• signs of heart disease.

If you are having heart surgery, a chest x-ray will routinely be performed beforehand, and is often referred to during surgery.

Blood test

Before heart surgery, a doctor or nurse will take blood samples – about 30 ml is required.

This information was first published in You and Your Heart - an education booklet for patients, families and friends. © 2006 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service