Stronger Before Surgery: Preparing Your Heart For Joint Replacement Surgery
February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness around cardiovascular health and the steps Americans can take to protect their hearts. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of adults each year. While heart health is often discussed in the context of long-term wellness, it also plays a critical role in something many people don’t immediately consider: joint surgery.
If you’re preparing for a joint replacement procedure—such as knee, hip, or shoulder surgery—your heart health can significantly influence your surgical experience, recovery timeline, and overall outcomes. Understanding this connection can help you take proactive steps before surgery that support both safety and healing.
The Link Between Heart Health and Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery places temporary stress on the body. During surgery, your heart and circulatory system work to maintain blood flow, regulate blood pressure, and deliver oxygen to tissues. After surgery, that same system continues to support healing, reduce inflammation, and fuel your recovery.
Patients with strong cardiovascular health often experience:
- Better tolerance of anesthesia
- Improved circulation to surgical sites
- Lower risk of surgical complications
- Faster recovery times
- Greater endurance during physical therapy
On the other hand, unmanaged heart conditions—such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or poor circulation—can increase the risk of complications during and after orthopedic surgery. That’s why heart health is an essential consideration when planning for joint replacement.
Why Heart Health Is Part of Surgical Clearance
Because your heart plays such a central role during surgery, it is carefully evaluated before your procedure. Before joint replacement surgery, patients complete a pre-operative assessment to ensure they are medically ready.
This evaluation may include:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Heart rate and rhythm evaluation
- Review of medications
- Cardiovascular history screening
- Clearance from a primary care provider or cardiologist, when needed
These steps reduce risk and allow your care team to create a safe, personalized surgical plan. A healthy heart gives surgeons and anesthesia providers greater confidence and gives you peace of mind knowing your body is prepared.
But once your heart health is evaluated, the next important question becomes: what can you do to strengthen it before surgery?
Preparing Your Body Before Joint Surgery
While much attention is placed on recovery after surgery, preparing your body beforehand can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. This proactive preparation is often referred to as prehabilitation, or “prehab.” Simply put, it means strengthening your body before surgery so it can better tolerate the stress of the procedure and recover more efficiently.
Rather than focusing only on the joint being replaced, this approach supports the entire body—especially the cardiovascular system. Improving endurance, circulation, and overall physical resilience before surgery can lead to fewer complications and a smoother recovery.
How Strengthening Your Heart Supports Surgical Recovery
Recovery after joint surgery depends on more than the joint itself. Your heart and circulatory system remain essential throughout the healing process.
A healthy cardiovascular system helps:
- Deliver oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues
- Support incision and wound healing
- Reduce swelling and inflammation
- Lower the risk of blood clots
- Improve stamina during rehabilitation
Patients with stronger heart health are often able to participate more fully in physical therapy, regain mobility faster, and experience fewer setbacks during recovery. Taking steps to improve cardiovascular fitness before surgery helps set the stage for better healing afterward.
Practical Ways to Improve Heart Health Before Joint Replacement
You don’t have to change every aspect of your life to improve your heart’s health before joint replacement surgery. Small, consistent habits can significantly improve how your body handles surgery and recovery.
Stay Physically Active
Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can strengthen your heart without adding extra strain to your joints. Even small improvements in endurance can help your body deliver oxygen more efficiently during and after surgery.
Incorporate Strength and Balance Exercises
Resistance training builds muscle strength that supports mobility after surgery. Balance-focused activities such as yoga or targeted stability exercises can help reduce fall risk during recovery.
Focus on Nutrition
Eating balanced meals that include lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports heart health and tissue repair. Make sure you’re drinking the recommended amount of water, as hydration also plays an important role in circulation and healing.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol before surgery are important measures to take in reducing the chance of complications and improving overall surgical safety. Working closely with your primary care provider ensures your body is in the best possible condition.
Prioritize Rest and Reduce Stress
Getting consistent and quality sleep plays an important role in immune function and tissue repair, both of which are essential before and after surgery. Managing stress through practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle relaxation techniques can further strengthen your body’s resilience and help you approach surgery feeling more prepared.
When it comes to your health, a little goes a long way. Next time you’re cooking dinner or debating whether to stay awake for just one more episode, remember that those small habits today can make a meaningful difference in how your body heals tomorrow.
A Whole-Body Approach to Joint Surgery
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, joint surgery is approached with the understanding that successful outcomes depend on the whole body—not just the joint being treated. By evaluating heart health, encouraging patients to strengthen their bodies before surgery, and coordinating care across providers, the focus remains on safety, comfort, and long-term recovery.
This comprehensive approach helps ensure patients are physically prepared before surgery and supported every step of the way, from pre-operative planning through rehabilitation.
Preparing for Joint Surgery Starts Before Surgery Day
If you’re considering joint replacement surgery, now is the perfect time to think beyond the procedure itself. Supporting your heart health through consistent physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and open communication with your healthcare team can help reduce surgical risks and improve recovery.
During American Heart Month, it’s a helpful reminder that heart health impacts nearly every aspect of your well-being—including how your body handles surgery and heals afterward. Strengthening your heart before joint surgery can help you feel more confident, recover more comfortably, and return to the activities you love sooner.