Heart surgery can trigger a stroke and other serious complications, especially in the elderly, a U.S. neurologist says.

Dr. Jose Biller of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine says stroke is the most common complication of heart procedures.

“Neurologic complications are always a risk with cardiac surgery, especially in older patients who have other health problems,” Biller says in a statement.

Other complications that can follow heart surgery, says Biller, include delirium, central nervous system infections, pituitary gland problems, spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries as well as anesthesia and medication residual effects.

However, Biller advises patients not to be afraid of undergoing cardiac procedures. Many complications are rare, he says, and despite the risks cardiac surgeries generally are highly beneficial and life-saving,

Biller and colleagues examined studies dealing with complications related to cardiac catheterization exams, balloon angioplasties, ablation therapies for heart rhythm disorders, heart bypass surgeries, thoracic aortic surgeries, surgeries for congenital heart disease, cardiac valve surgeries, heart transplants, surgeries for heart tumors and procedures to close a hole in the heart.

The findings are published in the journal Hospital Practice.

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CHICAGO, Nov. 18 (UPI)