Heart surgery in the United Kingdom
More than 30,000 people have heart surgery in the United Kingdom each year. Understanding the benefits and the risks associated with different types of heart surgery is important for all patients.
This website provides important information about the rates of survival for patients who have had certain types of heart surgery at different surgical units across the UK. It also provides general information about different operations, the benefits of having heart surgery, and details about what to expect after you have had an operation.
The website was developed by the Care Quality Commission, the independent watchdog of health and social care in England, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland and patients who have had experience of heart surgery to help people who need heart surgery to make informed choices about their care and treatment. The Care Quality Commission is committed to driving improvement in the quality of both the NHS and independent healthcare services and to making sure that patients are at the centre of everything we do.
How to use this information
Patients who need heart surgery may find it useful to discuss the rates of survival for particular surgeons or hospitals with their GP, surgeon or cardiologist before making a decision about their care and treatment.
For more information about how to interpret the information on this site go to information for patients.
What it can't tell you
Your own chances of surviving a heart operation. This is dependent on your individual circumstances such as your age, general health and lifestyle.
We may extend the scope of this website in the future to cover other areas of heart disease and, possibly, other types of disease. We welcome your feedback about how useful you have found the information on this website.