Short answer: maybe not. Age and heart disease don’t automatically rule out safe hernia surgery. It’s worth coming in for an evaluation so we can look at your risks and options.
Why an evaluation matters
Modern surgery is far more adaptable than it used to be. Many groin (inguinal) hernias can be repaired with local anesthesia and light sedation, avoiding a breathing tube and the cardiovascular stress of full general anesthesia. That alone can make repair feasible for people with heart disease who were once told “no.”
What we’d do at your visit
- Review your heart history, medications (including blood thinners), and prior surgeries.
- Coordinate with your cardiologist/anesthesiologist as needed.
- Optimize where possible (blood pressure, rhythm, fluid status, diabetes, sleep apnea).
- Match the approach to your goals—often an open, targeted repair under local + sedation is a good fit for symptom relief with less physiologic stress.
Why consider fixing it now
Planned, elective repair is generally safer than emergency surgery if the hernia becomes trapped. If your symptoms are increasing or the bulge is harder to push back in, repair can restore comfort and activity while risks are controlled.
When watchful waiting is reasonable
If the hernia is small, easily reducible, and symptoms are mild, careful observation is an option. But if daily life is being limited, that’s a strong signal to proceed with repair.
Red flags—seek urgent care
A bulge that becomes painful, firm, discolored, or won’t reduce, or symptoms like nausea/vomiting or fevers, need prompt evaluation.
Bottom line
You’re not “too old” to be considered. Let’s examine you, review your heart status, and design a plan—often without general anesthesia—that balances safety with getting you back to the activities you enjoy.
This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your own clinician about your situation.