Heart attack risk greater right after hip, knee surgeries, study shows

People who have total hip or knee replacement surgery face a greater risk for a heart attack during the first month following the procedure, a new study finds. The chances of a heart attack were more than eight times greater in the first 30 days after total knee replacement surgery compared to people who didn't have the procedure. The risk of a heart attack was four times greater during the month following total hip replacement surgery, the study revealed. But the researchers noted that the findings shouldn't deter people from having these surgeries.