Coronary artery disease is an artery disease in which a waxy material called plaque accumulates inside the arteries that provide oxygenated blood to your heart. A region of plaque can eventually burst, resulting in the formation of a blood clot on its surface. If the blockage is not treated promptly, the section of the heart muscle supplied by the artery begins to damage due to lack of oxygen. This heart damage may remain undetected and result in severe or long-term complications.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical treatment that restores blood flow to the oxygen deficient heart tissue by bypassing obstructed arteries. It results in restoring blood flow to parts of your heart that are not receiving enough blood. The procedure can enhance your heart function and overall well-being, especially if you've recently had a heart attack or are at a higher risk of having one soon.
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Your heart pumps blood throughout your body continuously without any break. Your heart needs blood flow to function properly, which it receives via a network of arteries that loop around it. When tissues in your body do not receive adequate blood flow, a condition known as ischemia occurs. The muscle cells in your heart are particularly sensitive to ischemia, and when it is severe, these cells begin to die. Coronary artery bypass grafting mitigates ischemia by restoring blood flow to the damaged heart muscle.
Coronary heart disease is mainly treated with CABG. Other disorders associated with coronary heart disease include angina pectoris, which is chest discomfort caused by ischemia in your heart, and silent myocardial ischemia, which is heart ischemia without any symptoms.
Coronary heart disease is characterized by a constriction of your heart's arteries caused by the deposition of a fatty, wax-like substance known as plaque. As plaque accumulates on the inside of your heart's arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow. If a section of plaque breaks, blood clots can form and cause blockages in the arteries. These blockages induce ischemia in some areas of your heart, which might result in a heart attack.
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Hospitalisation is essential for major surgeries such as heart bypass surgery. Cardiovascular surgeons are specialists trained in heart surgery who conduct the procedure. You are treated by a team of medical specialists, including cardiologists who specialise in heart issues. Before you enter the operating theater, a medical professional administers a sedative and inserts an IV into your hand or forearm. In the surgery room, you can expect the following:
After leaving the hospital, most CABG patients need to undergo a cardiac rehabilitation program. These programs, also known as cardiac rehabilitation, assist you in recovering and rebuilding your strength following extensive cardiac treatments or events such as heart attack. Cardiac rehabilitation programs include dedicated and highly skilled professionals like nurses, exercise physiologists, nutritionists and dietitians, counselors and behavioral health specialists, and doctors.
Heart bypass surgery is often a safe procedure. The outcomes of these procedures are usually favourable. According to experts, the total success rate of such surgeries is around 98%. However, the success of the procedure is often influenced by factors such as the individual's overall health status. A person's doctor can give them more information about their potential outcomes.
Heart bypass surgery or CABG is done to unblock clogged blood arteries in the heart. It is often safe and can help patients regain the quality of life they had before developing a heart problem. There are several types of coronary artery bypass surgery. The patient's heart specialist may provide the right guidance on which type to choose, as well as what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.
Learn all about heart bypass surgery, including the procedure, recovery process, success rates, and how Artemis Cardiac Care ensures the best outcomes for your heart health. Book your appointment now!
Q1: What is the recovery time after bypass surgery?
A: Recovery varies but typically takes 6-12 weeks. Patients can usually resume normal activities gradually, but strenuous activities may require a longer recovery period.
Q2: What are heart bypass surgery risks?
A: Like any surgery, heart bypass surgery has risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, or complications related to the heart or lungs. However, it is generally safe and effective when performed by experienced surgeons.
Q3: What can I expect immediately after surgery?
A: You will spend 1-2 days in the ICU for close monitoring and another 5-7 days in the hospital. Mild discomfort, fatigue, and swelling at the incision site are common but manageable.
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