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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (Heart Bypass)
Introduction
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly known as heart bypass surgery, is a procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when coronary arteries are blocked or severely narrowed due to coronary artery disease (CAD).
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
CAD occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. This can result in: - Angina (chest pain or discomfort) - Shortness of breath - Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
How Does Heart Bypass Surgery Work?
The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel (graft) from another part of your body (often from the leg, arm, or chest) and uses it to bypass the blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
Indications for CABG
Heart bypass surgery is usually recommended when: - Medications and lifestyle changes fail to control symptoms. - Severe blockages in the coronary arteries are detected. - Multiple coronary arteries are affected. - A patient has diabetes and significant coronary artery disease. - Left main coronary artery is severely narrowed.
Types of Heart Bypass Surgery
- On-Pump CABG - The patient is connected to a heart-lung machine while the surgery is performed.
- Off-Pump CABG - Surgery is performed while the heart is still beating.
- Minimally Invasive CABG - A less invasive option for selected patients.
Risks and Complications
While CABG is a common and generally safe procedure, potential risks include: - Infection - Bleeding - Stroke - Heart attack - Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
Recovery and Lifestyle After Surgery
Post-surgery, recovery includes: - Hospital stay of around 5-7 days. - Gradual physical activity under medical supervision. - Medications to prevent further artery blockages. - Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, smoking cessation).
Conclusion
Heart bypass surgery is a life-saving procedure for people with severe coronary artery disease. However, a healthy lifestyle and adherence to medical recommendations are crucial for maintaining heart health after surgery.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001038
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34882435/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15466654/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2022/10/31/13/02/Key-Takeaways-From-the-2021-Coronary-Revascularization-Guidelines
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Myocardial Revascularization
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/ESC-EACTS-Guidelines-in-Myocardial-Revascularisation-Guidelines-for
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/2/87/5079120
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30165437/
- https://www.heartuniversity.org/guidelines/esc-eacts-guidelines-on-myocardial-revascularization-2018-the-task-force-on-myocardial-revascularization-of-the-european-society-of-cardiology-esc-and-european-association-for-cardio-thoracic-surge/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173339/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.