Cardiac bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure that is intended to improve blood flow to the heart by establishing a new path or a bypass around the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This surgery is usually required for patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that nourish the heart muscle. Let’s understand more about this surgery requirement.
Who Requires Cardiac Bypass Surgery?
1. Severe Coronary Artery Disease
The primary indication for cardiac bypass surgery is coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries. When these arteries are blocked, the heart muscle does not get the oxygen-rich blood it needs, which can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Those patients who have had several attacks of angina, particularly when they are at rest or when they are performing light work, may be suitable for bypass surgery.
2. Failed or Inadequate Results from Other Treatments:
Bypass surgery may also be advised if other treatments, including lifestyle changes, medications, or other minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent placement, cannot help to relieve symptoms or if the blockage in the artery is too extensive or too intricate for these treatments to work. For instance, where there are several blockages in large vessels or where the blockage is in an area that cannot be reached by a stent, bypass surgery may be the only solution.
3. Left Main Coronary Artery Disease:
People with blockage in the left main coronary artery, which is responsible for supplying a major portion of blood to the heart, are advised to undergo bypass surgery. This artery is very important for the proper functioning of the heart, and any obstruction to this artery greatly increases the risks of a heart attack. In such circumstances, CABG is considered the initial treatment to re-establish the blood flow to the damaged heart muscle.
4. Reduced Heart Function:
Certain patients with reduced heart muscle function, usually resulting from prior heart attacks or chronic coronary artery disease, may need bypass surgery to enhance the circulation of blood in their body. This surgery allows blood to be supplied to areas of the heart that were previously deprived, which may enhance the general functioning of the heart and decrease symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
5. Diabetic Patients with Extensive CAD:
Diabetes patients are at a higher risk of developing severe coronary artery disease because the plaque formation in their arteries is faster than in other people. Diabetic patients with multiple blockages are better off with bypass surgery than with stenting or angioplasty in the long run.
6. Emergency Situations:
Cardiac bypass surgery may be done during an emergency, for instance, when a patient is having a heart attack that cannot be treated in any other way or when the condition of the patient deteriorates quickly. In such circumstances, surgery is the only way to reopen the blocked arteries and save the heart muscle from more damage.
What to Expect from Cardiac Bypass Surgery?
Cardiac bypass surgery usually entails the use of a blood vessel from another area of the body, such as the chest, leg, or arm, to form a new route through which blood can circulate around the affected artery. It is often done under general anaesthesia, and the patient may have to be hospitalised for about one week. Recovery may take several weeks to months, depending on the general health of the patient and the type of surgery that has been performed.
When to Seek Help
If you or a family member is having symptoms of coronary artery disease like chest pain, shortness of breath, or increased risk of heart attack, it is advisable to seek the services of a cardiologist. Some of the best Cardiologists in Bangalore are found at Apollo Hospital Bangalore to evaluate your condition and advise you on whether you need cardiac bypass surgery or any other treatment.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a necessary intervention for patients with severe coronary artery disease, multiple lesions, or complex arterial conditions that cannot be resolved with medications or less invasive procedures. It is also crucial for patients with left main coronary artery disease, reduced left ventricular function, and CAD associated with diabetes. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease and ensure that one gets to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you or someone close to you is having symptoms of heart disease, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Don’t wait until it is too late to take control of your heart health by booking an appointment with Apollo Hospital Bangalore and being attended to by some of the best Cardiologists in Bangalore.
