There are different types of bypass surgeries and the cardiac surgeon will decide on the one depending on the numbers of arteries that are blocked.
Higher the numbers of arteries that are blocked, greater are the chances and risks of heart failure, heart attack and other kinds of cardiac problems. When blockages are found in more numbers of arteries the process of surgery becomes complex and time taking.
When plaque starts building up on the walls of the artery, the artery becomes narrow. As a result, the flow of blood to the heart becomes restricted. The muscles of the heart become exhausted when they do not receive the amount of blood needed for proper functioning. This might lead to heart failure. In this kind of situation, the left ventricle is most affected and this is the heart’s primary pump. Heart bypass surgery is recommended when the coronary arteries become excessively narrowed and blocked. The risks of heart attack increase manifold times in such occurrences. This health condition is known as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease. When the blockage or damage is not possible to be cured by medication or other kinds of treatments, bypass surgery is the only way out.
A cardiologist and his team of doctors will identify the various symptoms and determine whether you need bypass heart surgery or not. There are some conditions in which carrying out the surgery might become complicated and hence the plan is eliminated. Some of the conditions which might cause complications include:
These issues must be discussed with the doctor before finalizing on the surgery. Inform the doctor on all kinds of medicines that you take along with your family’s medical history. Surgeries, which are planned and done are usually more successful than the ones which are done in emergency situations.
What are some of the risks associated with coronary heart bypass surgery?
Like any other kind of surgery, bypass heart surgery comes with its own risks. There have been many medical and technological advancements, which have helped in improving the surgical procedure and the chances of successful surgeries have improved. Still, there are chances of risks and complications after the surgery. Some of the possible complications, which might take place include:
When the doctor suggests that you will need a heart bypass surgery, he will give you complete instructions as what needs to be done and followed. If the surgery process is planned, you will have ample time and opportunity to make the preparations. You might need to visit the doctor for preoperative appointments, where various aspects of the surgery will be discussed. There are also some tests and investigations which the doctor will ask to do before the surgery. These tests include:
Various kinds of medicines are prescribed at discharge after the bypass surgery. Pain management medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is given for keeping the pain to a minimum. Along with this, nitrates, beta-blockers, anti-platelet drugs, ACE inhibitors and lipid-lowering medicines are also prescribed. While some patients might need all these medicines, some might need only selected ones from the list. The doctor will understand your condition and requirements and prescribe accordingly.
Various symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath and high blood pressure will improve after the successful bypass surgery. Though the problem of blocked artery is solved with the surgery, one must take all kinds of preventive steps and measures for keeping future heart diseases at bay. Making healthy lifestyle changes is highly recommended. Talk to the doctor and make the required changes for maintaining a healthy heart after surgery.
Director of Cath lab Latamangeshkar Hospital Digdoh Hills HingnaHead of Cardiology Department
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