Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?
CABG is a type of heart surgery used to improve blood flow to the heart. It is commonly performed on patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafts it onto the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section.
When can a doctor suggest for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?
Diagnosing whether a person requires CABG typically involves a series of tests and evaluations to assess the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the effectiveness of blood flow to the heart.
You should consult a doctor if:
Persistent or severe chest pain, especially during physical activity, stress, or after eating, could indicate restricted blood flow to the heart. Difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion, could suggest that the heart isn't getting enough oxygenated blood. If you experience intense chest pain, discomfort in the arms, neck, back, or jaw, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, or extreme weakness, you may be having a heart attack, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
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Causes
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Severe Angina
- Multiple Blocked Arteries
Symptoms
- Chest Pain (Angina)
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Heart Attack
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Initial recovery starts in the hospital, where the patient is closely monitored for a few days. Most people can return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, but complete healing and strength may take several months.
CABG treats the symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD) by improving blood flow, but it is not a cure. The disease may continue to progress, so lifestyle changes and medications are necessary to prevent further blockages.
The surgeon uses a healthy artery or vein from another part of the patient’s body (commonly the leg, arm, or chest). This grafted vessel is attached above and below the blocked area of the coronary artery, allowing blood to bypass the blockage and improve blood flow to the heart.
