Reasons for Undergoing CABG Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting is an open heart surgery that is performed to treat one or more blockages in the heart arteries that are responsible for supplying the heart muscles with oxygen-rich blood. If a heart artery gets blocked, it can cause chest pain or discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. A blocked artery can also lead to a heart attack.

To provide the readers with a better understanding of the reasons for undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has shared important insights about the same in this blog. Keep reading to learn more.

Who is Eligible for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

The patient is eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting if they suffer from severe coronary artery diseases that are difficult to correct with stent placement or angioplasty. The surgery could be risky if one has the following:

• Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, or lung disease
• Consume a lot of alcohol

Note: The eligibility criteria for various heart surgeries differ from patient to patient and largely depend on their general health, medical history, and medical conditions. To know if you are eligible for a procedure, it is best to consult a heart surgeon. For further queries, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgeon in Delhi, India, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Why Does One Undergo CABG Surgery?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a common procedure that treats severe coronary artery diseases. Here are some of the reasons why one might want to undergo CABG surgery:

1. Severe Coronary Artery Diseases: A heart surgeon recommends CABG for patients with significant blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery. This condition can restrict the blood flow to the heart, lead to chest pain, and increase the chances of a heart attack.
2. Failed Medical Management: If lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments have not been successful in controlling the symptoms of coronary artery disease, CABG may be an effective treatment option.
3. Multiple Blockages: CABG is also chosen when there are multiple blockages in the coronary arteries or if the arteries are located in critical areas. In such a case, the procedure asks for bypassing the blocked arteries with the help of healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body. This helps correct the blood flow.
4. Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: The left main artery is responsible for supplying a large portion of the heart with blood. If this artery gets blocked, it increases the risk of a heart attack. CABG is recommended to bypass the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart.
5. Chronic Stable Angina: Patients with chronic stable angina, a condition that is characterized by recurrent chest pain or discomfort during physical activities, undergo a CABG to relieve the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
6. Emergency Cases: CABG is performed as an emergency procedure after a heart attack if the patient is unstable or if other interventions, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), are not suitable.

Note: One must understand that the decision to undergo CABG surgery is based on a thorough evaluation by a professional. The reasons for undergoing the surgery may vary depending on the medical condition of the patient and their overall health.

How is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Performed?

There are two different methods for performing a CABG surgery. These include:

1. On-pump CABG, which is the traditional way of performing CABG
2. Off-pump CABG is the newer way.

On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Involves Steps As Below:

• The patient will be administered general anesthesia by the heart surgeon.
• A breathing tube will be inserted into the patient's heart to help the patient breathe.
• To drain the urine, a catheter is inserted into the bladder.
• Once the anesthesia starts taking effect, the heart surgeon makes an incision over the breastbone called the sternum.
• The surgeon then cuts the breastbone, and this procedure is called a median (middle) sternotomy (cutting of the sternum).
• Once the sternum is cut, the surgeon opens the rib cage to reach the heart.

To learn about bypass surgery cost in Delhi, book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a well-known heart surgeon, at Delhi’s prestigious hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, today! 

Effect Of Blood Pressure On Heart

The heart is the vital organ of the body and is responsible for pumping blood. But this functionality of the heart relies on a delicate balance of blood pressure to function optimally. Blood pressure, the force exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, plays a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

In this blog, we will explore the effects of blood pressure on the heart and understand the importance of managing it effectively. However, insights for this blog have been taken from Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi.

Effect of High Blood Pressure on the Health of Heart

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

High blood pressure harms the lining of the arteries, which encourages the buildup of fat deposits known as cholesterol. These artery-narrowing plaques raise the risk of heart attacks by decreasing blood supply to the heart muscle.

Heart disease

Long-term hypertension can thicken the heart muscles and reduce their ability to pump blood. When the heart cannot supply the body with the nourishment and oxygen it needs, cardiac failure can result. A heart transplant is a significant method to replace a disease or non-functioning heart with a healthy one.  

Stroke

The risk of stroke can be raised by elevated blood pressure, which can damage brain blood arteries and encourage the production of blood clots. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is compromised, which causes harm to or death of brain cells or failure of heart valve. If heart valves fail to perform their work, then need a heart surgeon’s intervention to repair them.   

Aortic Aneurysm

The aorta, a sizable artery that extends from the heart through the chest and torso, has a balloon-like bulge in it called an aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can rupture or split apart due to the power of blood pumping, which causes blood to flow in between the layers of the artery wall. Once this heart issue occurs, aortic surgery in India is performed by a heart surgeon.  

Effect of Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, lessens the pressure on the artery walls and can lead to insufficient blood flow to organs, including the heart. This may result in:

• Reduced Oxygen Supply

Low blood pressure can prevent the heart from receiving essential nutrients and oxygen due to inadequate blood flow. Long-term oxygen deprivation can damage the heart muscle and affect its functionality.

•  Fainting and Dizziness

Rapid reductions in blood pressure might result in dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting spells. These symptoms could be the result of insufficient blood flow to the brain, which could increase the risk of falls or accidents.

 

Heart Disease Caused by Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure-related heart disease, is a significant medical illness with potentially fatal effects. The arteries providing blood to the heart might narrow or become clogged as a result of coronary artery disease, which can be brought on by persistently high blood pressure. Heart attacks, angina, and even heart failure may arise from this. Due to the damage it causes to the brain's blood arteries, hypertension also raises the chance of stroke. To avoid or control heart disease linked to high blood pressure, it is essential to regulate blood pressure through lifestyle modifications like a good diet and frequent exercise, and in some circumstances, medication.

Managing Blood Pressure

In order to keep the heart healthy, maintaining a healthy level of blood pressure is crucial. A few strategies are given below:

• Regular Inspection: 

Check your blood pressure frequently with the aid of medical professionals or at-home monitoring devices. This will enable you to monitor the state of your blood pressure and take appropriate action if it deviates from the usual range.

• Healthy Lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a substantial impact on blood pressure. This includes keeping a healthy weight, exercising frequently, eating a balanced diet low in salt, avoiding cigarette products, and limiting alcohol intake.

• Medication

In some circumstances, a change in lifestyle is insufficient to control blood pressure. In such cases, heart doctors may recommend drugs to help control blood pressure levels and lower the risk of issues related to the heart.

• Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practising stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

Conclusion:

For heart health, maintaining ideal blood pressure is crucial. Low blood pressure can impair blood flow to important organs, including the heart, putting them at risk for cardiovascular disorders, while high blood pressure puts an undue load on the heart. Individuals can effectively control blood pressure levels and protect their heart health over the long term by adopting a healthy lifestyle, routinely monitoring their blood pressure, and seeking appropriate medical assistance from an expert like Dr. Sujay Shad, renowned heart surgery specialist in Delhi.