Heart Bypass Surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon creates a bypass around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, allowing increased blood flow to the open grafts beyond the blockage to supply blood to the heart muscles. If other immediate treatments fail, the surgery may be performed as an emergency treatment for a heart attack.
Individuals who undergo this surgery or those who are recommended to get it have numerous questions on their minds. One such common question is: what would be the life expectancy after a heart bypass surgery?
This blog is being drafted to answer this question and explain the factors that would determine the life expectancy after this surgery. The information is being gathered from the insights of the expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad, to make this a valuable guide for the readers. The post will also include why getting this surgery is essential in the first place and in what situations the doctor advises the surgical procedure. Let’s begin by learning the importance of getting heart bypass surgery.
Why is Heart Bypass Surgery Essential?
The heart has three major coronary arteries. Over time, fatty deposits can form on the inside of these arteries, resulting in Coronary Heart Disease and decreased blood flow to the heart. When this occurs, one may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack.
The number of blocked coronary arteries determines whether the patient has single-, dual-, or triple-artery disease. Heart bypass surgery is used to relieve the symptoms of coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of having a heart attack.
When Would Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Advice?
If one has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise one to have coronary artery bypass surgery:
- A blockage in the left main coronary artery. This artery carries a lot of blood to the heart muscle.
- The main heart artery is severely constricted.
- Severe chest pain is caused by the narrowing of several heart arteries. The narrowing reduces blood flow to the heart even during light exercise or rest.
- More than one diseased heart artery and the lower left heart chamber aren't working correctly.
- A heart artery blockage that cannot be treated with coronary angioplasty. A balloon attached to the tip of a thin tube called a catheter is used to widen the artery. A small coil known as a stent is typically used to keep the artery open.
- An unsuccessful angioplasty with or without a stent. An artery, for example, narrowed again after stenting.
How Long Will One Live Following Bypass Surgery?
While the answer will differ for each individual, there is good news in general: patients who have CABG or heart bypass surgery can and often do live long, healthy lives afterward.
Those who successfully complete a heart bypass and survive the first month of recovery have a survival rate comparable to the general population. And they're doing it with significantly improved heart function!
However, listening to the cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and other medical providers is key to living a healthy life. One has worked hard to repair the heart; now it's time to keep it in top condition.
What are the Results of Heart Bypass Surgery?
Most people feel better after recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. Some people have been symptom-free for years. However, the graft or other arteries may clog in the future. If this occurs, one may require another surgery or procedure.
The long-term outcome is determined by how well one controls blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is critical to take the medications exactly as prescribed.
What Are the Lifestyle Changes To Keep The Heart Healthy?
Making lifestyle changes can help one manage and even improve heart health. Try the following steps:
- One should not smoke. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk of heart disease and its complications.
- Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consume less sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
- Control the weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease. One should enquire with the doctor about what constitutes a healthy weight for them.
- Exercise. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for heart disease that can be managed with regular exercise. With the doctor's permission, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. The doctor will guide when it is safe to resume exercising after surgery.
- Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Adults should sleep for 7 to 9 hours per day.
Conclusion
Although most people recover well from heart bypass surgery, it is important to remember that the procedure does not treat the underlying coronary heart disease. As a result, it is critical to take care of the heart by adhering to lifestyle recommendations suggested by the doctor.
In most cases, heart bypass surgery can save a person's life. However, one should have this surgery only after consulting with an experienced heart surgeon. The surgeon will guide one the best about the surgery. One can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, home to the best heart surgeon. Make an appointment if one wants to learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi or have any concerns about the procedure.
The doctor and insurance experts at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, can help you get details on this surgery cost and if this is covered in insurance. Contact for more details!
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