When Heart Bypass Surgery is Recommended?

The most important role of the heart is to pump blood to all cells of the body, and the blood vessels offer a pathway for the blood to travel. The doctor might suggest heart bypass surgery if one or more arteries are damaged or partially obstructed.

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous heart doctor in Delhi, has given crucial information which is utilized to discuss what heart bypass surgery is and when it is recommended. Continue reading for more insights.

What is Heart Bypass Surgery?

A heart bypass surgery is performed to improve the blood circulation of the heart. During the surgery, a heart surgeon takes blood vessels from other areas of the body to bypass the blocked or damaged arteries. The risk of a heart attack and other heart-related issues decreases after this procedure. Usually, the procedure is carried out when coronary arteries become clogged or damaged.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, the doctor may recommend the following:

• Single Bypass Surgery– One artery gets blocked
• Double Bypass Surgery– Two arteries get blocked
• Triple Bypass Surgery– Three arteries get blocked
• Quadruple Bypass Surgery – Four arteries get blocked

To learn more about bypass surgery, one can consider booking a consultation with the best heart surgeon in Delhi, i.e., Dr. Sujay Shad, at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

When Can One Consider Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is advised in situations of severe coronary artery disease. The decision to recommend heart bypass surgery is based on several factors, including:

1. Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A bypass surgery is recommended when there are major blockages or narrowing in coronary arteries, especially if these blockages are impeding blood flow to the heart muscles.

2. Symptoms: If a person with coronary artery disease experiences severe chest pain that is not controlled with medications, despite making lifestyle changes, this may require bypass surgery.

3. Failed Medical Treatment: If lifestyle changes and medications fail to manage the symptoms of coronary artery diseases, surgery would be advised.

4. Heart Function: If the heart’s pumping function is affected due to coronary artery disease, surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and the overall functioning of the heart.

5. Location of Blockages: The location and complexity of the blockages could also play a major role. If the blockages are present in critical arteries or are difficult to treat using less invasive methods such as angioplasty or stenting, bypass surgery could be considered an effective option.

6. Number of Blockages: If there are multiple blockages that are difficult to treat with other interventions, bypass surgery could be recommended.

7. Overall Health of the Patient: The patient's general health and ability to undergo the surgery are important factors. Factors such as the presence of other medical conditions, age, and surgical risks are considered.

One must understand that heart bypass surgery is a major procedure, and the decision to undergo the surgery depends on the surgeon. The surgeon will thoroughly review the patient's medical history, test results, symptoms, and general health before deciding on the surgery.

Who is Not a Suitable Candidate for Heart Bypass Surgery?

One may not be a suitable candidate for heart bypass surgery if they have:

• Pre-existing conditions such as blood disease, heart valve diseases, etc.
• Severe physical disabilities, such as the inability to take care of themselves
• Diseases of other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs
• Advanced illnesses such as cancer, liver failure, or AIDS.

What Happens After a Bypass Surgery?

The patient will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) to monitor the condition. They will still be breathing with the ventilator but could be experiencing some of the heart bypass surgery side effects. This will include pain while breathing, coughing, and at the incision site. These are normal and will become better in a few days. The vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be regularly monitored while the patient is in the ICU for one to two days. The patient will be shifted from the intensive care unit to a regular room once the condition is stable, and from there, they will be discharged in 3 to 5 days.

One can follow these tips for speeding up their recovery process:

• Do not drive for at least six to eight weeks.
• Avoid indulging in intense workouts. Instead, perform cardiac rehabilitation if the doctor has recommended it. Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized workout program that teaches healthy living habits.
• Perform simple household work only when one recovers.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.

The duration of the bypass surgery depends on the patient's overall health and the type of bypass surgeries one has had. To learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a reputed heart specialist at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Besides heart bypass surgeries, he can also be consulted for other heart procedures such as heart transplants, aortic surgeries, heart valve surgery, aortic dissection, etc.

Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The Differences

Imagine if one is out for dinner and suddenly a person sitting next to them clutches their chest and falls from the chair, collapsing to the ground. While many people will say the person suffered a heart attack, others might believe it to be a cardiac arrest. It's common to use the terms "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" interchangeably. However, in actuality, they are distinct, typically with different causes and requiring a different response.

This blog is drafted by taking insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgery doctor in Delhi who practices at a multi-speciality hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. In this blog, he has shared key points about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Along with that, he has also discussed how to recognize each and what to do if someone in our family suffers from one.

Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest are Considered Different

A heart attack occurs if the artery (blood vessel) that supplies blood to the heart tissue becomes blocked. The heart typically continues to beat despite this, which results in a lack of oxygen, the death of cardiac cells, and symptoms like chest pain. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, refers to when the heart stops beating. Heart attacks can sometimes result in cardiac arrest, but there are numerous other reasons why this can happen. When the heart stops pumping the brain and other organs and tissues with blood and oxygen, this is called cardiac arrest. It could be caused by anything that can make the heart stop beating, i.e., some severe heart attacks. Cardiac arrest may also result from a heart attack. However, heart attacks are not the only reason for cardiac arrests.

Most Heart Attacks are Not Associated With a Cardiac Arrest

Although cardiac arrest may occur from a heart attack, most do not. The blockage that results in a heart attack might happen suddenly, but the narrowing of the heart's arteries that leads to the obstruction usually takes place over a longer period of time. High blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle choices increase the risk of the narrowing of blood vessels. When people exert themselves, chest pain is caused by restricted blood flow, which worsens as the narrowing becomes severe. Individuals would experience chest pain if they exerted themselves, which occurs due to restricted blood flow.

Angina indicates blockages but does not involve active damage to the heart muscles. If the pain does not go away, it points towards a heart attack. To seek medical attention from a cardiologist, it would be best to consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India.

What are the Signs of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Following are the symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea or indigestion
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Following are the symptoms of a cardiac arrest:

• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Both Medical Emergencies?

The fact that both cardiac arrests and heart attacks are life-threatening and need medical intervention is one thing they have in common. A heart attack is not like a stroke. Individuals who suffer from a heart attack should always have an ambulance to take them to the hospital instead of driving themselves.

For cardiac arrest, one must ensure that medical help is on the way as soon as possible. CPR, i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should be immediately started and should not be delayed.

Summary

There are several differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs if the blood supply to part of the heart stops and causes a part of the heart muscle to die. A cardiac arrest, however, happens when the heart stops beating altogether. The signs of a heart attack can vary. The primary signs of a cardiac arrest, in contrast, are unconsciousness, absence of breathing, and no pulse. Finally, there are numerous different causes of cardiac arrest, whereas coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks.

So, now that you have understood the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, if one seeks guidance on heart surgeries, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar. Over the years, he has performed several life-saving heart procedures, such as bypass surgeries, aortic surgery, HOCM, heart transplants, and many more. For more details, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi, India today.

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.

When Does a Person Need Bypass Surgery?

 Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of heart-related complications and death. While lifestyle modifications and medications can help manage CAD, there are cases where bypass surgery becomes necessary. 

A leading heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad explains that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure that reroutes blood flow around blocked or narrowed arteries, restoring blood supply to the heart. He further elaborates on the need for getting a well-qualified surgeon to perform this kind of surgery. 

In this blog, we will explore the circumstances in which a person may require bypass surgery.

When Does A Patient Need Bypass Surgery?

• Severe Coronary Artery Disease

The primary indication for bypass surgery is the presence of severe coronary artery disease. When the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, it can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If lifestyle changes, medications, and less invasive procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, are not effective in alleviating symptoms or improving blood flow, bypass surgery may be recommended.

• Multiple Blocked Arteries

Bypass surgery is particularly beneficial when multiple coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed. If three or more major arteries supplying the heart are severely obstructed, bypass surgery is often the preferred treatment. By creating new pathways for blood flow using grafts, such as veins from the leg or arteries from the chest, the surgeon can bypass the blockages and improve blood supply to the heart muscle.

• Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

The left main coronary artery is a critical artery that forms a large portion of the heart muscle. If it becomes significantly narrowed or blocked, bypass surgery may be necessary. The left main artery disease requires prompt attention, as it poses a higher risk of life-threatening events, such as heart attack or cardiac arrest. Bypass surgery can effectively restore blood flow to this vital artery and reduce the risk of complications.

• Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments

Before considering bypass surgery, heart surgeons usually exhaust non-surgical treatment options, such as medications and lifestyle modifications. If these interventions fail to control symptoms, improve blood flow, or prevent further progression of coronary artery disease, surgery may be the next logical step. Bypass surgery can offer long-term relief and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits or invasive procedures.

• Failed Angioplasty or Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures commonly used to treat coronary artery disease. During angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is used to widen the narrowed artery, and a stent (a tiny mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. However, in some cases, these interventions may not achieve the desired results. If the artery re-narrows or if complications arise following angioplasty or stenting, bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow effectively.

Heart Surgery Cost?

Those who want to know the heart surgery cost in Delhi must understand that many factors affect its costs such as: 

• The severity of the condition. 
• Location of the facility. 
• Doctor’s qualification. 
• Doctor’s experience. 
• Doctor’s expertise, etc. 

Importance of a Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery is a vital and highly effective treatment option for individuals with severe coronary artery disease. It becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments and less invasive procedures fail to provide relief or improve blood flow adequately. By creating alternative pathways for blood circulation, bypass surgery restores oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart, reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of life-threatening complications.

If you or a loved one experiences severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms associated with coronary artery disease, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A qualified heart doctor can assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include bypass surgery if necessary.

Remember, each case is unique, and decisions regarding bypass surgery are made on an individual basis after considering various factors. Trust your heart surgeon and his team to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions to safeguard your heart health. If you are looking for the top heart surgeon in Delhi, visit Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, now!

Things to Know On Open Heart Surgery

 A surgical procedure known as "open-heart surgery" involves cutting open the chest to operate on the heart or nearby arteries. Open-heart surgery is performed by cardiac surgeons to treat severe coronary artery disease (CAD), replace or repair heart valves, or correct structural defects in the heart. Although open heart surgery is complicated, the risk of death is very low. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, an experienced heart surgeon who performs open heart surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, shares some valuable information about open heart surgery.

When Would Someone Need Open Heart Surgery?

A CABG could require open-heart surgery. For those with coronary heart disease, a coronary artery bypass graft might be required.

The blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become hard and restricted with coronary heart disease. "Hardening of the arteries" is the term used to describe this condition.

The walls of the coronary arteries become hardened when fatty material deposits itself as plaque. Because of this plaque, blood cannot flow through the arteries easily. A heart attack could happen if the heart's blood flow is compromised.

Additionally, open-heart surgery is performed on:

• repair or replacement of heart valves, which is necessary to allow blood to flow through the heart.
• repair any heart tissue that is harmed or is abnormal.
• medical implants that promote proper heartbeat
• heart transplant: the replacement of a diseased heart with a donor heart

What Kinds of Open Heart Procedures are there?

Open-heart surgery is a term used to describe surgeries in which the heart is accessed through a chest incision in order to perform interventions on the heart or its major blood vessels. Here are some examples of the various open-heart procedures:

• CABG: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The most frequent kind of open-heart surgery is this one. It involves using grafts (blood vessels taken from another part of the body or synthetic grafts) to create a bypass for blood flow around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

• Valve Replacement or Repair

This procedure is carried out to fix or swap out unhealthy or damaged heart valves. The affected valve is removed during the procedure, and either a mechanical valve or a biological valve is used in its place. 

• Heart Transplant

The need for a heart transplant may arise in cases of severe heart failure. The diseased heart is removed during this procedure, and a donor's healthy heart is put in its place.

• Arrhythmia Treatment

Heart irregularities, or arrhythmia, cause irregular heartbeats. During surgery, a pacemaker or an ICD is implanted inside the body to treat irregular heartbeats. Treatments for arrhythmia ablation are now readily available thanks to cutting-edge technology and skilled surgeons.

 

Procedure of Open-Heart Surgery

1. Patients will initially receive anesthesia to put them to sleep.
2. After that, the surgeon will carefully make an 8 to 10 inch incision in the chest.
3. The patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine as soon as the heart is visible to help with blood flow throughout the procedure.
4. A healthy vein, usually the saphenous vein from the leg, will be used to patch up the fractured vein.
5. The surgeon will close the incisions after the procedure.

How Long Exactly Does Recovery from Open Heart Surgery take?

Each person's situation is unique. However, the average length of stay in the intensive care unit is one or two days. One might not be able to eat or drink anything during this time. To help one breathe, they might also need to wear a face mask or nasal prongs. Depending on the patient's health and the procedure they underwent, they will recover differently at home. In order to track one’s recovery, they will also require ongoing care in the form of heart examinations and tests.

When recovering:

• Being exhausted and experiencing some pain are perfectly normal feelings.
• Follow the surgeon’s recommendations for wound care, and keep an eye out for indications of infection, such as redness or discharge, near the chest wound.
• Any potentially serious infection-related symptoms should be treated right away. Breathing issues, fever, and excessive perspiration are symptoms.

For more details on open heart surgery or mitral valve repair  in India, make an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad today at the prestigious Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. 

Heart Bypass Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Procedure, And More

Heart bypass surgery is used to treat a blocked artery bypassing a blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart. The surgeon uses a healthy blood channel from another part of the body to connect to the beginning and end of the obstruction, allowing blood to flow in a different direction. This new channel allows blood to pass through the restricted area, allowing more blood to reach the heart.

Coronary artery disease is treated with heart bypass surgery. Plaque, a waxy substance inside the heart's arteries, blocks blood and oxygen from reaching it. Depending upon the complexity of the surgery the bypass surgery cost in Delhi is determined by the heart bypass surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. Sujay Shad.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, there are four main types of heart bypass surgery:

• Single-bypass surgery
• Double bypass surgery
• Triple bypass surgery
• Quadruple bypass surgery.

 Symptoms of blocked arteries

• Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become obstructed.
• Numerous factors contribute to this, including genetics, lifestyle, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. As the arteries narrow and the heart loses oxygen, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack occur, in which a piece of the heart muscle dies from a lack of oxygen.
• Angina is commonly described as chest discomfort but not constantly uncomfortable. Most patients describe it as an uncomfortable feeling or tightness in the chest, with discomfort in the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or abdomen.
• Some people with coronary artery disease do not experience any discomfort or tightness and may even have a so-called silent heart attack. Women and diabetics are more prone to this.

Why is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery done?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed for two reasons: to ease coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms such as angina and to improve survival when there are significant or many blockages in the heart arteries. When medical treatments such as blood thinners and drugs that relax the arteries, lower the heart rate and lessen chest pain have not been able to improve symptoms of CAD, it is performed either as an emergency procedure after a heart attack or as an elective procedure.

Ideal candidates for heart bypass surgery

The build-up of a fatty material known as "plaque" can constrict or clog the coronary arteries. It is known as atherosclerosis. If a patient has many sites of atherosclerosis, the doctor may advise heart bypass surgery. If a patient has:

• Pain in the chest that does not improve with medication
• Unstable angina
• Had a previous heart attack
• Coronary artery disease: not appropriate for coronary angioplasty or stenting.

Diagnosis

The common route to surgery would generally begin when a patient seems to have chest tightness after walking up a hill that resolves when they stop walking. The doctor may arrange for a stress test in which the patient exercises on a treadmill.

At the same time, the heart is monitored using ultrasonography (echocardiography) or an ECG to look for signs of oxygen depletion (ischemia). If the stress test is positive and there are signs of oxygen starvation, the patient will be referred to a cardiologist, who will perform coronary angiography.

The angiography will assess the degree of coronary disease and whether the patient requires surgery or alternative medicinal therapy.

Before the procedure

Blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest X-rays will be conducted before surgery. Coronary angiography is an X-ray procedure that a physician may use. A special dye is used to show how blood flows through arteries.

Patients will also be informed if any dietary or lifestyle changes, as well as prescription changes, are required before surgery. Inform the doctor about any vitamins or supplements the patient is taking, even if they are natural, in case they increase the risk of bleeding. Patients must also plan for their post-surgery recovery.

During the procedure

Coronary artery bypass surgery is done either open or through an incision in the sternum.

During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel is removed from a body part such as the leg (long saphenous vein), arm (radial artery), or chest (internal thoracic artery). The heart is carefully stopped while the grafts are being generated. During this time, a heart-lung machine mimics the heart and lungs by delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and keeping the blood flowing.

If the artery graft is obtained from the leg or arm, one end is joined to the aorta, and the other end is attached to the coronary artery beyond the obstruction by fine sutures. Blood can now readily reach the heart after bypassing the blocked and constricted region.

If the internal thoracic artery is being used, the surgeon will redirect it by removing one end of it and reattaching it below the blocked section of the coronary artery.

After the surgery, the heart will be restarted, the heart-lung machine removed, and the incision repaired with absorbable sutures. The sternum bone is reconstructed with stainless steel wires that remain in place when the bone heals. They are inert, do not set off metal detectors, and are MRI-compatible after 6–8 weeks.

If one wants to know about this surgery in detail they can consult with Dr. Sujay Shad, Heart Surgery Doctor in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

After the procedure

• When a person wakes up, a tube will be put into their throat to assist them with breathing, and it will be uncomfortable and disturbing, but it is necessary, and within 24 hours, a doctor will usually remove the tube.
• On average, a person will spend around a week in the hospital after surgery, and soreness and night sweats are normal, and patients can expect to cough a lot because there may be some fluid in the lungs.
• Most patients start eating and moving around after removing the breathing tube.
• Platelet inhibitors are routinely used as post-surgery therapy to help prevent blood clots.

Post-operative guidelines

Patients must follow a few post-operative guidelines after surgery, which include:

• Lifting heavy objects, performing rigorous exercises, and driving should be avoided for several weeks after surgery to allow the sternum to recover.
• To alleviate chest pain and avoid blood clots, medications may be recommended.
• While recuperating, the doctor may advise patients to wear compression stockings around the calf muscles.
• Patients should consult the doctor when they notice redness, swelling, irregular heartbeats, palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness.

Patients can treat or prevent the advancement of CAD with lifestyle changes, such as:

• Exercise regularly.
• Consume a low-salt, low-cholesterol diet.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Lose weight if a patient is overweight.
• Control diabetes and high blood pressure.

For more information on heart bypass surgery in Delhi, and how this is performed. Consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. All types of heart surgeries are performed at the hospital in patients of all ages.