How to Determine If Coronary Bypass Surgery Is Needed

Coronary bypass surgery is needed when medication and a change in lifestyle haven't relieved your symptoms. It may be necessary to have surgical intervention if the narrowed arteries are a potential heart attack in the making. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is the process of grafting a healthy blood vessel from either the chest, leg, abdomen or arm to provide needed blood flow around the diseased portion of the heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Nutritionist
• Cardiologist

Know the Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

1. Recognize chest pain that manifests with pressure and tightness is a possible symptom of blocked arteries. The pain may be present in conjunction with a stressful activity or emotional excitement.
2. Know that shortness of breath is a classic symptom that the heart is not working efficiently. Coronary bypass surgery may be required to provide adequate circulation around clogged arteries.
3. Understand that a heart attack can occur without any obvious symptoms. A coronary artery bypass may be needed as intervention to prevent future heart attacks from blocked arteries.
4. Realize your cardiologist may determine coronary bypass surgery is needed when less invasive procedures are inadequate. Angioplasty and stent replacement may be used without success, requiring invasive intervention.
5. Expect a severely diseased left main coronary artery to be enough criteria to determine the need for a coronary artery bypass. This artery is essential in providing blood to the left ventricle.
6. Determine if coronary artery disease is life-threatening through a series of tests. Unless the patient is actively having a heart attack, many tests may be ordered to evaluate if CABG is needed. Tests may include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a stress test with the addition of a nuclear agent to better view the arteries, ultrasound of the heart, cardiac catheterization and high-speed CT scanning.

Evaluate Cause of Symptoms

7. Understand the affect high blood pressure has on coronary artery disease. One of the major components in the threat of a heart attack is having high blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure is crucial for reducing the chances of a heart attack.
8. Stop smoking to reduce stress on the circulatory system of the body. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen the blood is able to carry throughout the body.
9. Know that elevated cholesterol levels and a poor diet often go hand-in-hand in increasing the possibility of coronary artery disease. Some cholesterol is produced by the body, while other cholesterol is a result of diet. Your cardiologist will determine if medication is needed to lower your cholesterol level.

Tips & Warnings

• See a qualified nutritionist for help in dietary planning.