What causes CAD?

Coronary artery disease is a result of the excess build up of plaque in the coronary artery. It is a waxy substance, made up of tiny cholesterol particles, that tend to accumulate overtime and stick together to block the artery, thereby restricting normal blood flow. This results in atherosclerosis, which eventually leads to CAD.

When is the right time to see a doctor?

It is usually recommended to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue or chest pain (angina). These symptoms are associated with a wide range of medical issues and may not necessarily mean that you have angina. You will be required to undergo a series of tests for proper assessment and to confirm the diagnosis, depending upon which your treatment will be planned.

Who is at a risk of developing CAD?

The risks of coronary artery disease are significantly high in people who

• Smoke excessively
• Have uncontrolled cholesterol
• Have unmanaged diabetes and hypertension
• Follow a sedentary lifestyle
• Have unhealthy eating habits

Read more

What are the benefits of CABG?

• Effective management of symptoms that were not responding to other treatments
• Better quality of life

• Alleviated risks of serious heart problems, such as arrhythmia
• Addresses multiple blockages simultaneously
• Return to your normal routine

Read more

Is CABG a safe procedure? Coronary artery bypass grafting may be either performed on an emergency basis or the procedure may be pre planned and you will be given a date for the surgery, depending upon the need of the hour. It is an overall safe procedure that can help to reduce the risk of CAD related modality. Although there are certain risks that are associated with any surgical procedure, the benefits of the surgery outweigh these.

Is the procedure painful? It is quite natural to experience slight pain, soreness and discomfort following any surgical procedure and the same goes for coronary artery bypass grafting. This may last for a few days and can be effectively managed with the help of pain medication. If the pain persists, you need to inform your doctor immediately.

Types of CABG

Depending upon the surgical approach, CABG can be broadly classified into the following 3 types:

• Traditional CABG, which is the most common type that involves a large incision and repositioning of the sternum to access the heart. During the surgery, the patient needs a heart-lung bypass machine
• Off-pump CABG, which does involve the repositioning of the sternum but does not involve the use of a heart lung bypass machine. As such the procedure is also known as beating heart bypass grafting
• Minimally invasive CABG, which neither requires a heart-lung bypass machine, nor the repositioning of the sternum. The procedure uses imaging guidance.

Read more

Preparing for CABG

• You will be required to undergo a series of tests for proper evaluation and assessment, that will help the doctors to curate a proper treatment plan and determine which approach will suit you the best.

• You will be required to share your medical history with your doctor
• You need to inform your doctors about all the medicines that you have been taking.
• You need to refrain from eating or drinking anything, starting from 12 hours prior to the surgery

Read more

Procedure involved

• The procedure may last for anywhere between 3 to 6 hours
• You will be given general anesthesia and medication will be started intravenously with the help of drips

• Your vitals will be checked and this will be done from time to time throughout the procedure.
• This is followed by making a large incision on the patient's chest to access the patient start
• The sternum will be relocated temporarily for better access.
• Once the affected area of the artery is exposed, doctors will carefully attach the two ends of the new graph, above and below the blocked section of the artery.
• This will help to create a new passage for the flow of blood.
• The blood will be allowed to slowly flow through the graft.
• Once the doctors make sure that the graft has been 6 properly, the patient's chest will be closed.
• Sometimes, a pacemaker may also be implanted during the procedure, to aid your heart in carrying out its functions till you recover completely

Read more

What follows?

• Right after the procedure you will be shifted to the ICU, where you will be kept under observation

• Once again consciousness you will be shifted to your room, from where you will be discharged within a week, depending upon your overall prognosis
• You may not be allowed to take food and liquids orally for a few hours.
• You vitals will be monitor to make sure there are no complications
• You will also be required to come for regular follow up.

Read more