Coronary Artery Disease Requiring Bypass Surgery

Coronary Artery Disease Requiring Bypass Surgery

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Causes of CAD

• Atherosclerosis
  
• Smoking
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Diabetes
  
• Hypertension
  
• Sedentary lifestyle
  

Symptoms of CAD

• Chest pain (angina)
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Fatigue
  
• Heart attack in severe cases
  

Diagnosing CAD

• ECG
  
• Echocardiogram
  
• Stress testing
  
• Coronary angiography
  

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes
  
• Medications
  
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
  
• Stenting (PCI) for selected cases
  

When to See a Surgeon?

• Persistent angina despite medication
  
• Multiple blocked arteries
  
• Weak heart function
  

Conclusion

Surgical intervention can save lives in CAD. Heritage Hospital’s cardiothoracic surgeons are skilled in performing advanced bypass procedures.