What Heart Bypass Surgery Really Like

1. Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to assess your overall health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for bypass surgery. This may include:

* Physical exam

* Blood tests

* Imaging tests (such as an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram)

* Stress test

* Lung function tests

2. Preparing for Surgery

Once you have been cleared for surgery, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare, such as:

* Fasting for 8 hours before surgery

* Avoiding certain medications (such as blood thinners)

* Showering with antimicrobial soap

* Shaving the surgical site

3. The Surgical Procedure

Bypass surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you will be unconscious during the procedure. The surgery usually takes several hours and involves the following steps:

* The surgeon makes an incision in the chest and opens the breastbone.

* The heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine takes over the functions of the heart and lungs.

* The surgeon grafts healthy blood vessels from another part of the body (such as the leg or arm) to the diseased coronary arteries.

* The heart-lung machine is turned off and the heart begins to beat again.

* The breastbone is closed and the incision is sutured.

4. Recovery After Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. You will likely stay in the hospital for several days or weeks. During this time, you will receive:

* Pain medication

* Antibiotics

* Blood thinners

* Oxygen therapy

* Physical therapy

5. Long-Term Outlook

Most people who undergo bypass surgery experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. However, it is important to remember that bypass surgery does not cure coronary artery disease. You will need to make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of future heart problems, such as:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Exercising regularly

* Quitting smoking

* Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol

6. Risks of Bypass Surgery

As with any major surgery, bypass surgery carries some risks, including:

* Bleeding

* Infection

* Stroke

* Heart attack

* Kidney failure

* Death

The risk of these complications depends on your overall health and the severity of your heart disease. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of bypass surgery before making a decision about treatment.