A heart bypass, also called a coronary bypass, is a surgery which allows blood to flow to the heart even though arteries are blocked. This procedure is done to correct some of the problems of Coronary Artery Disease and, in most cases, it is a life saving procedure. While the obvious benefit of this procedure is a heart that functions better, there are some other things you should know about the procedure.
Risks
There are numerous risks of heart bypass surgery, the most serious of which is death. However, most of the complications of the surgery are very rare. According to the National Institutes of Health, heart rhythm problems, infections of the chest and/or wound, post-pericardiotomy symptoms (chest pains and low grade fever), breathing problems, blood loss, blood clots, heart attack and stroke are all risks associated with heart bypass surgery.
Preparing for the Surgery
If your bypass surgery is planned, you will be required to stop taking blood thinning medications; however, this should only be done under the supervision of your doctor. If you smoke, you should stop to minimize the risks of anesthesia complications---plus this will help you throughout your recovery. Your doctor will probably tell you to start on a heart healthy diet, which is a balanced diet meant to minimize the risk of artery blockage.
Procedure
The surgery itself takes place with the patient under general anesthesia. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body, usually the leg, is harvested by the surgeon. The surgeon will then create a new path for blood to flow that closely mimics the blocked path. During the surgery, you may be placed on a heart/lung bypass machine; however, due to advances in medicine, some bypass surgeries are being done without this machine.
Hospital Stay
After your bypass, you will be monitored constantly for the first 12 to 24 hours in a recovery room or Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Once this time is over, you will be moved to a regular room in the hospital for at least 5 to 7 days. During this time, your vital signs and the incision site will be monitored closely. You will also be given after care instructions and will probably begin physical therapy; however, this therapy will be extremely light, as not to harm your healing heart.
At Home After the Surgery
Once you get out of the hospital, you still won't be fully recovered. It will take 6 to 8 weeks for you to recover to the point where you can function normally. Throughout the recovery process, you will probably be required to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program. This focuses on helping you learn ways to cope with your heart condition, including exercises, dietary help and help controlling stress levels.
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