Being Young Doesn't Guarantee You're Free from Heart Disease: Learn About CABG Early

By: Dr. dr. Yanto Sandy Tjang, SpBTKV, Subsp.VE(K), PhD, FACC, FACS, FIATCVS, FICS

Many people feel safe from heart disease because they are young, active, and rarely sick. However, blockages in the heart arteries can occur without symptoms. In some people, this condition is only detected during a routine health check-up

Which is why early detection and consultation with a doctor are crucial. If a severe blockage is found, the doctor will determine the best treatment for the patient's condition, one of which may be coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or heart bypass surgery.

What is CABG?

CABG is a heart surgery procedure that aims to create a new pathway for blood flow, bypassing a blocked artery. Doctors use healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body, such as the chest or legs, to create a "bypass," allowing blood to flow freely back to the heart muscle.

What are the Benefits of CABG Surgery?

• Reduces chest pain
• Improves blood flow to the heart
• Improves quality of life
• Reduces the risk of recurrent heart attacks
• Prolongs life expectancy in certain patients

Why is CABG Necessary?

Coronary heart disease occurs when the heart's blood vessels narrow due to the buildup of cholesterol plaque. If left untreated, this condition can cause:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Heart attack
• Heart failure

CABG is necessary if the blockage:

• Occurs in multiple coronary arteries
• Is difficult to treat with a stent
• Has reduced heart function

Who Needs CABG Surgery?

Doctors may recommend CABG for patients with the following conditions:

• Severe narrowing in more than one coronary artery
• Blockage in a major heart artery
• Chest pain that doesn't improve with medication
• History of a previous heart attack
• Decreased heart pumping function

The decision to proceed is always based on the results of tests such as an EKG, echocardiography, treadmill test, or cardiac catheterization.

What is the CABG Surgery Procedure?

Cardiovascular bypass surgery utilizes healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body, such as the chest, arms, or legs. These blood vessels are then connected to the coronary arteries before and after the narrowed or blocked area, creating a new pathway for blood flow to the heart muscle.

The blood vessels used as these new pathways are called grafts. The number of grafts required depends on the severity of the blockage and the number of coronary arteries affected.

The CABG procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Is Heart Surgery Always Minimally Invasive Today?

Advances in medical technology mean that many surgical procedures can now be performed with smaller incisions. This has led to the assumption that all heart surgeries today use minimally invasive methods.
However, not all heart surgeries can be performed with a minimally invasive approach; this depends on the patient's condition. Each patient's heart and blood vessel conditions are different. The doctor will assess various factors, such as:

• Location and extent of blood vessel blockage
• Number of affected vessels
• Condition of the heart muscle
• Other underlying medical conditions

Being Young Doesn't Mean You're Immune to Heart Problems

Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. Interestingly, this condition doesn't always cause obvious symptoms at first.

Factors such as family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate the blockage process, even at a relatively young age.

FAQ

1. How long does the recovery process take after CABG?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient. With good physical condition and minimal comorbidities, recovery is often more optimal. Patients will be advised to return to their normal activities gradually, as recommended by their doctor.

2. Can patients return to normal activities after CABG?

In many cases, patients can return to their normal activities gradually after the recovery period. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups are essential for maintaining long-term results.

3. Are all heart surgeries now performed using minimally invasive methods?

No. The surgical approach to heart surgery is chosen based on each patient's individual condition. In some cases, minimally invasive methods are feasible. However, in other situations, conventional methods are safer and provide optimal results.
 

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