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by Devin Mudge, M.D.
More than 300,000 people have open heart surgery every
year. Most of these have coronary artery blockage which
is best treated by coronary artery bypass (CAB). Many
patients have the same questions and I'll try to answer
some of them.
Why do I have coronary heart disease?
There are many risk factors including family history,
fatty diet, diabetes, and smoking. Some people develop
problems even though they try to live healthful lives.
There are many causes and scientists don't know all the
answers. |
Why didn't my doctor find it before?
Unless you have symptoms, cAD is hard to find. There are
some tests which can give clues but they all have limitations.
A normal ECG is not a sign that your coronary arteries
are normal. Some people don't have many warning signs.
Is there other treatment?
Yes, in some cases. People with mild disease can benefit
from strict diet and exercise. People with limited blockages
might be candidates for angioplasty. However, if there
are a lot of blockages or problems in critical spots;
surgery is the safest way to go.
Does surgery cure the disease?
No. The risk factors that you have going into surgery
come out with you. CAB is an excellent long-term solution,
but more blockages can develop in other arteries or in
the new bypass grafts. It's still important for you to
live a healthy life.
What are the risks?
The average chance of dying from CAB is less than 3%.
If your problem is found early, and you haven't had much
heart muscle damage, you are at much lower risk. If you
are having a heart attack or have had lots of muscle damage
your risk might be 10 times higher.
How long will it take to recover?
It's a big operation. We have developed techniques that
speed recovery like smaller incisions and early walking,
but it's not like having your ears pierced. Even so, you
will be able to eat, walk, and go places once you are
released from the hospital. People recover at different
rates but one of the goals of the surgery, besides keeping
you alive, is to return you to a normal active life.
Remember, we don't recommend heart surgery lightly. It's
a major life event. You can be sure, however, that the
indications and techniques are carefully defined and time
tested. We'll take good care of you.
Dr. Mudge is a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
Dr. Mudge did his Internship and Residency in General
Surgery and Cardiothoracic at Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Mudge works at Inland Cardiothoracic
Surgical Associates, San Bernardino, CA. Their number
is (909) 881-1614. |
