Coronary artery bypass surgery, commonly known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure designed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel, often from the patient's chest, leg, or arm, and grafting it onto the blocked coronary artery. This creates a new route for blood to flow around the blockage, effectively restoring blood supply to the heart muscle and reducing symptoms associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The need for CABG arises primarily from coronary artery disease, where atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits) narrows the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or more severe conditions like heart attacks. CAD often results from risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms prompting the need for CABG include persistent chest pain or discomfort, especially during physical exertion or stress, shortness of breath, and fatigue. These symptoms occur because the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood due to the blocked arteries. CABG aims to relieve symptoms, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of heart attacks. It is often performed when other treatments, such as medications or lifestyle changes, have not been effective. The surgery can significantly enhance quality of life and prolong survival for patients with severe coronary artery disease.
