Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery has been done for more than 40 years. In the United States, it is done more often than any other major surgery. But it has some serious risks.
The risks of bypass surgery include:
- Death. Out of 100 people who have bypass surgery, 2 of them will have a serious complication that leads to death, while 98 of them will not.1
- Heart attack. Out of 100 people who have bypass surgery, about 1 will have a heart attack soon after the surgery while 99 will not.3
- Stroke. Out of 100 people who have the surgery, 3 will have a stroke, and 97 of them will not.2
- Too much bleeding. This can lead to the need for a transfusion. This happens in 3 to 5 out of 100 people who have the surgery. This means that 95 to 97 out of 100 people don't have bleeding problems.2
Other risks include return of angina, problems from anesthesia, and infections at the site of the chest incision. Some people also have memory loss and trouble thinking clearly. These problems are most common in older people and tend to improve several months after surgery.
The chances of having a serious problem with bypass surgery are higher if you are older than 70. Your risk is also higher if you have other problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or peripheral arterial disease. Talk with your doctor to find out how your health affects your risk.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network