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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Not everyone with coronary artery disease needs bypass surgery. Some people can be helped by angioplasty with stents. Others use medical therapy, which involves making lifestyle changes and taking medicines. Some people use both of those treatments. Your doctor is likely to recommend bypass surgery only if you will benefit from it and if those benefits are greater than the risks.
Your doctor may advise bypass surgery if:
- Your left main heart artery is very narrow.
- All three arteries of the heart are blocked or the amount of blood flowing through them is very low.
- Your doctor thinks that bypass surgery will be more successful than angioplasty with stents.
- You also need surgery to repair or replace a heart valve damaged by heart valve disease.
- You have diabetes and two or more blocked arteries.
- Your heart is having trouble pumping. This is called a decreased ejection fraction.
Your choice may depend on the number of arteries that are blocked or which arteries are blocked. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you. The best treatment for you may also depend on your age, your health, and how much your chest pain is affecting your quality of life.
To help you make a decision, see the topic:
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology | |
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