HelloMD.com: CORONARY ARTERY
BYPASS SURGERY
The heart muscle gets its blood and oxygen
through the coronary arteries, which surrounds it. Coronary artery
bypass surgery is done to improve blood flow in these arteries. When
these arteries are blocked, the heart does not get what it needs.
The result can be angina or a heart attack.
During surgery, the bypass may be done with part
of a vein from your leg (saphenous vein), with an artery from your
chest (internal mammary artery), or from your wrist (radial artery).
After the bypass is done, blood flows around the blocked coronary
artery and again takes blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. If part
of a vein is taken from you leg, this will not bother blood flow in
that area or your ability to walk.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (CABG)
INCISIONS
To get to your heart during
surgery, an incision is made in the center of the chest. It runs from
below the neck to below the breastbone (Sternum) The breastbone is
then cut apart. After surgery, the breastbone is put back together by
wires. These stay in your chest forever, even after the breastbone
heals.
The incision in your skin is
sewn together and covered with a bandage. You may notice a swelling or
lump on the top of your chest incision. This is common and will slowly
go away.
Incisions are painful for a few
days and may also itch or feel numb & remain sore for a few weeks, but
there are ways to get relief. Be sure to let your nurse know if you
are in pain. As you move around and get out of bed after surgery, you
will find that the incision bothers you less.
BE KIND TO YOUR BODY
If you have a few days or weeks
to get ready for heart surgery, this is the time to take very good
care of yourself, Plan to :
- Eat well
- Rest between activities
- Walk or do the exercise allowed by your
doctor.
- Quit smoking
EAT WELL
Try to eat a variety of healthy food
each day even if you aren't hungry. It's important for your body to
get enough vitamins and protein. Eating well speeds healing, and you
will be less tired after surgery.
REST
Don't let yourself get too tired
before surgery. The more rested you are, the stronger your body will
be. If visitors or phone calls tire you, tell your friends that you
need more rest at this time. They will understand.
EXERCISE
Walk or do whatever exercise your
doctor suggest. This helps to relax your body and tone the muscle. It
is less tiring to walk on flat surfaces at an east pace. Stop any
exercise if you notice signs of your heart problem.
SMOKING
Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes
etc.) causes damage to the heart and lungs. It :
- Narrows the coronary arteries and smaller
blood vessels.
- Makes the heart beat faster
- Raises blood pressure
- Makes more mucus in the lungs.
So "Not smoking" is one of the
best things you can do for your body before any kind of major surgery.
Stopping for even a short time helps. You will breathe better, and
your heart won't have to work hard.
Ask family and friends not to smoke when they
are with you. When wanting a smoke, do something else with your hands.
Go for a walk; get busy or do handwork.
Learn to relax. Plan time to be alone. Just sit
and listen to the sound of your breathing. read a book. listen to
music.
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