Are you wondering if coronary bypass surgery, aka CABG, can prevent the development of chronic heart failure?
- Heart failure may involve fluid buildup in the legs that needs to be controlled with medication.
- In other cases there is not an issue of fluid buildup, but the patient still needs to take great care to manage the condition.
Coronary Bypass Surgery Preventing Chronic Heart Failure?
“CABG and percutaneous interventions (angioplasty) can in some cases [sic] to preventing CHF in patients who have severe blockages in their coronary arteries that severely reduce blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrition to heart cells by increasing blood flow,” explains Norman E. Lepor, MD, cardiologist and internal medicine specialist Norman E. Lepor, MD, who’s with Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills, CA.
Why can’t CABG prevent congestive heart failure in ALL the patients who undergo this heart procedure?
Dr. Lepor explains, “Patients who do not seem to benefit from CABG or angioplasties to prevent CHF include those with milder disease (fewer blockages, blockages that are not in critical areas such as the ‘widow maker’ and less severe blockages.”
The widow maker refers to the left main artery in the heart, which supplies the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and left circumflex artery. Sometimes, however, this term refers only to the LAD.
If a blockage occurs to the left main artery, a significant portion of heart muscle will be left without oxygen.
If not treated promptly, a victim can suffer a quick death.
Other Ways to Help Prevent Chronic Heart Failure from Developing
How often do you check your blood pressure? High blood pressure is a big risk factor for the development of chronic heart failure.
Ideally, you should check your blood pressure at least once a week, or as advised by your healthcare provider.
Consistent tracking helps manage and reduce the risk of developing chronic heart failure.
Do you smoke? Then quit. Yes, it should be that easy for anyone who knows just how dangerous tobacco is.
While quitting can be challenging, there are many resources available to help, such as support groups, medications and counseling.
It’s important to remember that every attempt to quit is a step towards better health.
Seeking professional advice can provide additional strategies and support.
Do you exercise? No, not housework or walking the poodle, but REAL exercise: structured aerobics and strength training workouts. Get moving.
These three tactics not only fight off chronic heart failure but they also help prevent the need for coronary bypass surgery.
Having performed over 4,000 coronary angiograms and angioplasties, Dr. Lepor has focused on prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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