What does "Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting" mean?
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Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a type of heart surgery used to improve blood flow to the heart. It is often performed on patients with severe heart disease, particularly when the heart's arteries are blocked or narrowed.
How CABG Works
During this surgery, doctors take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and use it to bypass the blocked artery. This helps to restore normal blood flow to the heart muscle, which can help relieve symptoms like chest pain and improve overall heart function.
Recovery and Effects
After CABG, patients are monitored for improvements in their heart health. However, some studies show that one year after the surgery, patients may experience changes in how well their heart fills with blood. These changes can indicate that the heart's ability to relax and fill properly may not be as good as it was before surgery.
Patient Outcomes
CABG is also used in patients who have had other heart procedures. Research has shown that there are differences in health outcomes based on gender. Female patients, especially those over 60, may face higher risks during hospital stays after heart procedures compared to male patients.
Importance of Monitoring
It's important for patients to be closely monitored after CABG. Understanding how their heart is functioning can help doctors provide better care and address any issues that may arise after surgery.