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Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What can I do to prevent my arteries narrowing?

To help prevent your arteries narrowing you can take medicines and make lifestyle changes. That way you may not need surgery to treat your coronary artery disease.

Explanation

If you have coronary heart disease then it's not possible to reverse the damage that has already taken place.

If your symptoms don't change much (stable angina) then you may be able to control them using medicines and lifestyle changes.

Medicines for angina include:

  • aspirin
  • ivabradine (eg Procoralan), a medicine that reduces your heart rate
  • beta-blockers (eg atenolol, bisoprolol)
  • long-acting nitrates (eg isosorbide mononitrate)
  • calcium-channel blockers (eg nifedipine)
  • potassium-channel activators (eg nicorandil)
  • statins (eg simvastatin)

These medicines aren't suitable for everyone, so your GP will advise you which is best for you.

To keep your heart healthy and to prevent your condition from worsening you should:

  • give up smoking
  • reduce your blood pressure if it's high
  • reduce your cholesterol levels
  • maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet
  • stay active

Your GP will be able to help you with suitable changes you can make to keep your heart healthy.

Further information

Sources

  • Angina. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 11 April 2008
  • Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2004, Heart Information Series Number 10. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Angina. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. http://cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 April 2008
  • British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54:84; 106-116: 140
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My doctor says that I may be able to have 'off-pump' CABG. What is this?

'Off-pump' CABG (OPCAB) is an alternative technique to traditional CABG that doesn't require you to be connected to a heart-lung (bypass) machine.

Explanation

In a normal CABG operation your heart is stopped using medicines or an electric shock. Your heart and lungs are then connected to a bypass machine that takes over to add oxygen to your blood and maintain your circulation.

OPCAB is an alternative technique where only part of your heart is stopped and the rest carries on beating.

OPCAB is just as effective as a normal CABG but has a lower risk of complications such as heart attack.

OPCAB operations are shorter than normal CABG operations and you may recover quicker from an OPCAB.

Further information

Sources

  • Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). January 2004, Interventional Procedure Guidance 35. www.nice.org.uk
  • Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2004, Heart Information Series Number 10. www.bhf.org.uk
  • Hannan EL, Wu C, Smith CR et al. Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: differences in short-term outcome and in long-term mortality and need for subsequent revascularization. Circulation 2007;116:1145-1152. http://circ.ahajournals.org
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Since my CABG I have been feeling depressed. Is this normal?

Yes. Feeling depressed or anxious is a perfectly natural reaction to having major surgery.

Explanation

After your surgery you may find that you feel depressed for a few days. This is a perfectly natural reaction and you may even find that you experience a range of emotions, from being happy that the operation is over to being sad that it will take time to recover.

It's a good idea to have someone stay with you for the first two weeks to keep you company. If you live alone then it should be possible to arrange extra care visits.

When you get out of the hospital you should notify your GP so that he or she can provide you with any care that you may need.

Further information

Sources

  • Coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. British Heart Foundation, 2004, Heart Information Series Number 10. www.bhf.org.uk
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

 

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