Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Not everyone with coronary artery disease needs bypass surgery. Some people can be helped by Reference angioplasty with stents Opens New Window. 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 Reference heart valve disease Opens New Window.
• You have Reference diabetes Opens New Window and two or more blocked arteries.
• Your heart is having trouble pumping. This is called a decreased Reference ejection fraction Opens New Window.

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 angina is affecting your quality of life.

To help you make a decision, see the topic:

Opens New Window Heart Disease: Should I Have Bypass Surgery? Opens New Window

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