What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting CABG?
CABG, commonly known as heart bypass surgery, involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafting it to bypass blocked coronary arteries. This allows blood to flow around the blockage and reach the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply and heart function.
This procedure helps to:
- Improve blood flow to the heart muscle
- Reduce chest pain (angina)
- Lower the risk of heart attacks
- Improve survival in severe coronary artery disease
- Enhance physical activity tolerance and quality of life
What to expect after CABG?
CABG requires a hospital stay, often 5–7 days, including time in intensive care. Recovery is gradual and includes careful monitoring, pain control, and cardiac rehabilitation for long-term improvement.
- Initial ICU recovery with continuous monitoring
- Incision site soreness and bruising
- Breathing exercises to prevent lung complications
- Gradual walking and light activity encouraged
- Several weeks to months for full recovery
