08/02/2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in the number of overall heart surgeries. Unfortunately, it also means a rapid increase in mortality rate, according to recent research and studies. But some of these complications could've been easily avoided with advanced heart bypass surgery in India or other non-invasive heart treatments. But unlike most heart surgeries in which recovery takes a few weeks, complex ones like heart bypass may require several months. But the COVID-19 pandemic has also changed how patients recover from heart surgery.
While recovering from heart problems, patients also have to follow the guidelines and instructions from their surgical team and cardiologists. Hence, it’s also crucial to take precautions against COVID-19, which has proven to be more dangerous for heart patients. Anyone who suffered from a heart attack or underwent a heart procedure requires immediate cardiac rehabilitation. It can help a cardiac patient to recover from heart disease while preventing any further complications. Furthermore, cardiac rehabilitation can also help to strengthen the heart’s ability to get better.
But first, we must understand more about heart bypass surgeries to mitigate the risks associated with them. Read on to know more about this surgery, its types, requirements, risks and recovery process.
What is Heart Bypass Surgery?
Heart Bypass Surgery or Coronary artery bypass graft is performed to enhance the blood circulation of your heart. In this process blood vessels are being taken from other healthy parts of your body to bypass the damaged or blocked arteries. Usually, the blood vessels are taken from your leg, arm or chest area. It results in creating an improved channel for blood flow to the heart muscles.
It not only cures heart problems that cause blockages but also improves the functioning of the heart. Furthermore, it reduces the chances of death due to heart diseases. Hence, we have the best doctors in Jaipur who have vast experience in this field. They have done numerous successful heart bypass surgeries. Improved technology along with their skills work together to bring out the best results.
Different types of Heart Bypass Surgeries
Bypass surgery type usually depends upon a couple of factors. And your cardiologist will decide which surgery has to be performed after examining the number of arteries that are blocked. Single Bypass surgery is performed when only one artery is blocked, double when two arteries are blocked, triple when three, and quadruple when four arteries are blocked.
The more arteries are blocked, the more the chances of heart attacks, failures or other cardiac problems. More blockage also increases the complexity and length of the surgery.
Why do you need Heart Bypass Surgery?
It is a treatment for blocked arteries of your heart. And your doctor will make the final call if
- You're suffering from severe chest pain due to the narrowing of one or more arteries, causing a shortage of blood circulation in your heart muscles.
- The number of deceased coronary arteries is more than one and the left ventricle is not operating well
- You're having an artery blockage that cannot be treated with a procedure involving temporary insertion and inflation of a tiny balloon to widen the artery.
- You had a previous angioplasty or a stent to hold the artery open that hasn't been successful. Or you had a stent placement before, but your artery has narrowed again.
Also, coronary bypass surgery can be performed in emergencies when there are no signs of positivity to other treatments.
What are the risks involved?
There are always risks involved in open-heart surgery. Though the advancement of technologies has improved the procedure, increasing the successful heart surgery percentage. Still, there are some unavoidable risks. They are:
- Bleeding
- Uneven heart rhythm
- Infections of the surgery area
- Chances of heart attacks if the blood clot breaks after surgery
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Memory loss may occur after 6-12 months of the surgery
How to improve the recovery after Heart Bypass Surgery?
With few extra precautions, you can greatly improve your chance of recovering safely even during this pandemic. Try to:
Avoid Infection: Your body is in a weakened state after surgery and becomes more prone to infections, including COVID-19. Hence, you have to avoid exposure to the virus in the first place by:
- Washing your hands regularly.
- Avoiding contact with people.
- Staying indoors as much as possible.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a face mask.
Follow Rehabilitation: You have to show up for follow-up visits with your Cardiologist or surgeon after surgery. However, you can also take some appointments through telemedicine due to COVID-19. However, you still have to be dedicated to the whole process to ensure your safety.
Eat healthily:
Healthy eating will help your body heal faster and reduce the chances of complications after surgery. Hence, you have to ensure what you are eating and drinking is heart-healthy, such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, try to avoid foods high in salt, sugar and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.