Overview
Taking medication, improving diet and regular exercise may help with the condition. Sometimes, these changes aren’t enough to reduce the effects of clogged arteries.
When that is the case, or in the case of previous heart attack episodes or other symptoms of coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend a cardiologist.
A cardiologist specialises in diseases of the heart. The cardiologist will test the cardiovascular system. After a few tests, the cardiologist may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
Testing
Next likely step is to test to find out which arteries are clogged. These tests can show how much the arteries are clogged and whether the heart is damaged.
Surgery
Once the condition is known, the surgeon will decide whether to operate on pump or off pump. On pump means the patient will be placed on a heart-lung machine during surgery. The heart will be stopped and the heart-lung machine will take over the breathing and blood pumping function.
Off pump means the heart will continue to beat during surgery. The area where the surgeon is working will be immobilised by a tissue stabilisation system.
What Qualifies a Candidate for Beating Heart Surgery?
Here are some of the criteria that could qualify a candidate for beating heart bypass surgery:
- Overall health
- Age
- Gender
- Heavy aortic calcification – buildup of calcium deposits on the arteries
- Prior stroke
- Weakened heart muscle
- Carotid artery stenosis – a narrowing of the carotid artery
Your doctor will evaluate your condition and recommend the best option for you.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.