10 Complications of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery is an important procedure. It is mostly done to replace damaged arteries in your heart muscles. To do this, the surgeon takes less important blood vessels from the body. Next, the doctor places them on the heart as a replacement. This ensures a reduction in heart attack risks and other cardiac conditions. The surgery is usually done after your cardiologist notices damaged or blocked arteries. It’s important to get the surgery as soon as possible. This is because arteries transport oxygenated blood throughout your organism. The less efficient they are, the more problems you have. Every organ or body part needs oxygen. Even a slight decrease in needed oxygen may lead to problems. These are fatigue, organ failure, heart attacks, and other problems. In worst cases, this can lead to death if the problem isn’t noticed right away. Now, this is open heart surgery, meaning it’s one of the riskiest medical procedures out there. Although it is a standard one, this surgery may carry possible complications. They aren’t frequent, but can still happen. It’s important to know them when you or your loved ones undertake this procedure. Here are the ten most common complications of heart bypass surgery.

Bleeding

We all know that the heart is an organ that regulates blood flow within the entire organism. So, during Coronary bypass surgery, bleeding is possible. It’s very rare, and replacement artery is tested for holes, cracks, and other causes. This all helps in ensuring maximum safety and blood flow efficiency. If it occurs, doctors will be able to localize the damage in a matter of seconds. Keep in mind that bleeding can only happen during the surgery itself. There is no possible risk when it comes to having your chest sewn back together. Surgeons won’t close you until they’re absolutely sure everything is okay.

Heart rhythm irregularities

Such arrhythmias are possible as the type of blood flow within the organism changes. As the heart pumps blood into clogged or damaged arteries, it may take some time for it to get used to the new system. It will pump blood in irregular rhythms. This process compensates for the newly-acquired amount of space in the vessels. Sometimes, you may feel irregular heartbeat signs or unusual sensations within your chest. Don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon or cardiologist. They will determine whether the problem is a serious one or it will pass with time.

Infections of the chest wound

Since coronary artery bypass surgery takes place during the opening of the chest. So, it’s known as a sensitive procedure. It’s pointless to mention that it takes place in a completely sterile environment. At this time, not even single bacteria should be able to exist. During the surgery, the risk isn’t too bad. During the intensive care period is when you may encounter the risk of having a slight infection. You will notice it by slight redness or irregular scabbing. If it does happen, you can get it diagnosed by nurses or a doctor that checks your status.

Slight memory loss

Your body is a mechanism of habit. It functions by getting used to certain ways of functioning. When you change something up, your brain will be the first to respond to it. With improved blood flow, your brain will take some time to get used to it. This may mean slight trouble remembering things from the distant past. We still don’t have an exact scientific explanation about why this happens, but it’s very rare. Even when it occurs, the condition is very temporary and doesn’t affect your life in a major way.

Thinking clearly

This complication may be the result of the immense shock you’ve survived. The sheer thought of your chest is wide open and your ribs cut is a terrifying one. One consequence of that shock may be that you won’t be able to think very clearly for the next few days. It’s no problem, as your main job is going to be to relax. You will have weeks of rest on your hands, so there is no need to worry. By relaxing and getting your life back on track, you will recover from the experience. You will be a better and healthier version of yourself.

Blood clots

Blood clots may appear in certain cases, but the notion of them wreaking havoc on the organism is very rare. This is due to the immensely rigorous tests that are being conducted on an hourly basis. There are rare cases when the clot goes unnoticed, and it may lead to cardiac arrest and even death. This was a case in the past when monitoring of patient health was quite less. Nowadays, every single aspect of your organism is put under a test. On the basis of the result of the test, you get to know if you’re fit for surgery.

Low-grade fever

Fever, as we all know, is not something bad itself. It’s a defense mechanism the body used to combat all sorts of unknown occurrences in the body. While the surgery takes place, the body temperature rises. This is a basic complication. It’s your body getting used to some big changes. Having blood vessels changed within your body is not a small thing to try. Your organism will most likely get a shock. Don’t worry, it will go away in a few hours, or you can treat it with medicines given to you by the nurses.

Strokes

Strokes were rare after coronary bypass surgery even before. Now, they’re almost non-existent. It can only happen in cases where the patient’s existing health isn’t assessed. There isn’t a concrete scientific explanation for the connection between these two aspects of the organism. Some say that this is due to the change in blood flow. Also, people who live unhealthy lives respond badly to such drastic changes. It engulfs the entire organism.

Heart attacks

This is quite simple, but deadly, isn’t it? Heart attacks after coronary artery bypass surgery are usually due to the existence of blood clots. Cases, when this happens, are very rare and it’s usually the result of a multitude of factors. It usually occurs when people already have narrow blood vessels. Heart attacks occur due to high cholesterol. It also happens when they face existing problems with obesity or hereditary diseases. All such aspects are inspected by doctors. If you aren’t fit for surgery right away, you can improve your health by taking careful measures.

Dizziness

Dizziness isn’t necessarily a complication, but it’s surely an unwanted effect. The entire way the blood flows through your organism changes. Your mind needs more time to adapt to it. Due to this, you shouldn’t move too much or partake in physical activity in the weeks following surgery. The responsible thing to do would be to rest and relax. You should expect the dizziness to pass with the help of easy walks and breathing fresh air. Oxygen refreshes the brain. It should only help you when recovering from this complication.