Coronary
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical technique used to replace occluded (blocked) coronary arteries in a diseased heart. A blocked coronary artery restricts the flow of blood to the heart muscle depriving it of oxygen, which can damage or destroy that area of the heart muscle.
Symptoms of blocked coronary arteries include angina (chest pains) and myocardial infarction. The blocked artery is cut out and replaced with a small length of saphenous vein taken from the leg. Depending on the type of occlusion one or both of the internal mammary arteries can also be used.
Coronary artery bypass grafts are usually performed in patients that feel no relief from their symptoms using drug therapy. Mortality rates of this operation are low and patients usually feel some benefit in their condition immediately after the operation. However, bypass grafting is not a cure for heart disease, preventing blocked arteries is! Promote a healthy lifestyle now and benefit from its rewards later.
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