Are You Being Rushed Into Bypass Surgery? Let Us Discuss the Realities
Just the other day a patient came to us in panic because his cardiologist told him that your heart is blocked and if you don’t go for surgery you might not even reach your home alive. Hearing that can hit you like a shockwave. One minute, you’re just living your life, and then suddenly, a doctor informs you that your arteries are severely blocked and you need bypass surgery immediately. It’s completely understandable to question why bypass surgery is usually the go-to option for patients. Why don’t we hear more about other treatments, such as Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)? This is still the main concern for Dr. Bimal Chhajer and SAAOL Heartcare Delhi and thus he is determined to treat heart blockages with his non-invasive heart treatment program.
While surgical procedures can save lives in dire situations, not everyone with a heart blockage requires a chest sliced open. Data suggests the number of patients undergoing angioplasty in India is approximately 4.5 lakhs(450,000) annually. Research indicates that there has been a consistent increase of 25 – 30 percent every year in coronary procedures over the past several years.
There are fewer well-known, non-invasive options for improving heart function and reducing blockages without surgery. However, most cardiologists scarcely mention them. Is it a lack of awareness, or something else? Let us examine the facts and distinguish between medical needs and medical norms.
What is Bypass Surgery?
Coronary artery bypass grafting, sometimes called bypass surgery, is a type of open-heart surgery. The surgeon takes a healthy vein or artery from another part of the body and connects it to the aorta. This procedure allows the heart to receive the blood it needs by bypassing the blocked coronary artery. As the procedure involves general anesthesia and opening up the chest cavity, it’s pretty complex, and recovery can take months.
For many people, CABG has long been the preferred choice for treating severe coronary artery disease (CAD). But is this usually the case? Let’s look at why bypass surgery is generally the first recommendation.
1) Conventional Method: Although other methods may be available, the surgical technique is considered the only correct approach by the medical field.
2) Prompt Effects: Chest pain and dyspnea can be almost instantly relieved with bypass surgery, which is one of the advantages of this procedure.
3) Bypass surgery had better results than stenting (angioplasty) when considering the five-year survival rates of patients suffering from severe multi-vessel disease.
However, the reality is much more convoluted. Due to the dangers and difficulties connected with bypass surgery, it is vital to consider all available options before making a decision.
Hidden Risks of Bypass Surgery
While CABG can be life-saving, there are several substantial hazards, including:
– High Surgical Risk: Bypass surgery can result in stroke, infection, severe bleeding, and even death in rare situations.
– Cognitive Decline: Post-operative cognitive impairment. Patients with “pump head” frequently have memory loss and difficulties concentrating.
– Not a Permanent Fix: Bypass grafts can re-block over time if lifestyle adjustments and medical therapy are not adhered to strictly.
–Extended Recovery: Patients take between 6-12 weeks to recover, with many of them still not being able to go back to work or perform basic daily tasks for several months.
With these dangers in mind, is it not worth exploring a more non-invasive approach first?
EECP: The Heart Treatment With Little Information
Why is no one talking about EECP more? Even though Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) does not involve any surgical procedures, the most easier choice between EECP or Bypass surgery is without a doubt EECP. It is safer than bypass surgeries and angioplasties, people are still in the dark about it. It is FDA-approved and upholds the patient’s safety. The procedure works by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels that act as natural bypasses. Moreover, specialized cuffs are placed on the patient’s legs which inflate and deflate with their heartbeat. This helps in supplying sufficient oxygen to the heart.
Why EECP Should Be More Widely Used:
- Non-Invasive & Painless: Patients undergoing EECP do not have to go through hospitalization, anesthesia, or surgical procedures that are mandatory in CABG.
- Promotes Spontaneous Improvements: New blood vessels can form around the blockages, thus bypassing them and improving the function of the heart.
- Proven Clinical Benefits: Clinical studies suggest that there is a significant reduction in angina pain, heart function improves, and patients can take part in more physical activities.
- Affordable & Accessible: With the costs of surgeries being so high, EECP presents a cost-effective alternative with great value.
- Minimal Recovery Time: Patients can instantly get back to their everyday lives because there are no intrusive procedures involved.
Who Is EECP For?
EECP is a great choice for those who are not suitable for surgery owing to age or health issues.
– Individuals seeking a non-surgical alternative to improve heart health before contemplating an invasive option.
– Patients who continue to experience angina after stent or bypass surgery.
However, because EECP is not as actively promoted as surgical techniques, many patients are unaware of its existence. Why? Because surgical procedures remain the most common recommendation, typically influenced by medical traditions and budgetary considerations.
Why Do So Many Young People Have Heart Attacks?
Over the years, there has been a disturbing rise in heart attacks from people in their thirties and forties. Most of them have never suffered from any cardiac diseases prior. What is going on with these individuals?
-Elevated stress combined with insufficient rest and minimal physical activities: The combination of high levels of stress, long work schedules, and little to no exercise contributes to early arterial decay.
– Excessive Alcohol and Smoking: These lifestyle factors contribute to atherosclerosis (artery narrowing).
- Unrecognised Diabetes and Hypertension: Many young adults are often unaware that they have silent killers such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which raise the risk of heart attack.
– Processed Foods and Inflammatory Diets: Diets heavy in sugar, bad fats, and ultra-processed meals promote artery inflammation.
This concept emphasizes the importance of heart disease prevention rather than relying solely on treatment once the damage is done.
Should You Be Scared? No. Should You be Informed? Absolutely!
A 90% heart blockage or severe angina does not always require emergency bypass surgery. While some cases necessitate surgical intervention, the decision should be well-informed rather than fear-driven.
What To Do If You Have Severe Blockages:
- Seek a Second Opinion: Before undergoing bypass surgery, consider non-invasive treatments first. LISTEN, you will not die tomorrow! If this is what your doctor told you then NO! Relax, you have all the time for proper treatment and introspection. Consult other doctors.
- Check Your Eligibility for EECP: This therapy may help improve your cardiac condition without surgery.
- Focus on Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, diet, Zero-oil food, and stress management are critical in reversing heart disease.
- Consider Medical Therapy: A combination of drugs and lifestyle changes can occasionally stabilize the condition without surgery.
Bottom Line: You Have Options
If you’ve been told you’ll require bypass surgery, take a moment to ask questions. Do you require an open-heart operation, or are there options like EECP that can help you? Remember what Dr. Bimal Chhajer said “The goal is to make an informed decision rather than a hurried one motivated by fear.
Surgery saves lives when it’s essential. But, if there is a way to treat your heart without going under the knife, shouldn’t you try it? Consult SAAOL doctors who are open to alternative treatments. Your heart—and future—deserve a well-rounded approach to care.