People having "Coronary Artery Disease" (CAD) can avoid heart attack and prolong life by:-

• medications
• diet control
• peace of mind
• physical exercises such as walking
• periodical monitoring/check-up

However for some patients it will be advisable to have bypass surgery to have a better life.

"Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery" is effective in relieving Angina Pectoris which prolongs life many cases. Bypass surgery has been shown to improve survival in patients who have:-

• left main coronary artery disease or
• triple-vessel disease with impaired ventricular function

However, the results of various trials have led some medical/surgical authorities to conclude that many bypass procedures performed are avoidable.

Three factors were associated with a significant survival benefit following surgery:-

• the extent of coronary disease
• the patient's overall medical risk and
• the year of the operation.

Patients with more extensive coronary obstruction treated surgically had the greatest improvement in survival. Patients with a poor prognosis because of factors:-

• other than the extent of coronary obstruction
• older age
• severe angina

had a greater absolute improvement in survival after coronary bypass surgery than those who were treated medically.

Improved survival after surgery is not confined to select subgroups of patients. Therapeutic recommendations must be based on individualized assessment of expected risks and benefits of surgery.

Related reading:-

Angina Pain and Heart Attack
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