Cardiovascular diseases affected the lives of 17.9 million people worldwide in 2016,
accounting for 31% of all deaths. Heart attacks and strokes accounted for the vast majority
of these deaths.
In 2016, India accounted for 63% of all deaths due to non-communicable diseases, with
cardiovascular diseases accounting for 27% of all deaths. These cardiovascular diseases
are also responsible for 45% of mortality in people aged 40 to 69.
The heart, the most vital organ of the body, is required to pump blood throughout the body,
for which it requires a steady flow of blood. This is provided by the coronary arteries. These
arteries can thin and harden as people age (a condition known as atherosclerosis), leading
to several cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases are treated differently based on the type of underlying heart
condition. The most common surgical procedures for cardiovascular conditions are
angioplasty and CABG.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a conventional medical procedure for treating cardiovascular diseases. In this
procedure, your doctor opens up a blocked or narrowed artery around the heart.
Doctors do not need to do significant surgery during an angioplasty procedure because a
tiny incision in the leg, arm, or wrist is sufficient. The process takes around an hour and is
less intrusive.
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
A coronary artery bypass graft is surgery that removes an arterial blockage. The procedure
is performed by grafting segments of healthy blood vessels from other sections of the body
to increase the blood flow.
When numerous coronary arteries have been blocked and constricted, a CABG is helpful.
Although it is an intrusive procedure, its complications are rare.
Angioplasty or CABG: which is right for you?
A doctor will decide whether you need CABG or angioplasty according to your body's
needs.
Your cardiologist will decide about the procedure based on the severity and extent of your
cardiovascular disease, your symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, a function of the
heart, history of medication, surgical history, history of diseases such as diabetes, prior
episode of stroke, or heart attack.
For instance, to discover how they differ-
● Angioplasties should be considered when one or two coronary arteries are narrowed,
but CABG should be considered when three or more major coronary arteries
constrict severely.
● Angioplasty is recommended when a patient has a small blockage and no other
medical issues, and past medication and lifestyle adjustments have failed to help.
● CABG has a prolonged recovery period and a higher risk of complications than
angioplasty. However, some research suggests that CABG is a more successful
treatment choice for those over 65 years, especially those with diabetes.
Before making a choice, discuss both angioplasty and CABG with your cardiologist to gain a
better understanding of the benefits and risks.
