Your important part of your body is heart So you must keep your heart in the best condition. But if you develop certain heart conditions, you might have to undergo a heart bypass surgery.
A heart bypass surgery is a very important procedure for treating coronary artery disease. This surgery is also known as coronary artery bypass grafting.
Undoubtedly, the surgery can help you improve your heart health and avoid a lot of health complications. But, despite its significance, there are several myths that surround the surgery. These myths have led to several misconceptions and unnecessary fears among the patients who need this treatment.
Let’s debunk some common myths that you’ll come across when your cardiac surgeon recommends a heart bypass surgery.
Myth #1 – Heart Bypass Surgery Is The Last Option
People around you might force you into believing that your doctor has recommended heart bypass surgery only because it’s a last resort. However, it’s not true and it’s fairly possible that other alternatives have not failed yet.
Your surgeon will only recommend a coronary artery bypass grafting when timely intervention is needed. If your doctor tries every option and waits until the last moment to perform surgery, it can be fatal. Waiting for too long can increase your risks and complications.
Myth #2 – Only Elderly People Require The Surgery
There is a common belief that bypass surgery is exclusive only to elders. As a matter of fact, even younger adults can face many different types of heart diseases, including coronary artery disease. So, the age-related myth about cardiac surgery is not true.
Any person can require surgery at any point in his life.
Myth #3 – The Surgery Guarantees A Lifetime Cure
There is no denying that bypass surgery is very effective. However, it doesn’t guarantee you a lifetime cure. Your doctor will make you understand the surgical outcomes of your treatment.
You’ll be able to keep yourself healthy after the surgery only if you commit to post-surgery care.
Myth #4 – Bypass Surgery Is The Only Option To Treat Coronary Artery Disease
Another myth that people often believe is that the only way to treat coronary artery disease is to undergo heart bypass surgery. There are many alternative treatments and personalized approaches to help you deal with your condition.
So this treatment is just an option among many other available options. The doctor will recommend you the best choice depending upon your case.
Myth #5 – Recovery After The Surgery Is Quick
If someone tells you that you will recover quickly after surgery, trust us that you’re being misled. It’s important that you set realistic expectations for recovery after undergoing the treatment.
In reality, bypass surgery recovery is a gradual process. You should listen to your doctor and understand what to expect during your recovery phase.
Myth #6 – Bypass Surgery Will Solve All Your Heart Problems
Bypass surgery can only address specific issues related to your coronary artery disease. It’s not a solution for all your heart problems.
So, if someone tells you that all your heart problems will go away after the surgery, don’t believe them! You must build and maintain proper heart health strategies to keep yourself healthy.
Myth #7 – There Is No Need To Make Lifestyle Changes After The Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery can be strongly impactful. But to maintain your heart health for a long time, it’s essential that you develop healthy habits.
All patients should understand that undergoing the surgery will only be beneficial if they make proper lifestyle modifications. It’s a common myth that Bypass surgery acts as a substitute for the requirement of lifestyle changes.
Myth #8 – The Surgery Is Risk-Free
No surgery is entirely risk-free as it carries some degree of risk. Your doctor will make you aware of any potential complications that you might face during your surgery. This information will help you make more informed decisions about your surgery.
Myth #9 – Recovery Means Complete Normalcy
Once you undergo a heart bypass surgery, you cannot return to your normal life immediately. So, it’s important that you manage your expectations and stay patient.
You might have to experience some tough and painful days right after surgery but it won’t be for long. Your body will take its time to heal and function normally.
Myth 10 – All Bypass Surgeries Are The Same
Bypass surgeries differ in surgical techniques. There are several variations. That’s why it’s essential to take advice from a reputed cardiac surgeon. He will make you understand these differences so that your chosen approach matches your specific health conditions.
Myth #11 – Only People With Severe Symptoms Need Bypass Surgery
Some people experience silent heart conditions. These conditions can necessitate a heart bypass surgery. If you believe that you are at risk of developing coronary artery disease, you must visit a doctor regularly.
Your doctor’s early intervention will help you achieve better outcomes even if your symptoms are not very severe.
Wrapping It Up!
Many people with coronary artery disease hesitate in getting a heart bypass surgery done because of several misconceptions. The misconceptions that we just discussed here keep people from making informed decisions.
It’s important to do away with the myths related to heart bypass surgery. The surgery in itself isn’t as mystifying as some myths make it. If you steer clear of these myths, you can easily get on the road to a healthy heart.
Heart bypass surgery is vital to maintaining your heart health and eliminating several heart-related diseases. But it’s important for you to remember that it’s not a magical fix. You’ll be able to stay healthy in the long run only when you make lifestyle changes and care for your health.
