Coronary artery disease is the descriptive name used for disorders causing narrowing and obstruction of the coronary arteries. Most commonly it is due to atherosclerosis. The cause of atherosclerosis remains unknown, but it is associated with a variety or risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated blood cholesterol. When coronary disease progresses to the point of complete obstruction of the coronary artery a myocardial infarction or heart attack may occur. Coronary artery disease may be asymptomatic until that point or may be associated with angina. The assessment and diagnosis of coronary artery disease is a complex medical evaluation and is essential before any decisions or recommendations can be made about possible surgical intervention.
Coronary Artery Bypass surgery is available for the treatment of coronary artery disease when it has progressed to a dangerous stage. It involves the use of segments of artery or vein from elsewhere in the body to bypass around the narrowed sections to the coronary artery. It generally requires use of the heart lung machine, and the temporary stopping of the heart. The term 'bypass' is commonly used when describing the procedure. Frequently people requiring bypass surgery will require bypass of several coronary arteries.
Coronary artery surgery carries significant risks and the decision to have coronary artery surgery is a major decision.