• Risks and Complications of Bypass Surgery

     
     
     
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    More than 95 percent of people who undergo bypass surgery do not experience serious complications.  But, as with any surgery, risks do exist. They include: 
    • Heart attack (occurs in 5 percent of cases)
    • Stroke (occurs in 5 percent of cases, with the greatest risk in people over age 70)  
    • Blood clots
    • Death (occurs in 1 to 2 percent of cases)
    • Chest wound infection (occurs in 1  to  4 percent of cases; most often associated with obesity, diabetes, or having had previous bypass surgery)
    • "Post-pericardiotomy syndrome," symptoms of which are fever and chest pain (occurs in about 30 percent of patients from a few days to 6 months after surgery. Can be treated with medication)
    • Memory loss and loss of mental clarity or "fuzzy thinking" (reported by some patients following bypass surgery)
    • Heavy bleeding and reactions to anesthesia, including difficulty breathing, symptoms that are common with other surgeries
    The condition of your health at the time of bypass surgery can influence your risk and possible complications. Somewhat higher risk is associated with: 
    • Age: People over 70 years old
    • Gender: Women are at slightly higher risk
    • Previous heart surgery
    • Other serious conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease or lung disease