The heart relies on the coronary arteries to receive oxygen-rich blood. When these arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis—a buildup of cholesterol, calcium, and fatty deposits—blood flow to the heart is reduced, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, or even sudden death.
In early stages, treatment may involve medication and lifestyle changes. However, when blockage is severe, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG surgery) is often necessary. This procedure restores blood flow by creating a new pathway—a bypass—around the blocked portion of the artery using a healthy blood vessel from the leg or chest.
