Possible complications of a coronary artery bypass graft
Complications can happen during or after a coronary artery bypass graft. Some complications can be serious or life-threatening.
Your doctor will explain the risks to you before the operation. They'll only recommend a coronary artery bypass graft if the risks are lower than the risks of not treating your heart problem.
Wound infection
There's a small chance that the wound in your chest or the wounds where blood vessels were removed could get infected after the operation. This can be treated with antibiotics.
Bleeding
If you have bleeding after the operation you may need more surgery. Some people may need a blood transfusion.
Problems with your heart rhythm
Some people get an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) after having a coronary artery bypass graft. This usually gets better after a few days.
Kidney problems
A coronary artery bypass graft can affect how well your kidneys work. This usually gets better after a few days. It's more likely to happen if you already had kidney problems before the operation.
If it does not get better it can lead to kidney failure, which may need to be treated with dialysis.
Memory problems
It's common for people to find they have problems with their memory after the operation. This usually gets better without treatment after a few months.
Heart attack or stroke
It's possible to have a heart attack or a stroke during or soon after the operation. If this happens you'll need emergency treatment.
Urgent advice: Call your care team if:
You've recently had a coronary artery bypass graft and you have:
- pain or redness around your wound that's getting worse or not getting better (redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin)
- bleeding or pus from your wound
- a high temperature
- heart palpitations, where your heartbeat becomes more noticeable
These could be signs of an infection or problems with your heart rhythm.
If you cannot call your care team then ask for an urgent GP appointment, call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you get sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that does not go away – the pain can feel like squeezing or pressure inside your chest, burning or indigestion
- you get pain that spreads to your left or right arm, or your neck, jaw, stomach or back
- you have chest pain and you feel sweaty, sick, light headed or short of breath
- you have difficulty speaking or moving your arm or leg, or your face has dropped on one side
You could be having a heart attack or stroke. Call 999 straight away as you need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.