- A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is an operation to improve blood flow to your heart. It involves using healthy blood vessels taken from another part of your body to get round (bypass) a narrowed or blocked artery.
- It's also sometimes called heart bypass surgery.
- It's done to treat coronary heart disease, where the arteries that supply blood to your heart (coronary arteries) become blocked or too narrow.
- A coronary artery bypass graft treats symptoms of coronary heart disease such as chest pain (angina) and helps to prevent heart attacks.
- Most people need treatment for 3 arteries (called a triple bypass) or 4 arteries (a quadruple bypass). Some people only need treatment for 1 or 2 arteries (a single or double bypass).
- A coronary artery bypass graft is usually done using open heart surgery, with a large cut in the middle of your chest, but sometimes it's done using smaller cuts in your chest.
- It usually takes 2 to 3 months to fully recover.
Video: what is a heart bypass
This animation explains in detail how a coronary artery bypass, a surgical procedure, is performed.
Media last reviewed: 24 April 2023
Media review due: 24 April 2026
Media review due: 24 April 2026