Risks

Because coronary bypass surgery is an open-heart surgery, you might have complications during or after your procedure. Possible complications include:

• Bleeding
• An irregular heart rhythm
• Infections of the chest wound
• Memory loss or trouble thinking clearly, which often improves within six to 12 months
• Kidney problems
• Stroke
• Heart attack, if a blood clot breaks loose soon after surgery

Your risk of developing complications is generally low, but it depends on your health before surgery. Your risk of complications is higher if the surgery is done as an emergency procedure or if you have other medical conditions, such as emphysema, kidney disease, diabetes or blocked arteries in your legs.