What is a primary indication for CABG?

Left main coronary artery disease is a primary indication for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to the critical nature of the left main artery. This artery is responsible for supplying a significant portion of blood to the heart muscle. When it is severely narrowed or blocked, it poses a high risk for major cardiac events, including myocardial infarction.

CABG aims to restore adequate blood flow to the heart by bypassing the obstructed artery, thereby reducing the risk of ischemia and improving overall cardiac function. It is particularly recommended when the left main coronary artery is more than 50% to 70% narrowed, as this can lead to significant hemodynamic consequences and compromised heart muscle perfusion.

Other conditions listed, such as uncontrolled hypertension, single vessel disease, and recurrent myocardial ischemia, may require different management strategies, including lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or less invasive interventions, rather than the surgical intervention that CABG entails.