Heart Bypass & Caffeine Drinks

Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgery performed to improve blood flow to the heart. When you have a blockage in your heart that cannot be fixed, your doctor will suggest having bypass surgery. This surgery will decrease the chances of having other cardiac events. After having bypass surgery, many lifestyle changes are required. Unfortunately, many people have to alter some behaviors, including consuming caffeine. Caffeine intake on a regular basis can cause CABG complications.

Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery is performed when there is a blockage in the arteries of the heart. This blockage is caused by plaque buildup and puts you at a high risk for a heart attack. During the surgery, a healthy artery or vein is taken from a different part of your body, most commonly the legs. This blood vessel is then grafted to the blocked artery, bypassing the blockage and providing blood flow to the heart.

Lifestyle Changes

Bypass surgeries have higher success rates when you follow up with certain lifestyle changes. Monitoring your weight, calorie intake, activity levels and caffeine consumption are all changes you may have to make. Ideally, your activity level should increase. However, monitoring your heart rate is important because you do not want to your heart rate to go too high after a bypass surgery. Along with activity, caffeine has a strong impact on your heart rate and should be closely monitored.

Caffeine

In the United States, 80 percent of the population consumes caffeine daily. The concern for heart patients is that caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It has the ability to increase your heart rate, increase your blood pressure and can cause your heart to go into an arrhythmia. Caffeine causes your heart to work harder and can be a contraindication to many cardiac medications.

Bypass and Caffeine

Research has shown there is inconclusive evidence that coffee raises your risk of heart disease. However, the intake of caffeine can affect the way you recover. After a bypass surgery, your physician will most likely prescribe medications that lower your blood pressure and keep your heart rate low and regular. If you consume caffeine while taking these medications, you are putting your heart at risk. The caffeine may offset the purpose of the medications, and your heart may work harder than desired. If you are on any medications, consult your physician before you consume caffeine.