Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels that provide oxygen to the heart. When heart disease progresses, it can cause complete blockages, leading to a heart attack. In efforts to open up the blood vessels and restore blood flow, your doctor may suggest bypass surgery. Having bypass surgery requires lifestyle changes, including medications and diet. After surgery, you may need to alter your intake of vitamins, including vitamin K, to avoid complications. Discuss vitamin intake with your doctor.
Heart Bypass
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgery performed to improve blood flow to the heart. It is performed by taking a healthy blood vessel from the body and attaching it to the heart where the blockage is located. This redirects the blood flow around the blocked to the area of the heart in need. In most cases, the healthy blood vessel either comes from the chest area or the legs.
After a Bypass Surgery
CABG is a serious surgery that requires lifestyle modifications after the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe medicines and tell you to change your diet and lifestyle. One of the most common prescriptions after bypass surgery is for blood thinners. These medications thin the blood in to prevent new blockages, strokes and other complications after a surgery.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and fat cells. It is essential for cell development, helps reduce bleeding disorders and is needed for bone growth. Vitamin K is in many foods, especially green leafy vegetables and beef liver. It is rare to be deficient in vitamin K, but certain digestive complications can prevent its absorption.
Vitamin K After Bypass
Vitamin K comes from a German word meaning coagulation. Coagulation is the process of forming clots, and is what doctors are trying to avoid after a bypass surgery. Consuming large amounts of vitamin K can interfere with many of the blood thinning medications, specifically warfarin, sold under the brand name Coumadin. Consuming vitamin K in a consistent amount will allow your doctor to alter your medication to be the most beneficial for you.
Member Comments