1 of 5

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Coronary artery bypass surgery is a surgical procedure carried out to relieve angina and reduce the risks of coronary artery disease. The term bypass refers to the fact that the surgeon bypasses, or creates a detour around, the sites of narrowing or blockage in the artery. To do this, arteries or veins from elsewhere in the patients body are grafted from the aorta to the coronary arteries. This improves blood supply to the coronary circulation supplying the heart muscle. Generally, the surgery reduces the risks of heart attacks, saving many lives. The cost however, is very great. One source claims that one bypass surgery operation can cost upwards of 13902, not including drugs and after care. Surely such a cost should not be funded for those who've brought about the situation themselves. By this I mean the obese and smokers.

Obesity invariably increases the need for coronary artery bypass surgery. Much of the food consumed is likely to contain cholesterol containing animal fats which build up and clog arteries. In turn the blood flow is restricted, causing an increase in blood pressure. This leads an increase in the need for surgery to prevent heart attacks and ultimately death.

Those who regularly smoke also pose a greater risk of developing the need for heart bypass surgery. A number of ingredients found within tobacco lead to the narrowing of blood vessels (Arteriosclerosis), and an increase in the likelihood of blockage. This dramatically increases the risks of heart attacks and strokes. According to a study by an international team of researchers, people under 40 are five times more likely to have a heart attack if they smoke. Other chemicals found within cigarette tobacco are known to lead to high blood pressure and cause damage to the inside of arteries.

The needs for operations such as heart bypass surgery are largely self-inflicted, and could have been easily avoided if they'd led a much healthier lifestyle. According to the British Medical Association News survey 40% of doctors agree. They state that obese patients, smokers, and heavy drinkers should be denied treatments. The poll of 225 doctors also found that 39% had agreed with the recent action carried to bar obese people from joint surgery to cut costs in Suffolk. Another 39% stated that policies should be widened to deny smokers and heavy drinkers from certain treatments. The conservative party also seems to agree. New proposals could lead to failing to allow free NHS treatment to those who don't

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Should smokers and the obese be denied coronary artery bypass surgery??
We want to hear your view. Write now!