Quadruple Bypass & Diet

Coronary arteries are the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Coronary artery disease, or CAD, occurs when these arteries harden or narrow. If a coronary artery becomes blocked or severely diseased, it may need bypassing. In quadruple bypass surgery, four arteries are bypassed. The surgeon uses arteries from another part of your body. Though diet contributes to coronary artery disease, it is not the only factor.

Coronary Artery Disease Factors

A variety of factors increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease and the need for a quadruple bypass. These include an unhealthy diet, being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, having high blood pressure and a family history of CAD. Decreasing your risk for CAD should include a variety of lifestyle changes, including diet, based on your individual circumstances.

Diet after Quadruple Bypass

What Is a Good Diet After Open Heart Surgery?

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There is no specific diet to follow if you had, or are scheduled to have, quadruple bypass surgery. Your physician will factor in your weight, lipid profile, blood sugar, blood pressure and other special needs when making diet recommendations. However, because excess cholesterol can contribute to CAD by hardening and blocking your arteries, a heart-healthy diet low in cholesterol and sodium is commonly recommended after heart surgeries such as quadruple bypass.

Heart-Healthy Diet

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone aim to consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium daily for heart health. You should read food labels and choose low-sodium products. You should also focus on high fiber foods. The AHA recommends eating at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily, as well as two 3.5 oz. servings of fish weekly and at least three 1 oz. servings of whole grains daily. You should also limit your fat intake to 30 percent of your daily calories, while avoiding trans fats and keeping your saturated fat to less than 300 mg daily. Fatty meats and whole-fat dairy products are high in saturated fats, while commercial baked goods typically contain trans fats.

Post-Op Clear Diet

Cardiac Stent Diet

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Immediately after surgery, you are put on a clear liquids diet, which includes pulp-free juices, broths and gelatin. Typically, you stay on this diet for 3 to 4 days. You may not have an appetite and may experience nausea. It helps to consume fluids slowly and in small amounts. Your doctor will determine when you can progress to solid foods.