CABG Surgery: What Women Should Know About Heart Health and Healing

An informative guide on CABG surgery with a focus on the unique challenges and experiences women face before, during, and after the procedure.

Updated July 01, 2025

By Eden Payabyab, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the most common heart surgery performed in the United States, helping hundreds of thousands of patients each year. The procedure is designed to restore blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries, ultimately reducing chest pain, improving heart function, and preventing heart attacks.

But there's an important reality that deserves more attention: women often face different outcomes than men when undergoing CABG. At Virtua Health, we believe that understanding these differences is key to empowering women to prioritize their heart health and seek care with confidence.

What Is CABG?

CABG is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) - a condition in which plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Left untreated, CAD can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, or other serious complications.

During CABG:

A healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body (like the leg or chest).
That vessel is grafted around the blocked coronary artery.
This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle.

CABG is a lifesaving procedure and is often recommended for patients with severe blockages or multiple narrowed arteries.

Women and CABG: What Makes Their Experience Unique?

While CABG has a high success rate, research has shown that women may face a higher risk of complications following surgery compared to men. Several factors can contribute to these outcomes:

Many women prioritize the health of their families over their own, which means they may not seek help until their condition has worsened.
They may be older at the time of surgery. Delayed diagnosis and caregiving responsibilities often mean women undergo surgery at a more advanced age.
They tend to have more preexisting conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are more common in women undergoing CABG, and these can increase the risk of complications.
Anatomical differences such as smaller coronary arteries can make surgery more technically complex.
Symptoms in women can be more subtle or atypical, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Know the Signs: Heart Disease Looks Different in Women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., yet it often goes undiagnosed. Classic symptoms like chest pain or pressure may be present, but women are also more likely to experience:

Fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Nausea or lightheadedness
Discomfort in the jaw, neck, or upper back
Cold sweats or palpitations

Even subtle symptoms should not be ignored. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and talk to your doctor.

The Virtua Health Approach to Heart Surgery

At Virtua Health, we care for the whole person, not just the heart. From the moment you walk through our doors, our heart care team is here to support you with:

A coordinated care team of heart specialists and rehabilitation experts
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual health needs
Guidance before, during, and after surgery to promote the best possible recovery
Ongoing cardiac rehab and support services to help you regain strength and confidence

Women are often caregivers, but your heart health matters just as much. The sooner you take action, the better the outcomes.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist today.