Since your husband is undergoing a scheduled operation to bypass a diseased coronary artery, risk of death is usually low, but still depends on his overall health. The risk is significantly higher if the operation is done as an emergency or if he has other significant medical conditions such as emphysema, kidney disease, diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. Complications such as arrhythmias, kidney failure, hypotension, stroke and infections also may occur after heart surgery. Some people experience a decline in memory and other cognitive functions after undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Predictors include older age, high blood pressure, lung disease and excessive alcohol consumption. Cardiac rehabilitation after the surgery is important to prevent the complicatins and for recurrent attacks. Ask your doctor for details