Bypass + COPD
Hi Everyone, I am new here. My 78yr old father Bill just went through a heart catheder procedure. There was one artery totally blocked, the doctor tried but was unable to unclog it. There was another one @40%. They are recommanding by-pass surgery. I am shocked by the news and still trying to accept the fact. He is scheduled to meet with the by-pass surgeon soon. Couple of questions in my mind: 1. Is it necessary to have the by-pass done right away? Doctors think he's not in immediate danger, looks like he's lucky that other arteries were supplying enough blood to sustain the muscle. The doctor said he is relatively healthy and his heart pumps good, it is a good idea to have it done now to prevent future heart attack and improve quality of life. I'd like to hear your opinion. From some of the messages I've seen so far, it is going to be an long road to recovery. 2. Bill has COPD, I am wondering how that weighs in on things? Anyone here gone thru by-pass with COPD? This board has already help me understand by-pass surgery better. Thanks. -steve
Unless there's some apparent advantage in waiting, I'd want to get on with it. Who wants to live with that hanging over their head?
You have a 78 y/o man with COPD and a blocked artery. Age and COPD are added risks for surgery, as I see it. 'Other' circulation seems to be keeping the heart muscle alive and functioning (how well? - you should know from catheterization, but there are other ways to know, such as echo-cardiogram(sonography, non -invasive). You did not mention angina (chest pain) , shortness of breath, or exertional problems. Why did he have the catheterization in the first place? If he had 40% blocakge alone, it would not meet a standard of 70% blocakge for bypass surgery, which most surgeons probably use. Why not treat the 40% blockage medically, and with life style changes? Is the 100% blocked artery causing problems? Harold