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Angioplasty, Bypass or Medication?
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Current Postings on This Page (52):
• My brother 62 yrs, a diabetic, had four blocks -- doctor advised by-pass, but patient was totally against it, so underwent angioplasty two weeks ago, three stents were implanted on left side of the heart ; as the right side had a block which was calcified, couldn`t do the angioplasty; and two days ago, rotablation (drill) was performed -- though the balloon was inserted little, the calcified block cannot be removed-- during the process, minor bleeding has taken place, and doctor says its a tiny injury; will the injury heal fast? what is next option for him? can a by-pass now be performed on the calcified right artery?
• My father aged 62yrs, weight 60, have diabetic, had a heart attack on last 13 December, 2012. His Angiography report is as follows.LM: NormalLAD: Type III vessel. 80% stenosis at the level of D1 (Medina 111). Diffuse disease in the distal part of LAD. D1 is also diseased.LCX: Dominant. OM2 id large vessel with 60% stenosis at the origin and 100% stenosis in the proximal part. Distal part of OM2 is not visualized.RCA: Nondominant, Diffusely diseasedRenal arteries: NormalDiagnosis: Double vessel disease.Advice: PCI to LAD.We have consulted one cardiac surgeon and he suggested to do 3 (three) by pass surgery. Another doctor suggested to take medicine (no by pass or stenting). Another doctor suggested to do angioplasty with 2 (two) stenting. Now we in a great confusion, what we really have to do. Pls suggest a proper medication for my father.
• There are not any significant diseases except pain in his chest this might due to chalking (calcified). The by-pass graft is not closed up but something happening to him is very bad.
• Your opinion was too good for understanding the criteria but thing i didn't mention you that is my father survives in only one vein i.e. RCA (Right coronary artery) and remaining two are totally occluded i.e. LAD and CX ... Now the problem is that the surgeon and cardiologist both rejected to do any operations CABG or PCI... is this good for him or not? as he feels pain again time by time on his chest and conditions are similar as happened before ......Another question is that how much my father will survive on one Vein and what are risks involve now with his recent condition......thanks.
• My father is 60 years old. He has undergone angiogram test on Feb 2013. The angiogram report is as below • My father had a CABG in 2002 and then in July 2012 he had angioplasty (drug eluting stent ) with non ionic-dye. Now the problem arises again as he feels pain in chest and in his back again. Now after meeting with consultant he said that he (my father) will not able to do such treatments like PCI or CABG to retain his normal life. Now what can I do?
• Left Main: Normal LAD: Type III vessel shows ostial segment 90% stenosis followed by proximal segment 90% stenosis. Mid lad shows 60-70% stenosis. 1st diagonal is large vessel and shows proximal and mid segment non-obstructive plaques. RCA: Dominant vessel, shows proximal segment 90% stenosis. Which is suitable: Angioplasty/ Bypass? We have received advice for both the options by different cardiologists. Kindly suggest. • angioplasty is better method for older people if you are younger go for bypass surgery which is a better method.
• My father has CAG and PAG done with following findings. LMCA:Normal LAD: Type III, MID LAD 50% Stenosis, Distal 50% Stenosis Diagonal: D1 medium, Ostial Proximal 70% Stenosis LCX: Non dominant, proximal 99% stenosis, Distal vessel slow filling. RCA: Dominant, Mid RCA 90% Stenosis. LV Angio:PAG: Rt Renal 80% Stenosis, Lt renal 90% Stenosis. Now after visiting 3 to 4 cardiologists. I have got difference of opinions about whether PTCA to be done to both RCA & LCX or only to RCA. all are telling that PTA to be done to both renals. Please advise me. • Ray in Istanbul -- Your post is very detailed
and your current doctors are discussing a complex topic. The
very proximal part of the LAD is next to what is called the left main
branch, historically an area not treated with angioplasty. That has changed
and there have been a number of studies presented in the last few years regarding
the feasibility of stenting the left main, as well. This has become routine
in some centers. That being said, the best
opinion of
whether
or not
you are a candidate for stenting or bypass surgery can only be made by a
doctor(s) who has access to your complete medical records and your angiogram.
There may be several reasons why your cardiologist is recommending CABG instead
of stenting. Every patient's anatomical situation is a bit different. Because,
as we state in our disclaimer, nothing
on this web
site
should
be used
as
a
substitute
for consultation with a doctor, if you are concerned, you might want to get
a second opinion from an interventional cardiologist in a high volume center
who regularly performs left main or proximal LAD stenting, although your
current cardiologist may be such a physician. Yours is definitely a complex
situation and your current doctor is being cautious, and probably for a good
reason. Let the Forum know what happens. • I am 50 yr. old male. I had two DES stents
inserted in 2004 , one in LAD distal, at a N.Y. hospital. Recently I had
an angiogram done at a hospital in Istanbul and during the angiogram doctor
found that the DES implanted in LAD distal is 100% blocked and also LAD
proximal is 70% blocked. He told me that due to the lesion of the LAD
proximal blockage
it is very risky to try to implant stent there and the only safest option
is to perform a bypass. Blockage is right at the beginning of the LAD.
He said trying to implant the stent, we could damage the artery and an
emergency
operation would be needed. He said if we could implant stent there, we
can also unblock the DES stent implanted in 2004. But since we can not
enter
the 70% blocked artery, we can do none of those. I'd like to know if there
is a high risk of inserting a stent in that lesion. I also welcome the
comments of patients who had experiences in similar lesion. Thanks. Ray • Dear A. Rodriguez in Virginia -- while there
have been allegations recently of "over-stenting" and, as in
any field, there are outliers who do not follow the guidelines and may
be motivated more by
financial gain, it is flatly wrong to indict an entire branch of medicine
(i.e. interventional cardiology). Stents are an alternative to bypass
surgery. Neither are cures for what is a progressive disease. President
Clinton
had bypass
surgery, and five years later two of his bypasses closed up and, guess
what...he
got two stents! And he is now fine. The profession has developed
what's called a SYNTAX score to help determine stents vs. surgery. We
certainly agree that patients should consult both a surgeon and a "stent" doctor if
they have questions. In many of the larger institutions, this is becoming
standard procedure. In any case, we are glad that bypass worked for you and
that you have regained your "game". Best to you! • After many visits/copays and lots of BS and 7
stents later, and yes the coated stents. I had the quadruple bypass surgery,
the best thing I have done. They bypass all the blocked stents and I am
back to play tennis and feeling better. My advice to everyone is that Doctors
are getting fat$ on the stents, It is now a lucrative thing for Doctors.They
are getting paid well and they are getting kickbacks from the Labs. If
they can place 20 stents a week they can afford vacations for their family
and mistresses. Stent placement is not the solution!!! • Sonja -- We're not sure what type of doctors you
are discussing. It is unfortunate that the ER doc did not pick up on the
fact that he may have been having a heart attack. We would recommend
getting a consult with both an interventional cardiologist
and a cardiac surgeon.
Perhaps they could talk to each other to help determine the best course
of action for your father. There are some anti-anginal medications, but
they won't reduce a blockage. • My father is 67 and had a triple bypass ten years
ago along with a mechanical valve, now (diabetic) back in feb 2010 he has
been having chest pains, and when
he eats the food feels like it's not going down..took him to hospital said he
was fine and that he had heartburn..so then a month later he's complaining of
chest pains and looks very pale and goes to ER again a day later doctor is sending
him home telling him he is fine that he has angina. A family doctor sees him
and gave him his fourth blood test and noticed that his blood did not have enough
enzymes and tells my dad that he had a heart attack. So, he goes to UCSD and
they do a angioplasty & put stents has four blocked and can't unplug one artery..now
May 2010, a month later complaining of chest pains again and right arm getting
numb, goes to see the doctor tells him he is at risk for heart surgery or even
a angioplasty to unplug the remaining artery's. Is there anything we can do at
this time or does he have to live with this discomfort until he gets a other
heart attack..or can a medication be given to him to reduce the blockage if possible...or
should we go get a second opinion? My dad is determined to get something done? • I am a 56 yr old male and have been in and out
of the hospital on a regular basis. In Nov 07 I had an MI and had my
first stent placed. In 2008 I was hospitalized 7 times and had no new stents
placed. In Mar 09 I had another MI and my stent was blocked so they cleaned
it and then placed a stent in the right side as I had blockage. Well
anyway
I have now 7 stents in the heart area and two stents in my left leg as
I have PAD, CAD, AF, COPD and who knows what else. The nurses say I need
by-pass and so do my friends who have had it. My doctor even admits that
I have had more stents in one year than any person he has assisted. When
do I say enough is enough and I want this taken care of so I can stay
out of the hospital? In the last year I have been hospitalized 11 times.
I
am getting tired and my body is getting real tired of this. Usually my
EKG's are fine as well as X-rays, but my cardiac markers are always high.
My heart rate at rest is usually 90-110 which makes me more tired. Anyone
else have similar situations. • RG -- as we state, we cannot give "medical advice"
-- only a qualified cardiologist with access to a patient's complete medical
records, angiograms, etc. can do that -- and because each patient's situation
differs, what may be correct for one person may be less so for another.
Your father has a complex condition: multivessel
disease with accompanying co-morbidities (COPD, hypertension, etc.). Some
cardiologists in this case
may recommend bypass surgery over PCI (stents, angioplasty) as being more
successful in the long run, more "durable". Some interventional
cardiologists, the ones who do angioplasty, may look
at
the angiogram and
feel they can treat the blockages successfully with stenting, and avoid
surgery. (Although, if an interventional cardiologist is the
one recommending surgery, then that would be persuasive.) One big consideration
would be your father's advanced age and co-morbidities. Bypass
surgery
(CABG) is a significant open procedure -- what effect would this operation
and longer recovery have on your father's clinical condition? Stenting
is only minimally more traumatic
than the angiogram he's already had -- especially when done radially,
from the wrist. Hope this helps. • My father is 80 years old. Due to breathlessness
was admitted In emergency, diagnosed with COPD, hypertension. LVEF 45
TO 50% ECHO during this however led to angiography. his hemoglobin also
dropped
by the next day of admission with stool for occult positive. thus angiography
was performed from wrist which showed left main: normal , LAD: type 3
vessel Ostial 90%, DIAGONAL-1: PROXIMAL 90% STENOSIS, LEFT CIRCUMFLEX:MID
90%
AND in right coronary : Minor plaquing in proximal and 70% in mid segment
. Endoscopy thereafter was normal with hemoglobin level raised on each
day after it dropped (now around 12), stool for occult is now negative.
Gastrologist has however advised colonoscopy . Cardiologist based on
above recommends CABG/PTCA in angio report. At present He doesn't have
diabetes,
though is on sugar control, quit smoking 30 years back and had hotchkins
22 years back and treated. Cardio has advised for 1st option CABG AND
NEXT option as two stents. He is active now and is taking med including
clopidogrel
75mg daily .When can he have PTCA? What precautions to be taken before
PTCA as far as his hemoglobin levels dropping INITIALLY. Will PTCA and
stent result in full recovery? • Patrick -- Protonix (pantoprazole) has not been
shown to increase arterial blockages. There recently has been concern
that another Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Prilosec (omeprazole)
may reduce the effectiveness of Plavix,
but still that's got nothing to do with causing blockages. Possibly your
"new"
blockages were previously unseen; possibly your disease is advancing. You
have multivessel coronary artery disease and there is much debate over
whether bypass surgery or stenting
is the
best
treatment.
Much of the decision comes down to the specific case, the patient, clinical
status, location of blockages, etc. What you can do is
to lower your risk factors as much as possible: stop smoking (if you do),
exercise, eat a healthy diet and definitely take
the prescribed medications, which are very effective these days in lowering
cholesterol, etc. • March of 2008 I had a heart attack. Two stents
were place one in the RCA and one in the OM2. In April of 2009 I had recurring
chest pain and shortness
of breath. Once again I had 2 stents in the LAD. Now in Sept. of 2009 I had more
problems resulting in a stent in the RPDA at a bifurcation. I am still out of
breath and feeling pain and a heaviness in my chest. At this point I don't know
how many more stents might be placed. Am I a case for CABG? I am on Plavix and
asp. among other blood pressure meds. My doctors had me on Protonix from the
start. Could this be a source for my problems? Thanks. • I just had an angiogram that revealed 3 blocked
coronary arteries that could not be stented (70%, 90%, 90%) and CABG was
recommended. I am 50, female, diabetic and obese. The treatment the surgeon
usually follows is pre-surgery diet to reduce weight. This may not be an
option due to insurance running out -- Is there time to find another job
(i.e. a 3 month window before surgery in which I can also do lifestyle
modifications), or should I go through the surgery now, jobless, and hope
that I have a short recovery? • About 3 months ago, I had a severe acid indigestion.
I was getting slight discomfort in my stomach when I walked short distances.
Doctors diagnosed it as angina, and as I had very high cholesterol
(untreated) they skipped the stress test and sent me to angiogram. The
test revealed
a 90% narrowing of the circumflex artery. The other coronary arteries
are clear. They referred me to elective angioplasty with stenting. I
have been
on beta blockers and statin since, and I am symptom free. Do I need
a stent,or should choose medical treatment. Am I in danger of a heart attack
from
this particular narrowing if I do not get it done? • KM -- check out our recent blog post which is
sort of about this ("Is
Radioactive Isotope Shortage an Opportunity for CT Scans to Shine?").
Was he treated with angioplasty or a stent when he had the MI? The question
with any test is: how will the results change
the course of therapy? Of the two, the CT angiogram is the non-invasive
one, where a cardiac cath involves threading a catheter into the artery,
musch
like an angioplasty, and is invasive. • My Father is a 80year old and a month back had
a mild MI. he was in the Hospital for a week and later discharged. Later
after 15 days he has undergone TMT (Tread Mill Test). Doctor advised
he may undergo Angiogram. Then the same reports were shared with two well
known
Cardio
Hospitals.
The doctors are of the opinion that the angiogram is not a must and can
be done a bit later. Now my family members are pressuring me to do the
angiogram
or 64 Scan. Now I am confused what to do. Can any specialists can suggest
on the same? • Subrata -- from your post, we can see that you
have a number of issues: COPD, heart failure, hypertension, etc. One clear
action you can take is to stop smoking -- cigarettes cause all of the illnesses
that you suffer from. It is difficult to stop, but there are many groups
that may be able to help. Your doctor also may be able to steer you towards
some. Angioplasty is a procedure to alleviate chest pain, or to restore
blood flow in critical cases. Whatever good this medical procedure will
do may easily be "undone" by continued smoking. • I have been suffering from AMI since june 2007.
Primarily i continued to feel mild chest pain and considered it as gastric
and accordingly took enzyme tabs. The pain was not constant but continued.
After 3/4 days i visited the doctor and he instantly said that an attack
has already occured on LVF and the present block is 90%. Thereafter I
went for angiograph and cardiogram which shows 90% block and LVEF is 35%.
Therefrom
the the doctor opined for medicine treatment as the case has been presented
very late. The doctor also advised that i should not walk more than 10/15
minutes and should refrain from taking any stress. Since then I have
been lying almost on the bed and taking medicines as prescribed. Previously
i had no problem with heart. Rather i was a COPD patient and was under
continuouos treatment of the said doctor for last 10 years and remained
well. i was also a smoker and he advised me to get rid of this smoking
immediately which i did not follow. My pulse normally remain high (80-115)
and was diagonised a patient of hypertension. After more than one year
i was released from the hospital after thorough treatment i was under
regular
check up of the doctor and remained allright. But in the last August2009
one day i went out of breath very suddenly and fell unconscious. immediately
i was brought to the hospital and the doctor administrated life saving
injection with the help of which i regained breath and became allright/
There was nothing wrong with my heart function. after ecocardiograph
LVEF was found 42% and pulse 80. The doctor repeatedly advised me not to
take
minimum stress and avoid crowded place. I have been following his instructions
and now i am again fine. under the circumstances, i woould like receive
advises whether angioplasty can help my affected heart at present? or
any other valuable advises in order to provide me tension free cured life
at
this age of 62+. Thank
you verymuch. • D.S. -- an "ad hoc" angioplasty is one
where the diagnostic catheterization procedure is converted into an intervention
(stent or angioplasty) and everything occurs in the same session. This
is done when the problem is clear, obvious and is easily fixed in one session.
In your case, there
was
a doctor/patient
judgement
required. We'llalso bet that you had been given a sedative to relax
for the procedure -- something that would it difficult for you to make
a decision. Even if
you hadn't been sedated, it is hard for a patient to make such
a decision on the cath table. A decision about bypass vs.
angioplasty for multivessel disease is a complicated one and should
be made in
a rational way with all the facts in hand, and not in the midst of a procedure.
We
would encourage you to consult a cardiac surgeon (a doctor who does bypass
surgery) as well as other interventional cardiologists (these are not surgeons
-- they are the doctors who use catheters to do angioplasty). Stents are
definitely used for multiple artery blockages -- but in some cases of
diffuse disease, bypass may be the better option. • Can anyone help me? I have been diagnosed with
9 blockages in all three main arteries. During angiogram I was asked
to decide if I wanted bypass or stents. The surgeons said they could do
one
stent then and four later. Others would not be able to be fixed unless
I did bypass. I am a 53 year old woman and was not ready to make decision.
So they did one stent. Now after review I have decided I would rather
have bypass. I am having chest pains, pain in back and arm. My cardiologist
says I can not do bypass now as I am on plavix and must stay on. It is
a drug eluting stent. Is this so? They want to do more stents and I just
am not sure I am comfortable with that. Thanks. • Dilip -- no "opinion" from the internet, this site included,
should be a substitute for medical advice from a medical doctor.
As for stents -- FDA approval means that the device has gone through rigorous
trials and presentation of data here in the U.S. There are many devices
outside the U.S. that never get FDA approval because they never apply for
it -- mainly these devices will not be sold in the U.S. anyway. Whether
one stent is "better" than another is something you might discuss
with your cardiologist. Some stents are better for certain patients or
situations,
some for others. Your quick description indicates diffuse disease and multiple
blockages along with diabetes -- these are all risk factors for restenosis
with stents and most cardiologists would strongly consider bypass surgery
in such cases, but
again -- these
are
discussions
best conducted
with your cardiologist so you can intelligently discuss the pros and cons • I had a bit of mid-chest pain one day during morning
walk, this pain subsided after a few minutes and I could re-walk . This
happened for a few days , EGC
was normal, I started taking beta blockers, and found that I could
walk better, without much discomfort. But I did treadmill test (TMT) showing
ST depression
about 4.5 mm exercise time about 6.5 minutes .ANGIOGRAPHY showed lad diffusely
effected from ostium onwards tightest part showing 90% block, LCX 90% block,
RCA diseased, non-dominant. Diabetic, on oral drugs. smoked 15 yrs ago. Will
stents do? or do I need A BYPASS? ARE FDA APPROVED STENTS BETTER THAN NON FDA
APPROVED STENTS? PLEASE ADVISE. • i am having a problem of deciding whether to
go for bypass surgery or angioplasty.. the angiogram was studied by 3
different cardiologists who came to three different conclusions. a) the
first doctor
advised to go for angioplasty. b) the second doctor said that this is
a certain case for bypass. c) the third said that the blockages can be
cured
by medicine.
As a layman what should one do to take the right decision and how to
know that the decision will be correct. can
anybody help me... • Dr. R. -- not clear on your timeline as to when
you first had stents. But your question is one that is central to all the
research being done on coronary artery disease (CAD). As we've said, angioplasty,
stents, even bypass surgery, are not cures for CAD --
they are mechanical solutions to biological problems. However, they do
have the ability to "turn the clock back" somewhat in terms
of putting off
an acute event, perhaps completely. You're certainly doing all the right
things vis-a-vis diet and lifestyle. Every week more is being learned about
genetic markers, etc. and the hope is that the mechanism that causes these
blockages will be discovered and therapies invented. Meanwhile monitoring
and, assuming it's possible, stress reduction is very important (an important
part of Dean Ornish's therapy is meditation). • To keep this topic open and ask the editors for
help, please. I had 2 DES in Dec. 07; 1 each in the RCA and circumflex.
After one year I stopped the plavix for 5 days and seemed to have a recurrence
of the anginal symptoms experienced before the stents. I restarted the
plavix but after 5 days of continuing symptoms, called my cardiologist.
Next day recathed. The stents were wide open BUT 2 new 90+ % blockages
in the same arteries (and a 60+ % blockage in the LAD); ALL NEW! 2 more
DES in the RCA and Circumflex Any thoughts on what has caused the rapid
progression of my disease? I have NO co-morbidity , had no MI before
the stents, have exercised regularly for pretty much my entire life (was
a
fat kid until age 16), was eating a pretty darn good Mediterranean type
diet (Italian American wife who is a great and aware cook), have had
acceptable cholesterol levels. I visited a preventive cardiologist and
started Zocor
in hopes of dropping my 95 LDL level below 60 in an attempt to reverse
the plaques. I am now on a Dean Ornish-ish diet as well. Any suggestions
on what I might do to stop this before I do have an MI (and perhaps die
from such)? What is going on? I am scared. Thank you for any insight
anyone may have! • I had a des in 2/05,and put on various heart
meds.In 4/07 I had a thallium stress test showing positive! Waited until
11-07 for a heart cath. Dr.said I needed a triple by-pass immediatly.Well
now it is 12-28-07, no by-pass done and still alive! I have been thru
three cardiologists over the last year due to not listening to my concerns
about drug reactions,etc. (like them knowing everything and you being
ignorant.) I have done so much research on the internet about the heart
and I feel betrayed by the medical community for all the trust I have
placed upon the guys in the white coats. For the most part they either
lie to you, ignore your complaints, like my severe joint/muscle pains
or are arrogant and belittling to you. I wish I could leave this planet
at times out of medical frustration. I had asked my last cardiologist
the cost of a cath he wanted performed and he said approximately $7,000
to $9,000 dollars.Well my bill came in for 18,800 dollars.They don't
have a clue about the cost of these procedures they order today.The surgeon
talking to me in the cath recovery room saying it was imperative that
the triple by-pass be done immediately. He was asked by me of the "COST" of
the procedure.You will laugh at his response! $50,000.00. Most of us
have heard of the cost ranging from 100,000.00 and up, surely higher
with complications (major surgery you know). So at home I stay,(alive
anyway) far away from these crack pots and their evasive, expensive,
and experimental procedures, hoping for death to rescue me from this
life's medical madness. Happy New Year every one! • my dad had no symptoms before a stress test
was performed. was told he had 98% blockage and was a heart attack waiting.
he had angio w/5 drug eluting stents and did well. the dr. could not
complete all the clogs because of two much trauma for the body. three
weeks later he had two more stents put in and never really felt well.
one month later rushed to er in pain, some sort of scar tissues needed
to be cleaned out. continues to have pain, fluttering, and problems walking
more than 10 min. dr. says he is fine. changes drs for second opinion
and has an another stress test and does "terrible", "everything is all
over the place" new dr. says probably cannot get any more stents will
most likely need open heart surgery. My dad never had a symptom before
it had the first stress test. is open heart surgery still done and what
would make his problem so severe. • In July, 05, I had quadruple CABG, 3-SVG's
and 1-LIMA. 2 months later (9/05), mild MI. Angiogram found that all
3 of my SVG's were scarring internally - 95%, 98%, and 100%. 2 Cypher
stents in the SVG to LCA, one in the SVG to RCA, SVG to circumflex "lost".
Within 2 months, I was experiencing chest pain again, took a nuclear
stress test January, 06 - "passed", pressed the issue (pain was getting
worse), angiogram in March, 06 found 95% blockage inside the 1st stent,
SVG to LCA. Cleared scar tissue and put in another stent inside the existing
one. Pain continued worsening, In June, 06, another angiogram, 85% blockage
inside the stent SVG to RCA. After that one, I am STILL having discomfort.
Bypass surgery, then 3 stenting procedures in 9 months - I'm on Plavix,
Zocor, aspirin, Altace, metroprolol, and supplements - cholesterol down
to 129, and I exercise every day...2 cardiologists, both of which I like
and think are capable, but they don't seem to be able to suggest alternatives
to just repeating the past. • Response to Gary NcCleary, Roseburg Oregon: "To
me sounds like better to be opened up and have the grafts performed and
be done with it? Or does restenosis occur as often in bypass?" Regarding
restenosis in bypass surgeries: Some do and some don't. But, aside from
that, you have a higher risk of death during or soon after bypass surgery
i.e., 1-3%. And, in addition to that, you have a higher incidence of
side effects, and while 60% have no problems recovering from the procedure,
some 40 % of the patients do, especially witth cognitive dysfunction
which can occur in this unfortunate but still substantial miniority of
the cases. Most of that is dismissed rather cavelierly, since the majority
of patients are back to normal in 3- 12 months but during that period
the patient may be handicapped by confusion, memory problems and, in
general, a slight loss of intellect i.e., as in 5-10 IQ points. Most
importantly though, is the fact that for a significant percentage of
this sub-group patients, their cognitive dysfunction is more profound
and for this smaller group, they may never be themselves again. Some
go straight to nursing homes for the rest of their lives. Don't take
my word for it. Just check out Bypass Heart Surgery and cognitive dysfunction
on Google. Look for the studies done at Duke University! I noticed you
didn't mention the feasibility of opting for any other treatment options
and that is probably because you may not be aware of any other treatment
options. There is a VERY SAFE, FDA approved NON- INVASIVE treatment that
is covered by CMS and most insurance companies for Class III and IV angina.
Besides reducing the pain and shortness of breath of angina, It also
improves the functioning of the vascular system which can dramatically
reduce the incidence of restenosis and actually increase collateral circulation
to the heart itself. And, it generally costs less that the sales tax
on a bypass surgery. It is most commonly referred to as Enhanced External
Counterpulsation (EECP) and is generically referred to as ECP. See www.eecp.com
and if it sounds reasonable to you, just ask your doctor nicely if he
will let you try it. Chances are good, if you really want the treatment,
he will cheerfully oblige you. • "Joe, Retired Amy, Jax, Florida, USA, 9
May 2001" . . . I just read your posting. . .Have you had the Anthrax
Vaccine?? Anyone know this person or his Email address? PLEASE have him
contact me immediately at AVAVICTIM@YAHOO.COM We seem to share the same
exact course in getting stents. I also have 15 Stents installed with
7 angioplasties over a 28 month period. RCA and LAD . . . No MI YET! • Dear barbara john and joe I know a case
in our family circles. To the person instent-restonsis occurred within
three years after insertion of one stent. Second stent was suggested
butHe refused. He stopped taking medicines He started taking vitamin
c and Linus'Pauling's Heart technology one jar a month. He is able to
work. He said all pains, sleepy feeling, etc., gone. It is a high dose
of vitamin c, between 3000 mg to to 9000 mg or more and few other ingredients.
FDA suggests upto 90 mg or so only. If you are interested You can try.
It cosats about $50 per month. You may give a try. I am in no way connected
with this product • I HAD ANGIOPLASTY ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO. THEY
SAY EVERYTHING IS OKAY BUT AFTER DOING A LOT OF READING & WONDERING WHY
I AM EXTREMELY TIRED AND HAVE MUSCLE ACHES I CAME ACROSS AN ARTICLE THAT
SAID THAT WHEN YOU ARE ON ZOCOR YOU SHOULD BE TAKING CQ10 - (GEL TAB)
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY LUCK WITH THIS OVER THE COUNTER VITAMIN • Dear Barbara and John, I am 46 yr old male,
retired army, and had 3 MI's in the past year, and 5 angioplasty's mostly
in my RCA, every 2-3 months I get a 95 to 99% blockage in the RCA, and
now the LAD, I have stents on top of stents in the RCA (i believe 12
in all have been inserted in the RCA, and 3 in the LAD. My most recent
was last week when i went to the e.r with chest pains and when they did
the cath procedure they found the 2 blockages. I guess my question is,
can either of u 2 help me also in finding out, if i should get a bypass.
I also have uncontrolled High Blood Pressure. I don't think they can
put any more stents in the RCA and I know that within 2-3 months I'll
be back in the hospital. Also, I wish You 2 the best of Health. • Dear Barbara: I have the same symptoms that
you have! I have also been told not to worry! Have had three angioplasty
procedures with a total of two stents and two "rotoblatures" ["Rotablations" --
ed.] since October 1999. (Last one in January, 2000) Have been told
I should not be dizzy or light-headed and should not have arm pain. (Both
arms ache.) I know my pain is real and something is wrong.. Please let
me know if you have found the cause and a possible solution. (Also, I
am a 46 yr. old male.) Thank you! • Barbara, Usenet newsgroups are often an
excellent way to join into a community. They've been around longer than
the World Wide Web or the "chat rooms", run by corporate entities. You
can find a listing of the relevant cardiology newsgroups at the bottom
of our LINKS page. I would recommend the support group for angioplasty
patients alt.support.angioplasty. It's a relatively small group of patients,
but among them they have quite a few stories to share. If you have trouble
getting onto the group, talk to your ISP (not all newsgroups are carried
by all ISPs) or contact them via deja.com.
Good luck! • I had 4 angioplasties in 1 year. The last
was 2/3/00. Does anyone else have a feeling of a tight band around their
left arm? Have it most of the time. I also have numbness in my fingers & toes
and the tips of the fingers are actually purple. This happened yesterday
and then I felt lightheaded and dizziness. I called my Doctor and he
told me not to worry, but how can you help it? Would like to hear from
others with any type symptoms after/before their procedure that would
make them feel that things are not okay. I need a support group to help
me with my anxieties as I have no faith that this will not happen again.
It's driving me crazy and interferring with my work and life. I am 62
and need to work. Any support will be appreciated. Thanks. • On Dec 1, 1999 I had a "mild" MI. Angiogram
performed showed about 95% blockage of the LAD. Angioplasty with 3 stents
performed. Well about 3 weeks ago I started to notice numbness in both
arms from elbows down (Same with MI) A Cardiolite stress test was performed
and showed there to be blockage at the original sites as well as down
from site. Question is at this point do I just elect for Bypass? These
angioplasties are not cheap and if they keep coming back so quickly what
is so wonderful about them? To me sounds like better to be opened up
and have the grafts performed and be done with it? Or does restenosis
occur as often in bypass? Thanks. |
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