Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: After Bypass Surgery Hi, I'm posting this message on behalf of my mother. It will be two years ago this fall that she had a double bypass. Currently she is doing well, however she is not under follow-up care. I'm concerned about patients like my mom who have their surgery but do not receive follow-up care. Is this common? Do you think patients like my mom should be attending cardiology clinics for follow-up? Thanking-you in advance for your reply. Sincerely, Dear Mary, Any patient who has had bypass surgery should be followed up yearly, if not more frequently such as every 3-6 months. Since coronary artery disease is a chronic process and bypass not a cure, the patient post bypass needs aggressive risk facotr modification (control of lipids/cholesterol, control of any high blood pressure or diabetes, counseling to quit smoking,diet counseling,etc.) as well as a yearly check up to evaluate for return of any symptoms. After bypass surgery, every pateint should be on a daily exercise program, and this too is encouraged at bi/yearly visits to a physiciab. Some general internists can do all of this, however the cardiologist specializes in this very matter. A patient would need to be seen more frequently if they developed any new symptoms. Good Luck Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your/her physician(s).
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