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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Coronary Artery Disease
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
Coronary Artery Disease
by Deedee1313, Feb 18, 2005 12:00AM
My husband was just diagnosed with coronary artert disease.He is 75 to 95% blocked in all 3 major arteries to his heart.He had a heart attack but he recovered very quickly from it.They said that the LAD was the culprit.He also has 70 to 90% blockages in both arteries in his neck and 1 at the base of his brain.He went into total renal failure about 6 monthes ago and recieves dialysis for that.He is diabetic(about 20 years).He has high blood pressure.He has an elevated white blood cell count so they say he has an infection but they don't know where it is.He quit smoking about 6 monthes ago.He went to Pittsburgh for triple bypass.Now they are saying that the risk is too great for surgery because of the blockages in the neck.Does this mean that there is nothing that can be done for him?The way they are talking he might as well come home and wait to die.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Feb 18, 2005 12:00AM
Hi Deedee,
I am sorry to read this news. You must be very frustrated.
If another institution will not operate or they feel it is very high risk, I would consider coming here for a second opinion. If you went to Pittsburgh first, you probably aren't very far away from Cleveland. We do lots of operation for situations like this.
If you decide to come for a second opinion, make sure you bring the actual cath films (not just the reports) and the carotid angiogram and vertebral angiograms if they were done. Depending on where the blockages are to the brain, they may be amendable to carotid stenting. It does sound like your husband has some significant medical problems and will need a careful assessment of risks and benefits prior to a surgery. Drs. Lytle and Peterson specialize in the higher risk bypass surgeries. It would be worth hearing their opinions.
I hope this helps answer your questions. Good luck.
I am sorry to read this news. You must be very frustrated.
If another institution will not operate or they feel it is very high risk, I would consider coming here for a second opinion. If you went to Pittsburgh first, you probably aren't very far away from Cleveland. We do lots of operation for situations like this.
If you decide to come for a second opinion, make sure you bring the actual cath films (not just the reports) and the carotid angiogram and vertebral angiograms if they were done. Depending on where the blockages are to the brain, they may be amendable to carotid stenting. It does sound like your husband has some significant medical problems and will need a careful assessment of risks and benefits prior to a surgery. Drs. Lytle and Peterson specialize in the higher risk bypass surgeries. It would be worth hearing their opinions.
I hope this helps answer your questions. Good luck.
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