Exercise after bypass surgery

[FrankNatoli]

Writing for 70 year old uncle about to undergo triple bypass surgery (home in Belgium). Lifetime daily bicyclist, including regular long distance treks. Average weight. Non smoker. What kind of bicycling regimen can he reasonably expect to eventually regain?

Secondary question: he was initially hospitalized for shortness of breath (after aggressive cycling) and diagnosed with heart valve leakage. Detailed examination revealed 25% leakage (doctors decided to not address surgically) but also 60% arterial blockage (doctors decided to schedule triple bypass). Understand 60% blockage in USA usually indicates stent, not bypass. Can you comment on general criteria?

Thanks.

[healthshop]

I agree with the above. A 60% blockage doesn't mean that surgery should be the next step. I believe that with the proper exercise regimen and a solid health supplement. Usually I would not recommend a product unless I felt that it had significant and respectable outcome potential.

An acquaintance of mine was in a similar situation however was unfortunate enough to have an 87% plaque build up. Doctors decided that a bypass would be impossible due to the locations and overall complexity of the blockage. They more or less told him that he shouldn't expect to live through the next six months. This friend of mine was referred to a product called "Cellular Essentials". Not expecting any difference, but willing to give it a try he consumed it for FOUR months. He then returned to the doctor feeling more or less the same. They did a routine checkup and sent him on his way. FOUR months later he surprisingly returned to the doctor. They re-tested him for an update on his blockage only to be shocked that it had dropped over 30% in 8 months. To make a long story short, it has been THREE years since the initial doctors report of 87% blockage and he know has a clean bill of health and less than 15% overall blockage.

This story is completely true. By telling you this I only mean to emphasize that surgery is not always the best way to go. I am not attempting to advertise the above product, as I have not consumed it myself. I suggest that you perform your own research. The nutraceutical that I described above is described within: http://www.unicitynetwork.com/storefront. I hope that I have written this in time for you to make a good decision between surgery, statin drugs and a nutraceutical(s).

***@****
Ian Gray

[HealThySelf]

I don't think that a 60% blockage necessarily indicates that either surgery or stenting is required.  The valve leakage may be the root cause of the SOB or there may be another cause.

Perhaps bypass surgery will prove to be a risky with a difficult recovery period and will be found to not improve the problem substantially.

I do think that aggressive lipid management with Statins in combination with other new classes of drugs coupled with your uncle's good exercise habits may be the best course of action to deal with the moderate arterial plaque.

Happy New Year.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Frank,

Following the recovery period, your uncle will likely be able to perform all of his pre-surgical activities without limitations.

The decision of whether or not to perform angioplasty with stenting versus by-pass surgery has more to do with the location of the blockage(s) than the severity of the blockage(s). The blockage(s) may be in a location(s) not suitable for angioplasty and stenting. Unfortunately, without more specific information my answers are limited.
Your uncle has a heart valve leakage,  quantified at 25%. If the valve leakage  is 1/4 of what is considered severe, then medical management and not surgery would be appropriate.
Given your level of concern about the decision  to perform surgery, I would recommend seeking a second opinion.


Thanks for your question,

CCF-MD-KE