Nonfunctional Arteries

Posted By Sherri on August 12, 1998 at 15:54:50:







My father had a heart attack five months ago.  It was misdiagnosed unfortunately and
just two weeks ago we were informed definately that is was an attack.  The attack was
in the back portion of the heart and those arteries are no longer functional.  The attack
did severed damage and his condition in inoperable.  Surgery is not an option.  We were
informed that the remaining three arteries are all he will have.  The main artery is clear but
the other two have some blockage.  Angioplasty will only be performed if deemed a last resort.
The doctors told him to lose a lot of weight (he gained almost 20lbs from prednisone use over the
last 5 months) he is at least 60lbs overwieght and to change his diet immediately (very high cholesterol)
and stop smoking - which he has done since his admission to the hospital.  Are there any other
choices that we may have.  He is at a high risk of another heart attack that he probably could not
survive.  I have heard about a left ventricle assist device or even transplants.  Do you have any
suggestions as to where to go next?  We are searching for a more effecient and faster solution in addtion
to his own personal health care.