Open Heart Surgery Alternatives

My husband will be 75 in May '03 - he appears younger than his age.  In '87 and '97 he had open heart surgery.  In '88 his arm was deformed in an auto accident - this arm still causes him pain.  He began to have angina in summer of '02.  He had EKGs in Aug and Sept '02 - both had good readings.  In Sep '02 he started EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) which was helpful.  He was only able to complete 35 of the recommended 45 treatments - the clinic shut down and there are no others to our knowledge in the area (western Tampa).  Since stopping the treatments his angina attacks resumed, but more severe than before.  These attacks occur at night and frighten him with the length and severity. Almost never does he have attacks during the day and when he sleeps sitting up in a chair, he has no pain.  Two drs have attributed this pain to his arm - but both questioned why nitroclycerine relieved his agina.  He takes medication for his high sugar, blood pressure (both of which have come down in the past 2 mos), fluid retention and cholestrol.  He his fearful of surviving another heart surgery.
1.  Are there any alternatives to open heart surgery?
2.  Is there anywhere in western Tampa that you know of where he can receive EECP?
3.  Could his arm be the cause of some of his problems?
Thank you for your help and insights.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Hedwig,

Thanks for the questions.

(1) Your husband needs evaluation at a center of heart excellence, such as here or the Mayo clinic.  The alternatives will depend on details from the previous surgeries, his other conditions, and his wishes.

(2) I am not familiar with the Tampa area.

(3) Sure, the arm could be contributing.  Your description of the nighttime symptoms, fluid retention, and occurence of symptoms while lying down, raise the issue of possible early heart failure.  The extent to which angina is causing his symptoms can really only be evaluated in person.

Hope that helps.

[Franco11]

A related discussion, Open eart surgery was started.

[Wolfman619]

A related discussion, alternatives to heart surgery was started.