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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Pulmonary Hypertension
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Pulmonary Hypertension
by chris, Dec 08, 1999 12:00AM
In May my husband (65 years old) had a triple CABG. (It was a complete shock he only had mild jaw pain.) They could not by-pass the fourth artery, at the bottom of his heart, because the tissue was already dead. He has had problems with atrial fibrillation and takes Amiodarone. Later they by-passed his left sub-clavion (sp?) which was blocked and they wanted to get more blood to the mammary artery used for the by-pass. Physically he is doing well for some one with a 20% ejection rate. Years of bicycling has helped him. Our greatest difficulty has been with his depression. It got so bad he became delusional and had to spend some time in a psychiatric hospital. He is terrified of dying.
My question is about pulmonary hypertension. We were told he had this right after the CABG but we thought it was only temporary. At his last check-up his cardiologist mentioned he still had it. We were both so surprised we didn't think to ask about it. I read many of the questions and responses already posted here about pulmonary hypertension. My husband does not seem to be on any of the medications mentioned (he takes Amiodarone, digoxin, Monopril, Flomax, Coumadin, aspirin, Pravachol). My husband has had no problems with shortness of breath. He went to cardiac rehab and had no problems. His cardiologist has OK'ed him to return to work, though he has not because of psychiatric problems.
Since hearing about the pulmonary hypertension my husband has again become obsessed with fear of dying. Is pulmonary hypertension a death sentence? I don't know how bad it is but how bad could it be if he can return to work and does not take any medication for it? And does having pulmonary hypertension mean he also has congestive heart failure?
My question is about pulmonary hypertension. We were told he had this right after the CABG but we thought it was only temporary. At his last check-up his cardiologist mentioned he still had it. We were both so surprised we didn't think to ask about it. I read many of the questions and responses already posted here about pulmonary hypertension. My husband does not seem to be on any of the medications mentioned (he takes Amiodarone, digoxin, Monopril, Flomax, Coumadin, aspirin, Pravachol). My husband has had no problems with shortness of breath. He went to cardiac rehab and had no problems. His cardiologist has OK'ed him to return to work, though he has not because of psychiatric problems.
Since hearing about the pulmonary hypertension my husband has again become obsessed with fear of dying. Is pulmonary hypertension a death sentence? I don't know how bad it is but how bad could it be if he can return to work and does not take any medication for it? And does having pulmonary hypertension mean he also has congestive heart failure?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Dec 08, 1999 12:00AM
His EF is 20%. He probably has some degree of pulmonary hypertension due to this fact. The treatment would be for the underlying congestive heart failure, not any specific treatment for pulmonary hypertension. This is not something your husband needs to worry about.
Member Comments (2)
by dn, Dec 08, 1999 12:00AM
Just some soothing advice for your husband. Tell him to find his relationship with God and he wont be so fearfull and also can have peace of mind!! Prayers are answered!!! Good luck and prayers are with you both.
