Re: After Bypass Surgery

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on May 26, 1998 at 11:55:23:

In Reply to: After Bypass Surgery posted by Mary on May 22, 1998 at 16:23:31:







Hi, I'm posting this message on behalf of my mother.
It will be two years ago this fall that she had a double bypass.
Currently she is doing well, however she is not under follow-up care.
I'm concerned about patients like my mom who have their surgery but
do not receive follow-up care. Is this common? Do you think patients
like my mom should be attending cardiology clinics for follow-up?
Thanking-you in advance for your reply.
Sincerely,
Mary






Dear Mary,
Any patient who has had bypass surgery should be followed up yearly, if not more frequently
such as every 3-6 months.  Since coronary artery disease is a chronic process
and bypass not a cure, the patient post bypass needs aggressive risk facotr
modification (control of lipids/cholesterol, control of any high blood pressure
or diabetes, counseling to quit smoking,diet counseling,etc.) as well as a yearly
check up to evaluate for return of any symptoms.  After bypass surgery, every pateint
should be on a daily exercise program, and this too is encouraged at bi/yearly visits to a physiciab.
Some general internists can do all of this, however the cardiologist specializes in this very matter.  
A patient would need to be seen more frequently if they developed any new symptoms.  Good Luck
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general informational
purposes only.  Actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your/her physician(s).