bypass question

[pebbles623]

My husband was diagonised with Coronary Heart Disease in 2009 he had 2 stents put in 2003 at 34 years old...he had 3 stents put in on 2009..he is in the hospital for a catherazation today he has some discomfort in his chest  doctor said he might have to have bypass..he is scared..can anyone tell me from their experience what you might think is best for him..

[kenkeith]

Six years ago, I had an issue with occluded vessels.  The RCA was 98% blocked and stented, the circumflex is 72% blocked no stent, and the LAD was/is 100% blocked (collateral vessels provide a natural bypass).  My first symptoms were congested heart failure...never had angina nor any symptom that caused any concern.  The heart was enlarged and only pumping 14 to 29% of the chamber's filling capacity.

For the past 6 years I have been doing very well with medication.  The heart has returned to normal size and the heart is pumping 59% of  capacity..normal is 44 to 75%.

The discomfort I feel in my chest caused by exertion (exercise 3 times a month) is prevented by taking a nitrate pill prior to workout.  

Apparently, your doctor never went with a medication protocol that dilates coronary vessels prior to 2003 and implanted stents to dilate vessels and again in 2009.  There is a limit on how many stents can be implanted, and sometimes the location of the blockage(s) is not favorable for implants so the only option available ia a bypass.  The cath that is being done today will enable the doctor to determine whether (s)he can implant a stent, and if so the stent may be implanted at the time of the cath angiogram.  Otherwise the only option that remains is a bypass to treat angina.

[cblmn7]

listen to the drs i am 47 and have had 9 stents in 3 yrs the dr just now did a double bypass i am recovering right now i had the surgery 26 feb 2010. its a very scary surgery for the patient as well as for the family after my surgery the heart surgern told me i should start feeling alot better because of the blockage in my lad that is now bypassed. being young he will heal faster i had surgery on a friday and went home on tuesday. my prayers are out for you and your husband

[CFS1]

The doctors would be the ones to tell your husband his best options.  Bypass surgery can be very scary to both the patient and the patient's family.  My husband had quadruple bypass in April.  He is doing fine now.  Good luck to you both.