Length of Heart Graft

[poseur]

I had a single right coronary by-pass 15 years ago, using a vein in my left leg. Since then I have been relatively health, but have acquired type II diabetes. I regularly exercise for 1 1/2 - 2 hours rigorous cycling, with a peak heart rate about 160 and an average rate of 139.I bike an average of 4 times a week. I am taking both beta blockers and ace inhibitors. I have lost 25 lbs in the last 3 months of exercising. I am concerned whether my graft will last. I have had no symptoms and my ejection fraction has significantly improved to 51 at rest and 61 after exercise. How will I know if/when I need another by-pass?

Poseur


This discussion is related to Using arteries instead of veins for grafting.

[kenkeith]

The average for vein grafts are about 10 years or so. If  you feel well and are not having any chest pressure or exertional shortness of breath, you should be alright.