Help!

[Angelina20]

I'm very worried about my stepfather. He's had two heart attacks within two years.... the last one was about 1 1/2 years ago. He's 52 and VERY unhealthy, in fact , I feel hes close to death. He took his plavix very shortly after the 2nd heart attack, but stopped. He got stints put in the last time.  He is about 100 lbs overweight, he sleeps at least 16 hours a day (not kidding), he smokes a pack a day, and eats anything he wants...fast food, anything!  He doesnt drink water, only pop and coffee.  Recently I've noticed that he stops breathing shortly when he sleeps. He also doesnt move off the couch where he lays all day and night.   He doesnt care, and wont see a doctor. I've heard that stints get plaque buildup faster then without them, is this true??   Can a man live long in this condition?!?!?!  We're at the end of our ropes with him....is there anything we can do besides let him kill himself??  It feels like he's committing a long, slow suicide and dragging the rest of the family down.  

[pilgrim56]

Your stepfather is showing the classic signs of depression. Depression is very common in people who have had heart attacks. About half of patients will suffer some degree of depression in the first year after the heart attack.

I was depressed right after my heart attack. My doctor put me on anidepressants and it made a big difference in my recovery. Another important step was going to rehab.

I would encourage you to talk to your stepfather's primary care physician or cardiologist ASAP to get help. Your stepfather may need medication or therapy or both.  I think it will make a big difference.

Good luck!

[Encephalomalcia]

Your stepfather has to care first about his health before he changes.  If he has stents especially the coated stents, he needs to be on Plavix for 6 months to a lifetime whichever his doctor prescribes.  Coated stents increase the risk of another heart attack without taking Plavix.  Stents can develop buildup, but this is less common with the coated stents.  He needs to make some serious changes if he wants any longevity.  With him sleeping as much as he does, he must not feel good.  The smoking, fast food, and caffeine needs to be avoided.  If he doesn't care if he lives or dies, I am not sure what you can do about it.  Make it plain to him that he will not live long if he continues with this behavior.