Heart bypass surgery on 87 year old?

ukpam55

New Member

Joined : Sep 2012

Posts : 1

Posted 9/13/2012 10:56 AM (GMT 0)

My father in the UK has just found out hat he has one almost completely blocked artery and another slightly blocked. He has to go back to the doctors in October and discuss what the next step will be. He is otherwise healthy, but I'm wondering, is he too old for the bypass surgery?? His doctor has given him meds (I think beta blockers) for his heart and he has had no pain and feels good since taking them. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

stkitt

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 32602

Posted 9/14/2012 4:55 PM (GMT 0)

Hello and Welcome to Healing Well,

I am glad to read your Father is healthy otherwise but I am not sure what his Dr. will say about bypass surgery. It really depends on how healthy a person is and the risks of the surgery. Diagnostic tests have helped your Father's heart doctor identify the location, type and extent of your Father's coronary artery disease. The results of these tests, the structure of your Father's heart, his age, the severity of his symptoms, the presence of other medical conditions, and his lifestyle will help his Dr. determine what type of treatment is best.

I wish him the very best and hoped this has helped a bit in answering your question.

Kindly,

Kitt

Alcie

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2009

Posts : 5200

Posted 9/15/2012 9:36 PM (GMT 0)

My mom had bypass on 3 arteries plus valve replacement after a mild heart attack at 85. It was choice of surgery or death very soon.

She lived another 10 years. She was happy with the choice, but I would not want her life. For a few years she was just tired. She remarried and travelled. Then she gradually swelled up and could barely walk a few feet. She was on oxygen for about 3 years.

It's a personal choice and also a matter of condition, as Kitt said. There's no such thing as being too old, like there was in the past.

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