1. < Heart & Blood Health

Clogged arteries at 86 yrs. old

Posted by Glori @elvandi, Jun 13, 2017

Wondering if my brother at 86 yrs. old, in good health with a healthy heart, has 3 clogged arteries, should consider stents or by-pass surgery to correct the problem. Has anyone with a family member experienced this for an elderly person, and what was the results of their procedure.
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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jun 19, 2017

Hi @elvandi,

I’d like to introduce you to @thankful @cynaburst @contender1 @retairforceman @ronbee @llecrup @lyndamm @swanny @michael123 @yarrum who have had coronary bypass surgery, and may have some insights to offer. I'd also like to ask Connect's Mentors @predictable, @hopeful33250, if they have any thoughts to share?

Here is some additional information from Mayo Clinic:
Coronary bypass surgery http://mayocl.in/2mA2p4G
Coronary angioplasty and Stents http://mayocl.in/2cYnrto

@elvandi, has your brother discussed various treatment options with a cardiologist?

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Cynaburst, Alumna Mentor | @cynaburst | Jun 20, 2017

I have not had bypass surgery, though I did have another open heart procedure. However, for an elderly person, it seems like a less invasive approach would be best. My husband had a stent placed and did quite well afterward. The procedure itself was not very difficult for him and recovery was easy. They biggest issue was all of the medicines he had to take afterward. I believe that Plavix is always required after a stent. He got his after he had a heart attack though, so his treatment was not optional. What do his doctors recommend? How occluded are the arteries?

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 20, 2017

@elvandi I also feel that this decision should be made jointly with your brother's doctor. At age 86, even in relatively good health, I would personally opt for the less invasive surgery. Has your brother expressed an opinion on a treatment plan? Do you think he understands his options and the risks in this case? Teresa

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2 replies
Glori | @elvandi | Jun 20, 2017
In reply to @cynaburst "I have not had bypass surgery, though I did have another open heart procedure. However, for..." + (show)
@cynaburst

I have not had bypass surgery, though I did have another open heart procedure. However, for an elderly person, it seems like a less invasive approach would be best. My husband had a stent placed and did quite well afterward. The procedure itself was not very difficult for him and recovery was easy. They biggest issue was all of the medicines he had to take afterward. I believe that Plavix is always required after a stent. He got his after he had a heart attack though, so his treatment was not optional. What do his doctors recommend? How occluded are the arteries?

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My brother of 86 , had the stent procedure. They had to use 6 stents. He is home the next day and so far doing well. Thanks.

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Glori | @elvandi | Jun 20, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@elvandi I also feel that this decision should be made jointly with your brother's doctor. At..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@elvandi I also feel that this decision should be made jointly with your brother's doctor. At age 86, even in relatively good health, I would personally opt for the less invasive surgery. Has your brother expressed an opinion on a treatment plan? Do you think he understands his options and the risks in this case? Teresa

Jump to this post

He had the stent procedure , using 6 stents to unclog, came home the next day and seems to be doing well. This was done at the VA hospital in New Haven,Ct. with a skilled doctor. Thanks

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 21, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@elvandi I also feel that this decision should be made jointly with your brother's doctor. At..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@elvandi I also feel that this decision should be made jointly with your brother's doctor. At age 86, even in relatively good health, I would personally opt for the less invasive surgery. Has your brother expressed an opinion on a treatment plan? Do you think he understands his options and the risks in this case? Teresa

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@elvandi Thanks for the update! I'm pleased to hear that he is doing well. Teresa

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jey68 | @jey68 | Apr 22, 2023

I have the same question, should an 88-year-old male in good condition now (he just got out of the hospital, due to hard breathing) have stints put in? He has been on meds for high blood pressure and chest pain management. He is afraid of having the surgery and has to make a decision within 1 week (May 3 is his surgery date) With all the things going on he is in good spirits but still nervous about having this surgery. HELP!!!

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1 reply
dawnfensterbusch | @dawnfensterbusch | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @jey68 "I have the same question, should an 88-year-old male in good condition now (he just got..." + (show)
@jey68

I have the same question, should an 88-year-old male in good condition now (he just got out of the hospital, due to hard breathing) have stints put in? He has been on meds for high blood pressure and chest pain management. He is afraid of having the surgery and has to make a decision within 1 week (May 3 is his surgery date) With all the things going on he is in good spirits but still nervous about having this surgery. HELP!!!

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Avid surgery at all costs…..it is so hard on the body!

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1 reply
retirement75 | @retirement75 | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @dawnfensterbusch "Avid surgery at all costs…..it is so hard on the body!" + (show)
@dawnfensterbusch

Avid surgery at all costs…..it is so hard on the body!

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I had 5 stents at around 58. I didn’t experience any side effects. Less invasive than surgery. Recently had 3rd heart attack at 77 and 3xcabg plus heart failure. Yes, surgery is much harder with age but don’t know that stents are a risk.

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