$Unique_ID{BRK01611}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{What Are the Real Facts About Heart Bypass Surgery?}
$Subject{heart surgery bypass}
$Volume{G-3, G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Real Facts About Heart Bypass Surgery?


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QUESTION:  What are the real facts about heart (by-pass) surgery?  I am
terrified of all surgery, but two doctors have already counseled me to
seriously consider the operation.  Isn't it possible that I could just take
the right medications to correct my problem, without all the risks of surgery?
I would be most grateful if you would please address this problem in your
wonderful column.

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ANSWER:  Many factors help to determine if bypass surgery is appropriate in
any case of heart disease:  age, the specific anatomy of the patient's heart,
and the degree to which its functioning is impaired.
     This form of surgery is now widely practiced, and relatively low-risk.
Bypass surgery is usually appropriate if the symptoms of heart disease being
experienced are life-threatening and significantly restrict your lifestyle,
while not responding to medical therapy.
     In most cases, the surgery relieves the painful angina experienced in
heart disease, eliminating the need for medication to accomplish the same
goal.  Related emotional problems of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep
problems are also alleviated.  Bypass surgery is being performed on people in
their 80's and 90's, with impressive long-term results.  In one study
comparing surgical vs. medical treatment for heart disease sufferers over 65
years of age, 62 percent of the surgical group was free of chest pain 5 years
after treatment, while only 29 percent of the medical group could make the
same statement.
     Coronary artery surgery has also been shown to increase life span.  In
another study, 88 percent of patients who underwent surgery were alive after
four years, versus 63 percent of a medical treatment group.
     There are a variety of conditions that fall under the heading of
"heart disease," and not all of them respond to bypass surgery.  Cases of
congestive heart disease do not respond to surgery as well as angina.
     One major consideration in bypass surgery is how long the bypass grafts
will remain open before narrowing due to atherosclerosis.  If the blood flow
through these new, surgically implanted blood vessels becomes restricted,
symptoms of angina can return, and the individual again runs the risk of heart
attack.  According to studies, approximately 60 percent of these grafts are
still effective 10 to 12 years after surgery.
     If you are undecided about your own decision, ask your doctor to explain
your condition and his or her recommended course of action in greater detail.
If necessary, don't be hesitant to seek out a third opinion.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
