Underwent Four Artery CABG Surgery. Left Circumflex Artery Was Blocked. Weak And Stressed. What Would You Recommend?

Posted on Thu, 7 Nov 2013

Question: I underwent 4 artery CABG surgery in Aug. 2010. all seemed well but now, 3 years later my left circumflex artery is 100% blocked both above & below where the graft connects to the original artery. Decision is to treat me medical y & watch.
I am weak, tired & using nitro patch & sub ling spray. I would like a 2nd opinion. Age 71...diabetic, male no smoking
but stressed. Thanks........ XXXXXXX XXXX, Canada.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bypass is better...

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You are just 70 plus…
With a history of unstable angina a few months before / 100 % block beyond the graft / on a setting of Diabetes – the best option is to go for a CABG (Bypass) again.
In the meantime, aggressive investigation and management of risk factors is important…

Nitro and metoprolol are appropriate.
You must be taking aspirin / and clopidogrel too…
As also statins…

TMT (Treadmill Exercise ECG) with thallium isotope is an ideal non-invasive way to evaluate ischemia / to assess the PHYSIOLOGY (function) – to see whether the blood arriving at the heart muscle. / and can enhance the decision making process..

The treating doctor alone can suggest further based on his assessment of the situation.

Take care
Wishing all well
God bless
Good luck

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar