My uncle recently got a mild heart attack. Can he be treated without bypass surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

My uncle recently got a mild heart attack, which occurred for the first time in a country where he is staying. So he was admitted to a hospital. The doctors there have suggested to get a bypass surgery done for him. But he and his family want the treatment to be done in their own country. Can he be treated without bypass surgery, and if surgery is required, is there any risk associated with it? He is under medication for diabetes and blood pressure. He had undergone coronary angiography and echocardiography.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query. There are three options for treatment in general. CABG (coronary artery bypass graft), PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) and Only medicines. CABG will be best in your uncle's case because all the three vessels and the left main artery are diseased. He also has diabetes. According to many trials, there is sufficient evidence that CABG is better in such a patient because it decreases mortality. Also, there is a moderate mitral valve insufficiency that can also be repaired during bypass surgery. PCI is indicated if CABG is not possible, and the patient is having chest pains even with maximum medicines. I strongly recommend that we discuss with the cardiac surgeon whether cardiac bypass plus mitral valve repair is possible in this case; if he agrees, then CABG is the best option. Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, I do not know about the cardiac surgeons in your place, but consider a surgeon who is experienced, works in a good hospital, and has a good reputation. You may get an idea from your family doctor or other local doctors.