Our Summary

This research paper explores how often adults over 85 years old in the US undergo heart bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - CABG), and how successful these surgeries are. The researchers used hospital data from 2005-2014 and found that fewer older adults are having these surgeries, but the ones who do are more likely to have other health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, artery disease, and high blood pressure. Despite this, the death rate from these surgeries has dropped and the average hospital stay is shorter. This could mean that doctors are getting better at preparing these patients for surgery and taking care of them afterwards.

FAQs

  1. What is the trend of heart bypass surgeries in adults over 85 years old in the US according to the research?
  2. What additional health issues are common in older adults who undergo heart bypass surgery?
  3. What does the decrease in death rate and shorter hospital stay after heart bypass surgery imply about the medical care for these patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about coronary artery bypass is to follow a healthy lifestyle after surgery to improve long-term outcomes. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. These lifestyle changes can help prevent future blockages in the arteries and improve overall heart health. Additionally, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for coronary artery bypass surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, particularly those who have not responded well to other treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes. These patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath that significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, patients with multiple blocked arteries or those at high risk of a heart attack may also be recommended for bypass surgery.

Other factors that may influence the recommendation for bypass surgery include the patient’s overall health and medical history, including the presence of other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. Patients who are in good overall health and have a long life expectancy may also be considered good candidates for bypass surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual circumstances with their healthcare provider to determine if coronary artery bypass surgery is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as a stress test or angiogram, to confirm the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries
  • Patient is referred to a cardiac surgeon for evaluation and discussion of treatment options, including coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery
  • Patient undergoes coronary artery bypass surgery, where a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body and used to bypass the blocked coronary artery
  • Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery
  • Patient is transferred to a regular hospital room for further recovery and rehabilitation
  • Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to improve their heart health and reduce the risk of future heart problems
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider regularly to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of coronary artery bypass surgery for someone my age (over 85 years old)?
  2. How does my age and other health conditions (such as diabetes, kidney disease, artery disease, and high blood pressure) affect the success rate of the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after coronary artery bypass surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides surgery?
  5. What is the long-term outlook for someone my age after undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery and what ongoing care will be required?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before and after the surgery to improve my chances of a successful outcome?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain management and post-operative care?
  9. Are there any specific complications or side effects I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare myself mentally and emotionally for undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery at my age?

Reference

Authors: Olufajo OA, Wilson A, Zeineddin A, Williams M, Aziz S. Journal: J Surg Res. 2021 Feb;258:345-351. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.08.002. Epub 2020 Oct 14. PMID: 33069392