Bypass or Meds/stent

[barniecroft]

Ive noticed that quite often in a similar situation (ie blocked LAD and partial blockage elsewhere) two differing options of treatment are give, Sometimes bypass is given and other times stenting and drugs are the preferred route. It has made me wonder which is the best option long-term. Is it a matter of costs or are both as effective as the other?

[Dodger50]

I’ve read that with other complications (Diabetes etc) bypass is preferable only when stents cannot be used

[stevejb1810]

Typically stenting will be used where the consultants think it feasible. It’s a lot less invasive than major open heart surgery and carries less inherent risk as a result (both carry a degree of risk). Unfortunately stenting is not an option in a lot of cases (I am one such example - I did ask but was told outright it was not an option). It depends on the extent and location of the constriction/blockage and the number of arteries involved. Just to clear up one thing, a bypass still requires meds (I take 4 a day!).

[controlcause]

I was given bypass option after scenting failed 15 months back .. I am OK with medicines so far ..no issues

[barniecroft]

Thanks all for your comments, seems to be a case of individual circumstances being the deciding factor. It was something I had just wondered about

[gal4God]

It is possible u may need both. I’ve have a bypass and still on meds.

[wiltsgirl]

I was told when I had my bypass in March that generally the younger you are the more likely you are to have a bypass (assuming the need), because you are able to recover better and the length of time the bypass lasts is longer. I'm 52 and I know someone who had a bypass in their early 40's. Although different areas may have different approaches. Good luck x

[r1chBr]

Hi, I’m now 51 yrs old and I’ve had both. Initially they carried out an angioplasty on me - found I was anaphylactic to the contrast dye, so abandoned the op. Put me on loads of meds to try to manage situation only for me to present in a&e less than a month later. Second angioplasty with lots of pre-med, found two complete blockages and fitted stents. Found a third but unable to open and I was showing signs of reacting again so stopped at that point. Discharged with lots of meds because I still suffered from angina afterwards.

9 months later back in hospital where a bypass was carried out....

Now, still on meds and still suffer from angina - cardiologist reluctant to do anything else because of my risk and therefore I’m trying to manage condition with meds still.....

[barniecroft in reply to r1chBr]

Seems that every case is different, I guess my question was in the 'how long is a piece of string mode' If like you, the situation changes then a different approach has to be taken.