Prior to my double heart bypass last year, I was told by the surgeon there was a 20% mortality rate after a bypass within 5 years. My operation was successful but this figure is preying on my thoughts...
I’ve read about a long tracking study from Holland (I believe over 30 years) with a sizeable number of heart bypass patients in the data where mortality rates after a bypass are about 50% ten years after the operation and 80% at 15 years. Are these figures accurate?
My dilemma, one I’m sure is common with others who have had a CABG, is how to manage my approach to life in general when faced with these statistics...I want to live as freely, optimistically and positively as possible but I am paralysed to an extent by fear of the clock ticking down.
Is there accurate data in the U.K. of life expectancy rates after a bypass? Thanks
Written by
Stilljogging23
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I see your dilemma but you answered the question yourself, if you feel the clock is ticking down (which it isn’t) then now is the time to do the stuff you want to do.
You have been given a second chance with your operation and you should make the most of it, some people don’t get the chance.
Although I've not had by-pass, heart attack, or valve replacement, I do have multiple conditions that have some potential for being life-shortening - and eventually, my cardiologist tells me, I will be having that aortic valve replaced. so I can well understand your worries - I worry too. After my latest scare (pericarditis acute flare complete with some heavy duty angina, and it's been months of recovery!) I was so worried I was almost paralytic with surety I would collapse on the pavements if I tried to walk for exercise. I call it a hiccup now but it really did shake my confidence there for a while.
One of my conditions is Rheumatic Heart Syndrome and I've had it since the mid-1960s. Early on thanks to my dad, I developed a coping strategy of following medical advice to the letter (including posting that on the fridge so I see it every day) and telling myself I'm doing everything possible to reach and maintain an optimum high-quality lifespan (I wrote myself a mantra and repeat it every time I feel the worry rise).
After that, there isn't much else to do and I tell myself that as well. 'I've done everything I can, I'm doing my best.' It works, but it took me a while for the self-talk to become automatic.
I call the worries 'the worry-worm' and I usually refuse to let that little worm win. But it did almost win for a bit after my latest 'hiccup', I only made it through thanks to forcing myself to remember and use the coping strategy.
You've been through the wars - but you're still here, you have a medical team looking after you, and you'll have tonnes of support from other 'hearties' here.
Thanks for reply and the link to the report. I like factual things like that as it gives a basis for thinking about my condition and how to direct my energies going forward. I’m perhaps being lazy in not finding this myself but is there a BHF number/helpline to call to ask about facts and data about life expectancy after a bypass? I feel I need to see the stats, even if they are just averages and individual cases will vary. For practical things like pension planning I’d like to be able to know the odds re Life Expectancy. Thanks again.
I've never used the BHF nurse helpline as my GP has an outstanding practice nurse, and the cardiologist also assigned me a cardiac nurse - both nurses are beyond fab for patience and knowledge.
But I've heard such good things about the BHF nurses - give them a try on:
Hi, I had a triple bypass 19 years ago in 2000 . Had Stents fitted into the grafts in 2009 . I'm still chugging along. Don't let it worry you. Lead a healthy lifestyle as best you can, but don't overdo it i.e running marathons etc. You've been given a new lease of life don't spend it worrying , enjoy.
Thanks for reply. I think it’s difficult to get the balance right between a sensible concern to do the right things/worrying about how to live without a frown all the time and trying to get back to trying to have a mindset of living without fear.
I want to ‘live in the moment’ and embrace the good things Life has to offer, of course, but it is a mental struggle not to be depressed at thoughts like not seeing your daughter progress well through her life in 10-15 years time assuming I don’t make it that far.
Maybe it’s a strange sentiment but I feel guilty at having heart disease and having had a heart bypass (even if mainly caused by family history rather than a poor lifestyle) because it means I have less time to support family and friends in the future or atone for any misdemeanours I may have made.
I was diagnosed with heart disease aged 29 in 1979, on meds with frequent Angina. In 1995 my condition had deteriorated and was given a triple by pass in October of that year. There was no such thing as cardio rehab or internet, so it was a matter of slowly building up my walking each day but it was 5 steps forward and three steps back( and I lived alone) so it was a bit scary. But apart from the struggle I know I felt alive again. I was told because of my age I would need another CABG within in 10/15 years, unfortunately I had an angiogram 3 years ago and was told they couldn't do another op. I am now almost 69 and have never allowed my heart condition to define me. These days I have ischemic cardiomyopathy, permanent AF mitral regurgitation, ICD fitted and heart failure. I trust my cardiologist and never delve too deep into my condition. There is a wonderful life to have after a bypass surgery and I wouldn't get hung up on percentages. Just think about the beautiful oxygen rich blood that is rushing around your veins. My motto is ignorance is bliss. I still do my own gardening decorating etc and will do so til I can't put one foot in front of the other. There is a wonderful life to have after heart surgery go on and live it, and not because you're not going to survive
I'm waiting for an ICD to be fitted soon I hope. May I ask how you feel with yours. i.e how it has improved your condition and anything else that might be handy to know.
I was having many skipped beats and irregular beats which is much reduced now although not completely gone. But I had it done as a preventable measure to prevent beats going below 60 and above 200 also it's a defibrilator which makes me feel like I have my own private paramedic.
I was, when it was first fitted, really scared of it shocking me, but it never has, and now I forget it's there. I was still very aware of my heart beat so I started taking magnesium citrate and that has helped enormously.
I think these little beat boxes are put in for many different reasons, but when you get used to having it then it's a great comfort. It doesn't take long to have it done and you feel no pain but I panicked when I felt a heartbeat in my tummy, the surgeon was highly amused at my reaction.
But please don't worry about having it done, it will only improve your situation, and I wish you all the best, we are very lucky that these treatments are available to us, and the NHS doesn't just write us off. Take care
Thanks BibbyA, I think my problems are similar to yours. The sooner I have it done the better. In my case my heart beat drops quite a bit on the low side causing me to have shortness of breath so I hope it will help. An added bonus is that I live just over the road from the hospital so they wont have any problems picking me up. X
Well it's a no brainier GreyJay for you....if it's offered take it, as it's one thing less to worry about. Hope you get it fitted soon and it improves things for you x
Wow that's where I went for my CABG and pacemaker and I have an appointment with Dr Sharma on Thursday for my 6 monthly check up, it's a brilliant hospital. Please let me know how you get on, hopefully they will give yours the go ahead. Good luck x
My husband also has an ICD and home monitor. He's had it since 2012, fortunately it's never had to shock him but it has corrected his heart a few times. Very comforting to know its there, really does give him peace of mind.
I agree Lezzers, glad I've got mine, I was a bit afraid when I had mine fitted, but as I live alone it's a comfort to my family as well.just makes you feel more secure x
I won't bore you with my story - I've mentioned it once or thrice previously - but had a quad CABG more than 20 years ago, had 3 procedures for stents within the last 3 years or so and now draw my State Pension. Best thing is to ignore Dr Google and his research.
My mum had a triple bypass 22 years ago, and her heart is still going strong at the age of 91
Hi,
I had CABG x 4 after heart attack in 2015 and am probably as fit now as I was back in my 20's. Like you in the early days I read up on life expectancy and for a while let it worry me but as no one knows how long they are going to live realized I'm in the same boat!
Keep fit, watch your diet and live for today remember the bypass has extended your life.
Hello and welcome to the forum! When it was decided that my severe angina could not be treated by stenting and that I needed a bypass all the soothsayers came up with this. Being a qualified physicist I am sceptical about the quality of research and information being skewed either to fit the researchers' forgone conclusion or by sheer incompetence.
Some reports did not take into the patient's age at bypass, other co-morbidities (such as diabetes, COPD, etc.) and cause of death. As mentioned in previous posts I know someone over forty years post bypass. He is in his nineties. However, if someone has a bypass in their seventies there is no chance of them making forty years. I also know someone who died five years after bypassing but their heart was fine - the cause of death being dementia. In addition two relatives of friends did not make a year - they reverted to smoking and heavy drinking respectively! If I had written research up like that when I worked for ICI or in my subsequent career I would probably have been sacked!
By the way the gentleman who is over forty years post bypass and a friend's mother post HA by a similar period follow medical advice but allow themselves the odd treat. The lady loves a cream tea every week or so!
So in conclusion take those figures with a pinch of salt and stop worrying. Worrying is as bad for you as a bacon sandwich!
I had a bypass last year and yes its worrying with all the information at our fingertips now. I was ok with it as had a friend who had a bypass nearly 20 years ago and her brother nearly 30 years ago. They are still here and fighting fit. When I asked the cardio rehab nurse what happens to the blocked or partially blocked arteries that are bypassed, she said they are still there and working, so to me that means I have a 'super heart'! Look after and be kind to yourself xx
At age 34 I had 3 heart attacks in 3 months followed by 5 by-passes I also have a manual job working as a joiner, I also had 3 young daughters to worry about i slowly eased my self back into work changing my diet and exercise regime. then age 48 we went to America to celebrate our silver wedding where i had a further heart attack and 2 stents fitted returning home i again eased my self back into my regular routine which all went well until last year when i have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and dodgy knees which has stopped the jogging but not working on building sites i have run several marathons still ride roller coasters with my 7 grandchildren and this weekend climbed ladders to repair our roof having celebrated our ruby wedding and walked my daughters down the aisle i have had many ups and downs and bumps in the road but try to listen to my body pushing a little to keep active and resting when needed i am now 63 year young. when I had the bypasses I was told I should be fine for 10 years as the 10th anniversary was approaching I began to worry more then when I had the stents I was told they average 7 to 8 years again as the anniversary approached i again started to worry now I just try to listen to my body keeping as active as possible and live life
This is so inspirational. I hope to follow in tour foot steps. I'm determined to focus on what I am calling my 10000 day plan. I'm 42 and am pretty sure I will need by pass surgery. I have the same worries as ma y people here but also am naturally optimistic and motivated to make significant changes to be present at ma y of the milestones you have mentioned.
Quad bypass at 49 , was a fitness fanatic do complete shock . 2 heart attacks since , 1 stent done , stress was main issue . I’m now 61& immigrating back to UK after 50 years.
Violence , no future , my sister murdered other family members savagely attacked , house invasions , robbed to many time . Worst thing for my heart. Going to Swansea as only child there at Uni
I am sorry that you are so worried. Numbers are just numbers, think about the 80% that survive rather than 20 % who sadly don't. Also, you must have been in mortal danger to have had the bypass in the first place, so try to relax , live life to the full and consider each year a fantastic bonus, God Bless.
I am hoping that you feel better now. I have been plagued by several different problems. The worse part is getting isolated, it creeps up on you until you realise that you have not left your house for a week or no friends call in for a cup of tea. I sing to get to a much better place where I can, however temporarily, escape my illness', treatments and concerns. I really feel good. Fingers crossed you feel happier and more content, good luck !
Honestly they don’t sound accurate at all , I’m now 15 years from quad bypass ( I have had 2 heart attacks since with last one requiring a stent) I gym hard nearly every day . The only thing I stopped was running , Ultra Marathins etc .
I manage my triple bypass by being in denial and living a healthy life. I won’t read negative reports on google . There are many positive accounts around of people who have survived for years and had ops in their seventies. I only ever read the NHS website also. I’m 77 Female and back on the tennis court after 7 months and very lucky to have got rid of the chest pains. Watch what you eat and excercise like walking every day. Relax live this wonderful chance you have had
I completely understand how you feel!!!! As for "making the most of it as some people don't get the chance"!!!??? that is a point but it is NOT your fault that some people don't get the chance now is it??? You were talking about health anxiety and how to cope with it!!! I had a double bypass in January of this year and my whole life has changed!!! I DO think of my mortality now which I never did before as I was fit and healthy!!! I did not want to know what the survival rate was and so I have never looked it up or asked any one!!! My cardiologist, however, said that I had a good 25 years ahead of me!!! I AM HAPPY WITH THAT!!! You do whatever makes you smile!!! live your life as best as you can, and above all, BE HAPPY, xxx
hi. I don’t want to hijack this post but I wanted to say thank you for posting that. I feel exactly the same as the OP and it’s hard not to let anxiety and depression take over. Once again you have given a knowledgeable, considerate and very encouraging reply which I am very grateful for.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
poisoned by statins
It's A Wonderful Life!
Failed angioplasty 
