Heart Medication

[Shanty123]

Hi I’m waiting for a heart bypass I’ve got pre op in April I’m wondering if after surgery do you need to stay on Angina tablets for life or do they stop after surgery. Thank you hope you are as well as can be Sharon.

[Chappychap]

What do you mean by angina tablets?

A successful bypass operation should remove the symptoms of angina (at least temporarily), so there's no subsequent need for specific angina medication such as GTN spray.

However, a bypass operation unfortunately is not a cure for the underlying heart disease/atherosclerosis that caused our angina in the first place. We have heart disease for life, and left to it's own devices it will just keep getting worse. However, we can slow down the progress of heart disease with medication and life style changes.

So generally speaking we're on a cocktail of medication for the rest of our lives, plus we need to stage a root and branch review of our life style habits.

Good luck!

[Shanty123 in reply to Chappychap]

Hi I’m on Ranolazine and aspirin I was just wondering if they are for life thank you for your help.

[Hidden]

Hello

Chappychap has given you a great reply which is hard if not impossible to add to but just wanted to wish you good lick with your upcoming op and if you have any more questions regarding the op please just come and ask and we will do our best to answer them x

[Shanty123 in reply to Hidden]

Hi thank you for your kind words it’s much appreciated x

[Hidden in reply to Shanty123]

x

[devonian186 in reply to Shanty123]

I dont know how many bypasses are expected but you need to prepare for when you come out of hospital. The degree of surgery, your age and current fitness will all impact but you should expect some weeks of not being able to do very much for yourself.

[CyclingTime]

Statins in the evening and aspirin in the morning for me I also have to take Omeprazole before the aspirin to protect my stomach from the aspirin

[Shanty123 in reply to CyclingTime]

Hi thank you for your help I’ve only just realised about the aspirin n possible stomach problems it can cause.

[Eugene1950]

👋 Hi Shanty, I can only imagine just how worried/anxious you must feel right now. It was bad enough for me at 72 years of age, how I would have coped at your age I have no idea!

I had my Bypass late September 2022. I've always been a bit bolshie so against my cardiologist advice I just stuck to a daily Omeprazole & an Aspirin pre my operation. I wouldn't recommend you or anyone else following my example I would advise you STRONGLY to stick to your Cardiologist advice.

Following my Bypass I found myself on the usual mix Betablokers +Ace inhibitors + Statin+ Clopidgrel + Lansoprazole + Aspirin + Furosemide. However, as you're not taking them all at once you'll soon get into a routine and it will become just 2nd nature. So, don't worry about the medication I hate having to take anything and I found it a doddle!

Now as to the your question re. medications going forward I can only pass on my own experience. At my 6/7 week follow up appointment post op the Cardiologist told me I would have to take Bisoprolol and Ramipril 1.25mg for life. But told me I could stop the Furosemide (prevents a build up fluids post op) at once.

At 4/5 months post op I had a call from the Cardiology Department who carried out my Angiogram which led in turn to my Bypass. To my surprise he told me I could stop both my Betablokers and Ace inhibitors.

Now I don't know your personal circumstances I'm quite fortunate I've no underlying health problems I'm slim build very active and low heart rate etc.

It might be far more difficult for you but if my experience is anything to go by you can get through this and you will be able to live a long happy life virtually medication free!

Best wishes for your future,

Denis

[Shanty123 in reply to Eugene1950]

Hi Denis thank you for your reply it’s much appreciated. I’m unfortunately on the large size n not healthy but I’m hoping to change that but it’s hard going.I will stick to their advice I know I have too hope you are doing well, Sharon.

[momander]

Hi there, I had a double bypass 8 weeks ago. I wasn't on angina tablets but I do have the spray. I am hoping I never have to use it again!! I had angina because an artery had collapsed. I don't know much about it all I'm afraid but perhaps it would be an idea to ask your GP or the cardiologist/ surgeon in hospital. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck with your operation . 👍

[Shanty123 in reply to momander]

Hi thank you for your advice it’s appreciated and I hope you are doing well after your op.