What are my risks of heart failure if I have two collapsed arteries?
Unfotunately after bypass surgery sometimes the bypass grafts collapse or close down. This is especially true when the leg veins are used as a bypass graft. Our bodies are amazing though and are able to try and deal with heart blockages by growing new blood vessels. When the main blood vessels in the heart develop narrowings over time our heart can compensate and grow what are called collateral blood vessels to supply the area where the blockage is located. These collateral vessels are small but many times are able to provide adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. You may have some of these collateral blood vessels. There may be options available such as medications and EECP which is external counterpulsation therapy. You may want to discuss these options with your healthcare provider. Also keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar controlled, maintaining an appropriate weight and regular exercise are of utmost importance. Our bodies are amazing though and are able to try and deal with heart blockages by growing new blood vessels. When the main blood vessels in the heart develop narrowings over time our heart can compensate and grow what are called collateral blood vessels to supply the area where the blockage is located. These collateral vessels are small but many times are able to provide adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. You may have some of these collateral blood vessels. There may be options available such as medications and EECP which is external counterpulsation therapy. You may want to discuss these options with your healthcare provider. Also keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar controlled, maintaining an appropriate weight and regular exercise are of utmost importance.
Thanks, This was very helpful
I had quad bypass in l996 and am doing fine. I am 81 yrs young. I asked by cardiologist what happens to the bypasses over time and got essentially the same answer that you have got, the heart grows new blood vessels and keeps on trucking. Just keep on doing what you can as long as you can and don't obsess about the bypass. Let you wife do that.
Example: I was outside yesterday cutting back trees in my back yard. Sweating like crazy and hauled off 3 truck loads of tree limbs. Felt better than I ever felt in a long time. Sat down occasionaly and drank a lot water didn't have any bad side effects.
