Question 1

what is the life expectancy for a patient after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

It depends.: Bypass surgery helps to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle. It doesn't cure the disease. Prognosis depends on the extent of heart damage which may have occurred. It is vital that risk factors for progression of plaque buildup be controlled. Cessation of smoking is essential. Control of hypertension and cholesterol are important. Diabetics must achieve good control. Exercise is important too.

Question 2

can the person who went through heart bypass surgery live a really long life ?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Depends on the overall heart function and severity of disease. In general patients do very well if they follow their treatment plan, stop smoking, control blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Each case is different however.

Question 3

is it possible for a person who went through heart bypass surgery to live long life?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, my father in law had bypass surgery more than 20years ago and he is now 88 years old and still going strong.

Question 4

how is the chest closed after a heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Sternal wires: Assuming the patient had a sternotomy, the two halves of the sternum are separated at the time of surgery.  The bones are rejoined after the surgery using surgical wires, after six to eight weeks the bones are healed and the wires are no longer necessary. The wires are left in place nonetheless.

Question 5

is it safe to have a cough after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

No: Coughing after heart surgery can be good to clear your lungs but if you have phlegm it may be a sign of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Question 6

what is the medical term for ongoing sterum pain after heart bypass surgery.  currently at 7 months post op.

Accepted Answer

Sterna Pain: But needs evaluated for infection, instability, non-union of the bone sections.
Wire fracture and tenderness.
See the surgeon to assess, this is longer than common.

Question 7

when does the pain stop after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

Immediately: If the bypass is successful, the pain should no longer be present after the surgery. However, the incision itself will be painful for a while, but that should be a differnt type of pain.

Question 8

what should i eat and what not to eat after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

In moderation: The answer is everything in moderation. The american heart association and butter busters are reasonable places to start. 
Watch the salt (adjust to the natural taste of things), minimize the fats, if not off limits a bit of red wine is good, all combined with graduated exercise.

For more detail, ask your doctor about a nutritionist or for additional materials he/she may have prepared.

Question 9

how long after after heart bypass surgery can you fly?

Accepted Answer

2-6 weeks: If you're recovering well, 2 weeks would be early but possible. 6 weeks would be entirely reasonable.

Question 10

is it normal to feel very tired after heart bypass surgery?

Accepted Answer

CABG fatigue: Fatigue is common after coronary artery bypass surgery however it is prudent to see your surgeon or provider to assess for other causes of fatigue such anemia or infection.

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Doctor answers about:

Life expectancy after heart bypass surgery

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy for a patient after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

Can the person who went through heart bypass surgery live a really long life ?

A member asked:

Is it possible for a person who went through heart bypass surgery to live long life?

A member asked:

How is the chest closed after a heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

Is it safe to have a cough after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

What is the medical term for ongoing sterum pain after heart bypass surgery. currently at 7 months post op.

A member asked:

When does the pain stop after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

What should i eat and what not to eat after heart bypass surgery?

A member asked:

How long after after heart bypass surgery can you fly?

A member asked:

Is it normal to feel very tired after heart bypass surgery?

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