Mended Hearts Open Forum

 View Only
Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

CABG vs Stents

  • 1.  CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-19-2025 08:25

    I'm new here! Thanks in advance for any support and responses offered!

    I'm 52 and just found out that I need to either have double bypass surgery or as many as three stents placed due to blockage in two arteries. Fortunately, I've had some time to process it all and talk to my cardiologist as well as do my own research before deciding. I have an appointment with the surgeon this Thursday, so I'll get even more of my questions answered! 
    My cardiologist recommends bypass surgery, ideally using both mammory arteries as they have to be longer-lasting and less prone to blockage. However, using both of those arteries does seem to result in a bit higher risk of infection. Given my age, he said that surgery will most likely not require repeat procedures like stents often do. Obviously, it's a major surgery and longer recovery time. 

    The logical side of my brain is saying to do the surgery. The emotional part is leaning towards the less invasive and therefore less scary stent(s) option. It's important to mention that my mom died of a heart attack at 40 years old, and she went into cardiac arrest during an angioplasty procedure. Her brother had two stents placed when he was 54 and then bypass surgery at 68 years old. Her other brother died of a heart attack at 60 years old.

    I wish I wasn't in this situation, but I'm grateful to my doctors for finding the blockage before it became emergency surgery. It's been an emotional roller coaster for sure



    ------------------------------
    SHERI Given
    teacher
    LVUSD
    Agoura Hills CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-20-2025 04:15
    Sheri,

    I'm an emergency quintuple bypass survivor including with the harvesting of a mammary artery. It was 7 1/2 years ago after a heart attack at age 67. I was and remain a fitness and workout psychotic since the age of 12, but I also had a family history of heart disease although not as bad as yours.

    Listen to your cardiologist and choose the bypass with the mammary arteries. Yes, it's a longer and more complicated recovery in the beginning (although far less complicated than stents long term) but, forgive me, you are just a young woman at your age and should opt for the long term more comprehensive option. I'm 75 now and my body is beginning to break down in the sense that I can't run anymore because of foot and lower back skeletal and arthritic issues, can't lift as much weight anymore (although the kids still call me sir at the gym) in part due to aging and in part due to intentional weight loss so I can be as lean muscular as possible for cardiovascular health, BUT my heart has not been a problem at all and my cardiologist is amazed at how well I'm doing.

    You're just a kid compared to me, young enough to be my daughter. Please go for the long term bypass with mammary arteries option from one survivor to a soon to be another survivor.

    And please stay in touch and let us know how it goes.

    Ira




  • 3.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-21-2025 10:56

    Hi Sheri,

    Like Ira, I was also an emergency CABG case. No heart attack but the cath found to have 100% LAD, and 95%/85% in the LCA and RCA (not sure which was which). I was 56. I was also told if I left the hospital I wouldn't make it back. I had the mammary artery and haven't had any issues with it. But, 1-1/2 years later, I had pain again and had to have 3 stents. I was shocked and very upset. To cut a long story short, it was determined that I had coronary artery inflammation, causing cholesterol (even though my LDL was about 40) to stick to my arteries. My HS-CRP was very high and my MTHFR gene was also an issue. Upon advice from the cardiologist, Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, along with Omega3, turmeric, methyl folate and others drove the HS-CRP down to low risk. It saved my life. So far, at 61, no new blockages. My mammary artery and heart all seem to like the detour, so why not let your artery take a permanent "road trip" if that's what your cardiologist recommends :).

    Joe 



    ------------------------------
    Joseph Scuralli
    New Jersey
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-22-2025 07:07

    FDA clears CCTA AI coronary plaque assessment from Artrya

    Dave Fornell | August 21, 2025 | Cardiovascular Business | Computed Tomography
    A new company has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for its artificial intelligence (AI) automated analysis of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) that offers more personalized cardiac risk assessments for patients.

    Australia-based Artrya Limited says its Salix Coronary Plaque module offers near real-time, point-of-care CCTA assessment and management of coronary artery disease. The AI can identify key biomarkers of heart disease, supporting clinicians in diagnosing patients more accurately and efficiently. The company began its U.S. market launch in July.

    There is a movement in cardiac prevention and cardiac imaging to use CCTA with AI plaque assessment software to identify soft, high-risk coronary plaques as a key predictor of heart attacks. These low-attenuation plaques (LAP) are not seen or accounted for in current coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring CT screenings. 


    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-22-2025 11:32
    Nice. I had all that done, except without AI. Looks like progress in efficiency and effective accuracy.



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-22-2025 11:58
    Terrell,
    AI will bring Incredible change to everything in the future; medicine, business, economics,, education, media and the military. I'll try to post articles about AI in medicine for heart patients.
    Best regards,
    Vic

    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Greylock Advisors, LLC
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-22-2025 14:42
    Victor,
    I'll look forward to AI information, thank you.
     
    Much suffering is so unnecessary today. Patients need to get information critical to decision making regarding heart healthcare outcome:
    1. Age/disease dependent LDL control.
    2. Cardiac conduction system pacing for prevention of "pacing induced cardiomyopathy" (up to 20% after five years of conventional pacing).
    Terry



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-25-2025 21:09

    Good evening,

    I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding CABG vs stents, and just wanted to provide an update…

    I am having the CABG surgery in a couple of weeks. I am sure that it is the right decision for me, but I'm still extremely nervous about it! I really like my surgeon and physician's assistant. They're both incredibly patient and have over 20 years of experience with bypass surgeries. I know that I'll be in good hands. I need to do my best to stay positive and get through this!

    Thank you to everyone who has responded! Your testimonies really do help! Soon I will be able to support others, too!

    -Sheri



    ------------------------------
    SHERI Given
    teacher
    LVUSD
    Agoura Hills CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-25-2025 21:27

    Sherri,

    Try to speak to other patients who are recovering from the CABG procedure. Your cardiology group may provide some names or you may meet them when you a visit to your surgical group.

    Good luck,



    ------------------------------
    Victor Fabry, Founder
    Healed Hearts of New Jersey
    Short Hills, New Jersey
    fvfabry@gmail.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-26-2025 02:39
    Sheri,

    You made the right decision and I'm looking forward to talking with and seeing how you're feeling after you come out the other side of this surgery. I know that waiting two weeks must be tough. Nervousness is a natural reaction, but maybe you can limit it through meditation, breathing exercises, music, doing things you love or simply talking.

    In a way, I had it easier than you because my CABG was on an emergency basis with no time no time to think or be nervous. But that was just emotionally. On a physical level, you are much better off being significantly younger than I was and with the advantage of advance medical planning.

    And if you want to make this an ongoing support dialogue between now and your surgery, that's fine with me and, I expect, others as well.

    Namaste,

    Ira


    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 08-21-2025 17:29
      |   view attached

    Whichever you decide with your doctor, be sure to follow up by dealing with the root cause, arterial plaque buildup. When faced with the perspective of >70% plaque blockage of my left circumflex artery about four years ago, I chose neither invasive procedure. Instead, I went for reduction of my total plaque volume (see attached).

    My doctors told me to follow the guidelines of no more than 100 mg/dl of LDL. Now they advise me the new guidelines recommend no more than 55 mg/dl for me. I have achieved 20 mg/dl of LDL for total plaque reduction. I care about arteries in my brain and other organs too. My cardiologist and my lipidologist agree. It's not about "Do you take a statin." In my opinion, control your LDL by stacking drugs as necessary.



    ------------------------------
    Terrell Williams
    President
    Pacemaker Patient Advocacy Group
    Brooklyn Park MN
    7634932300
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 09-30-2025 05:21

    Sheri

    This seems odd to me. I' can't imagine your surgeon is giving you an option. Bypass will not even work unless you at 75% blockage or more. Not enough pressure to take the new route. Have you had catheterization yet? From my understanding, that's the only way to get a full understanding of your needs.

    My surgeon did Cath with the intention of stenting where possible. Unfortunately it was not possible so they pulled out and I was scheduled for CABG 2 weeks later. 

    You shouldn't be making this decision. If your surgeon isn't letting you know what you need to do and why, I'd find another surgeon.



    ------------------------------
    Earl Timmons
    Wilmington Delaware
    CABGx3 September 2025
    Johns Hopkins Hospital
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 09-30-2025 10:55

    The surgery was done on September 5th, and recovery is going well. The reason bypass was recommended over stinting was due to the type and location of the two blockages. Stenting could have led to complications and then possibly emergency surgery, which happened to my mom back in 1987. The surgery was scary, of course, and the recovery has been difficult and painful at times, but I'm seeing the progress week to week! I hope others in this group are doing well! I'd be happy to share my experience if it will help anyone!



    ------------------------------
    SHERI Given
    teacher
    LVUSD
    Agoura Hills CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 09-30-2025 11:12

    Glad all went well. Mine was September 4th. Post op follow up tomorrow and I hope to be released to my local cariologist to continue recovery. 

    Best of luck Sheri!



    ------------------------------
    Earl Timmons
    Wilmington Delaware
    CABGx3 September 2025
    Johns Hopkins Hospital
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-01-2025 12:56
    Hi Sheri,
    Glad it is going well and hopefully the pain is getting better. I am having cabg soon but don't have a date yet. I am trying to make things easier to get to in my home (I live alone, no family at all). But, what in the world do you wear afterwards? I think it is typical to go to the doctor's office 2 weeks after the surgery. I want to be sure to do all I can for the bones to heal properly but what kind of clothes can you put on without disturbing the sternum?
    Any other tips you can send me are greatly appreciated. Take care, recover well.
    Priscilla


    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-01-2025 15:25
    Edited by Earl Timmons 10-01-2025 15:29

    Priscilla

    At least with me, my post op appointment was 4 weeks from surgery date. In either case, I think you'll find you can wear pretty much whatever you want after 2 weeks. Generally, your comfort is most important. I wouldn't know, but I do hear from women that they may not wear a bra for a couple weeks. Short story, 2 weeks after surgery you're going to feel a lot better that you would think right now and will probably throw on jeans and and a T-shirt :)

    Its hard not to build this up in your mind, but I have tell you from my experience it really hasn't been nearly as difficult as I had imagined leading up to the surgery.

    You can't plan for everything, you but you're on the right track. Good to get a lot of these little questions answered by people who have been through the experience.



    ------------------------------
    Earl Timmons
    Wilmington Delaware
    CABGx3 September 2025
    Johns Hopkins Hospital
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-01-2025 16:42

    Hi Priscilla,

    It was definitely good to have button-down pjs/shirts, comfy shorts, and V-neck T-shirts the first couple of weeks, especially if you won't have help getting dressed. The hospital gave me a bra that closes with Velcro in the front, so I used that when I felt like I needed more support. After a couple of weeks it became easier to wear sports bras and regular shirts. 
    Make sure you can reach clean towels, shampoo, etc. in the bathroom and the things you typically need in the kitchen. If you're on your own, you might also want one of those grabbers in case you drop things. I still find it uncomfortable to pick things up off the floor.

    I hope you find out the date soon! I found those three weeks of waiting pretty hard at times!



    ------------------------------
    SHERI Given
    teacher
    LVUSD
    Agoura Hills CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-02-2025 02:28
    Priscilla,

    The physical therapists and nurses at the hostel will teach and advise you how to move, lie in and get out of bed and dress without stressing your sternum. They've got this down. Trust the process and don't be shy about asking questions post surgery and pre release.

    Ira


    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-02-2025 11:28
    Thank you so much, Ira. Yes, of course, they will show me I should have thought of that. And I am hoping to go to inpatient rehab for at least a little while.
    I am having so much shortness of breath when walking or doing anything that I really hope this surgery helps. I have a completely blocked right artery with collateral circulation and the others are mostly blocked too. The blockages are diffuse so they can't do stents.
    Did you find that you were less short of breath after your surgery? Do you feel better generally with more energy and just better?
    Many thanks
    Priscilla


    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: CABG vs Stents

    Posted 10-03-2025 06:26
    Priscilla,

    I actually had no symptoms at all before my heart attack, although I did and do have high blood pressure controlled by medication for decades. Even at the time of my heart attack at age 67, I was still an athletic gym rate as I had been continuously since I was 12. For many years, until my back issues betrayed me, I had also been a competitive distance runner. So this was completely out of the blue for me. People who knew me, including a cardiologist friend, thought that if this could happen to even Ira, then it could happen to anyone. So, no, I didn't have any shortness of breath issues before or after. What I DID have was bad genetics, although I didn't learn how bad until after the heart attack and my relatives starting sharing their own issues with me. Nice! Had I known my own family history, I probably would have become vegan years ago instead of dreaming about age group classified strongman competitions.

    After the surgery, I was of course in a much weakened state. I spent a little time in inpatient rehab (which I think is an excellent idea for you since you live alone, assuming your insurance will pay for it). I made very rapid progress in rehab and then even more rapid progress when I got home and continued with outpatient cardiac rehab, which I considered baby gym work.

    When I received the sternum all clear from my cardiologist, about 6 weeks after coming home, I was back to my normal gym, lifting weights and doing bodyweight workouts/calisthenics. I was by that time also walking 2 miles a day. A month after that, I was running again (until sciatica from the pounding put me out of commission for 2 weeks). I continued to make progress over the next year, as healing from open heart surgery is a process, but I generally felt great and had no significant issues.

    I am now 75. I'm still a gym rate, still doing most of what I used to do, other than running. What I don't do anymore at the gym or at home has zero to do with my heart or lungs and everything to do with my degenerative back condition and ancient, battered feet from decades of long distance running on the pavements of NYC. I'm also, intentionally, 35 pounds lighter than I was pre-heart attack/CABG, much of it lost muscle but also some fat, because I want to reduce the stress on both my cardiovascular system and my old battered musculoskeletal system. I'm now a very lean but still athletic old man.

    I'm 75 and I feel great. I can't do all that I once did but that's because of an aging skeleton and the effects of sarcopenia, and has nothing to do with my heart, but what I can do is enough. I am blessed, and I hope that you will feel the same way.

    Ira


    Original Message


Related Content