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How Can Three Blocked Arteries Be Treated In A Elderly Person?
hi, my grandmother is 84 years old and a diabetic. recently we found out that 3 of her arteries are blocked. she's not had a heart attack yet, but we're very worried..... is there any way we can clear the artieries? Doctors suggest since she may need upto 3 stents to be put, her kidneys may get damaged as a side effect of the dye and hence need dialysis afterwards. She's too old for a bypass... what other alternatives do we have? how effective are medicines at this stage?
Mon, 16 Jan 2017
Hi,
The treatment of choice for 3 blocked arteries is a bypass surgery. Alternatives are multi-vessel stenting (angioplasty) or keep her on medical therapy. Now as she is very elderly, bypass will definitely be more risky than a younger patient. Other option angioplasty is a good alternative and can be done safely if the kidneys are fine. Risk of damage to kidney post angioplasty can be prevented by proper hydration and that will also prevent need of dialysis. 3rd option, medical management is a good option for her if she does not have very frequent chest pains. Medicines these days are very effective for chronic stable angina.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks,
Dr Sameer Maheshwari
The treatment of choice for 3 blocked arteries is a bypass surgery. Alternatives are multi-vessel stenting (angioplasty) or keep her on medical therapy. Now as she is very elderly, bypass will definitely be more risky than a younger patient. Other option angioplasty is a good alternative and can be done safely if the kidneys are fine. Risk of damage to kidney post angioplasty can be prevented by proper hydration and that will also prevent need of dialysis. 3rd option, medical management is a good option for her if she does not have very frequent chest pains. Medicines these days are very effective for chronic stable angina.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks,
Dr Sameer Maheshwari
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