HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Two Leaky Valves And COPD

My sister, who had open heart surgery as a baby now has two leaky valves and COPD. She also has AFIB that medication is unable to control She is 53 and every doctor she has seen in the last few years tell her that they would not consider surgery. The most that she can hope for is to keep her blood then and flowing so as not to have a stroke. She feels because of this that she doesn t have long to live and is starting to put her house in order so to speak. Having been told that she would probably not live to be 12, I feel that she has already beaten the odds. Can you tell me, based on your experience, if she is right and doesn t have long to live. I truly believe everyone has a time and that hers is not to die at 53. Help if you can!
Tue, 10 Jan 2017
Report Abuse
Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Life expectancy in a cardiac patient is less than the same age population. It depends of the current status, the surgery she has undergone. If she already had a open heart surgery, opening the chest again for redo surgery will be definitely risky and will be more difficult as compared with the previous surgery.

But it is not impossible and is being routinely done. It depends on the probability of life expectancy with disease and after surgery. If there is not much difference, we keep the patient on medical management. AF has a risk of clot formation which requires blood thinners to prevent clot formation.

It is not essential to convert it into sinus rhythm as rate controlled AF is equivalent to sinus rhythm. So don't worry about that. Finally, be cheerful as nobody knows how long he or she will live. It is our attitude towards life that make our life long.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Sameer Maheshwari
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Stroke


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Two Leaky Valves And COPD

Hi, Life expectancy in a cardiac patient is less than the same age population. It depends of the current status, the surgery she has undergone. If she already had a open heart surgery, opening the chest again for redo surgery will be definitely risky and will be more difficult as compared with the previous surgery. But it is not impossible and is being routinely done. It depends on the probability of life expectancy with disease and after surgery. If there is not much difference, we keep the patient on medical management. AF has a risk of clot formation which requires blood thinners to prevent clot formation. It is not essential to convert it into sinus rhythm as rate controlled AF is equivalent to sinus rhythm. So don t worry about that. Finally, be cheerful as nobody knows how long he or she will live. It is our attitude towards life that make our life long. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Sameer Maheshwari