when is open heart surgery needed - #18967
I am kind of worried and unsure about my dad's health. He’s always been active, but last month, he suddenly had this chest pain while gardening. We went to the ER, and they did some tests. Turns out his arteries are pretty blocked, and the doctor mentioned that when is open heart surgery needed might be something we should think about. At first, I thought that was just a worst-case scenario, but now I keep wondering if it's the only option. He had this awful shortness of breath after walking just a few steps, and sometimes he feels dizzy. The heart specialist said they could try some medications, but they also hinted that if his symptoms don’t improve, we might face surgery. I just can’t wrap my head around this — when is open heart surgery needed exactly? Like, how serious do things have to get before they recommend it? Is it only for people in really bad shape, or can they suggest it sooner? I guess I’m feeling confused and scared, like should we get a second opinion? What if we wait too long? It's just a lot to take in. Any thoughts on when is open heart surgery needed based on personal experiences or medical advice you guys have? Thanks so much.
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Doctors' responses
Open-heart surgery is usually suggested when less invasive treatments, like lifestyle changes and medications, haven’t managed to improve the situation, or when the condition of the heart has reached a stage that requires surgical intervention for optimal outcomes. Blocked arteries, which could lead to angina (chest pain) or the risk of heart attacks, are a common reason for open-heart surgery. Procedures like Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) are performed to improve blood flow to the heart. If your dad is experiencing significant symptoms like chest pain during mild activity, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it indicates his heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. This situation can be serious depending on the degree of blockage, the number of arteries affected, and the overall function of the heart. For some, if medications and lifestyle changes don’t work, surgery can become the necessary option sometimes sooner rather than later. It’s not necessarily only for those in a critical condition, but rather for those whose quality of life or heart function can improve significantly post-surgery. If there’s uncertainty, seeking a second opinion might provide additional insights into his specific situation. Delaying intervention when symptoms are prominent might increase risk of heart attack or deteriorate heart function over time, so timely evaluation and management are crucial. It’s important to have detailed discussions with healthcare providers about the severity of his condition, potential risks, and benefits of surgery versus continued medical management.
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