Posted on 11/15/2006 4:28:00 AM PST by Zakeet
The way in which doctors treat heart-attack patients may soon change because of the results of a new study.
The findings of the study, released today at the American Heart Association meeting in Chicago, show that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a practice in which doctors mechanically open a clogged artery, does not reduce the chances of death or a second heart attack over the next four years if performed three days to 28 days after a heart attack.
The randomized study involved 2,166 heart patients, and is published in this week's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
[Snip]
"We had expected that angioplasty to open arteries would reduce the risk of subsequent clinical events, specifically heart failure and death in this population that was stable after the initial heart attack but at increased risk of events in the future," said Judith Hochman, the study's lead author and the director of cardiovascular clinical research at the New York University School of Medicine. "We thought it was possible that the risk of a recurrent heart attack would also be reduced. … The results were surprising and do warrant a major change in practice."
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
Although angioplasty was discussed at one point, the doctors decided against it..
I've had four angiopliasties; one since my triple bypass in 1986. None of this worked, I have no veins open (all but one of my bypasses are closed also and the one is 40% open). I'm kept alive on medication. Oh, I also had a stroke in 1995.
These people are just now coming to the conclusion that angioplasties don't work for everyone? I guess they never consulted me. Sheesh!
So what's is the alternative? Bypass?
I already had a triple bypass back in 1986. Except for one of the bypasses that's 40% open, all my arteries and the other two bypasses are all closed again.
No, the only option is to continue taking my meds. They're the only thing keeping me alive.
I have what the cardiologist called cholesterol disease. My body manufactures bad cholesterol. However, my tests show my cholesterol is way down, and my LDL is also way down; all due to the meds I'm taking.
Take care of yourself.
Diet and exercise help.
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