What Causes Shortness Of Breath After A Triple By-pass Surgery?

Posted on Fri, 31 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 31 Jan 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 71 year old husband has triple by-pass and kidney stinks six years ago,, had extreme shortness of breath before and it has not improved any, its almost to the point of feeling like he could pass out. He was checked about a year ago and the bypass is still good, does have AFIB and taking blood thinner now and blood pressure meds now, blood pressure is good,, should we see a lung dr. about this at this point

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: I need to review his investigations.. Detailed Answer: Hi, Shortness of breathe is one of the most common complaints in a patient with coronary artery disease. Though the bypass procedure corrects blood flow and prevent future progression of disease, it doesn't correct the already damaged heart functions. As the heart isn't capable of pumping blood as it used to, the pooling of blood in the pulmonary blood vessels lead to shortness of breathe. Off course there are other causes including lung condition. I would need to review his investigative report to verify his heart status. Alternatively it is best to discuss with his current cardiologist if the heart pumping function (ejection fraction) explains his breathing problems. If his cardiologist is satisfied with the heart function, you can proceed to consult the lung specialist. Hope I am clear. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (12 minutes later)

Say, their is a problem with the heart pumping function, is there any medicine to help that

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Medicine can support heart function... Detailed Answer: Yes, there are medicines that help in supporting the pumping function. We commonly use a water pill and a betablocker. He is already on these two - furosemide and carvedilol. If needed a third drug digoxin is added. All these drugs are added based on the heart function status, patient's tolerance and benefit - risk ratio. Further the drugs use need to be constantly monitored. Hope I have answered your query. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar