Heart bypass surgery is one of the most common and effective treatments for severe coronary artery disease and restoring normal blood flow to the heart. One of the important aspects of bypass surgery is understanding the survival rate that can be influenced by several factors, including the patient’s age, which will help the patients in making informed decisions.
Let us get started to know how survival rates vary by age after bypass surgery, factors that affect these survival rates and strategies to improve outcomes!
Overview Of Bypass Surgery
Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting, involves removing a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, typically the chest, arm, or leg. The vessel is then used to bypass the blocked artery, providing an alternate route for blood to flow to the heart.
The heart bypass surgery is performed when
- You have chest pain when the arteries that supply blood to the heart are blocked
- There is a blockage in the left main coronary artery
- You have new blockages
- You have had other procedures that have not worked for you
Coronary artery disease may lead to a heart attack, and so bypass surgery prevents the heart attack.
The different types of heart bypass surgery are
- Traditional open heart bypass surgery: The chest is cut open, the heart is stopped, and a heart-lung machine is used to circulate blood, and then bypass surgery is performed.
- Off-pump bypass surgery: The chest is opened, and the surgeon performs the bypass surgery without stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine.
- Minimally invasive bypass surgery: The surgeon makes small cuts between the ribs to access the heart, and the bypass surgery is performed.
Heart bypass surgery is known to be highly effective, but the outcomes may vary depending on different factors, including the patient’s overall health, severity of heart disease, and most importantly, the age of the patient.
Understanding Survival Rates By Age After Bypass Surgery
Survival rates after heart bypass surgery have improved significantly over the years, and it helps patients make informed decisions by providing the outcomes of the surgery. However, age plays an important role in determining the survival rates after bypass surgery.
In general, younger patients, particularly those under 60, tend to have better long-term survival rates. The older patients often have additional health complications, including diabetes, hypertension, or other comorbidities, which in turn may complicate the survival rates.
However, with proper care and management, many older adults can still have better survival rates.
Factors Affecting Survival Rates After Bypass Surgery
The different factors that influence the survival rates for heart bypass surgery are
- Patient’s age: Older people, particularly those over 70, have a higher risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Presence of other health conditions: Patients with underlying conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease and hypertension, are at a higher risk of developing complications after bypass surgery.
- Type of surgeries: Minimally invasive or off-pump surgeries are associated with a lower risk of complications and faster recovery times. The complexity of the heart surgery may affect the survival rates.
- Recurrent heart problems: Some patients may develop recurring heart issues even after a successful bypass surgery. So, such individuals may require further medical interventions, impacting long-term survival.
- Post-operative care: Effective post-operative care, including taking prescribed medications, having regular follow-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery, are important for determining the patient’s survival rates.
Survival Rates By Age Group After Bypass Surgery
Studies have looked at the survival rate after bypass surgery based on age, and the results are as follows
Under 50: Patients under the age of 50 tend to have the best survival rates. Few studies have shown that the one-year survival rate after bypass surgery is around 90-95%. This group has fewer health issues.
50-59 years: The twenty-year survival rate tend to be relatively lower, and many patients in this age group still have good cardiovascular health and recover relatively quickly.
60-69 years: The twenty-year survival rate for this age group is relatively lower due to the presence of age-related health issues.
75 years and older: Older patients may face a higher risk of complications due to age and comorbidities. So, the survival rates tend to be lower for this age group.
| Survival rate (Twenty-year survival by age) | Survival rate (ten-year survival by age) | Age |
| 55% | 85% | <50 |
| 38% | 80% | 50-59 |
| 22% | 74% | 60-69 |
| 11% | 56% | >70 |
Table: Twenty and ten year survival rate of patients undergoing bypass surgery
How To Improve Survival Rates After Bypass Surgery?
Age remains a significant factor influencing survival rates, but there are different ways to improve survival rates:
- Pre-surgery assessment: Thorough evaluation of a patient’s overall health, including blood tests, imaging studies, and identification of comorbidities help in determining the best course of action and enhance the chances of a successful outcome.
- Role of post-surgery care: Follow-up care after bypass surgery is important for improving survival rates. Regular visits to the surgeon, routine tests to monitor heart function and use of medications help in the patient’s recovery and survival.
- Healthy lifestyle changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet and incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins help in improving the survival rates. Also, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may help in enhancing the survival rates after a bypass surgery.
Conclusion
Heart bypass surgery remains an effective procedure to treat coronary artery disease. The survival rates after the surgery may vary depending on the age. With advancements in medical science, better post-operative care, and lifestyle changes, the survival rate may improve after surgery.
It is important for patients considering bypass surgery to consult their healthcare provider to fully understand the survival rates after heart bypass surgery to make an informed decision. If you have any questions about heart bypass surgery, you may book an appointment at Heart360 care with Dr Nikhil P.J. Theckumparampil for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, bypass surgery may be safe for individuals over 60 years, particularly with the use of minimally invasive techniques and thorough pre-surgery examination. The chances are higher if the individuals do not have any co-morbidities and adhere to the post-surgery advice suggested by the healthcare provider.
Yes, minimally invasive coronary artery surgery have shown low postoperative mortality and morbidity along with good with short and long-term survival rate. Minimally invasive techniques tend to have lower complication rates, quicker recovery times and so have improved long-term outcomes.
Studies have shown that younger patients tend to have a better survival rate due to fewer comorbidities and a lower likelihood of severe coronary artery disease. But, older patients also may have better survival rates with pre-operative examination and adequate post-operative care.
Yes, making lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding smoking is critical for improving survival rates and preventing future heart issues after surgery.
