Can a Damaged Heart Recover After Stent Placement? Heart Health

Can a damaged heart recover?

Grandfather has severe coronary artery blockage (due to untreated blocked vessels, he has developed stable chronic heart failure stage II).
He was recently hospitalized for stent placement, but before the procedure, he was able to eat and walk (engaging in outdoor activities).
After the stent placement, however, his heart function deteriorated, leading to difficulty swallowing (weakness) and he can only consume liquids (drinking too quickly causes shortness of breath).
Aside from walking to the bathroom, he spends the rest of his time lying in bed.
It has been over twenty days now, and getting out of bed is very strenuous.
The stent placement procedure utilized the Rotablator rotational atherectomy system (Grandfather's vessels are severely calcified).
The family is very distressed; they initially believed that after the stent placement, everything would improve, but the situation has worsened.
1.
Can the damaged heart recover?
2.
Will Grandfather have to live like this from now on?
3.
After the stent placement, the hospital suddenly administered diuretics to Grandfather, and it seemed that two days later, he was found to have low potassium and high sodium levels.
After that, he became increasingly weak, and food would stick in his mouth, making it impossible for him to swallow or eat.
He was only discharged once his lab values normalized, but even after discharge, Grandfather remains very weak, unable to move or eat, and is only drinking liquids, which he finds very frustrating.

Is there any possibility for improvement?

hen fan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/29

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Coronary artery obstruction can lead to severe myocardial ischemia.
When we restore blood flow, it can reduce the ischemic effects on the patient's heart failure symptoms, resulting in a certain degree of improvement.

Reply Date: 2021/03/29

More Info

After a stent placement, the recovery of heart function can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the extent of heart damage prior to the procedure, the overall health of the patient, and the presence of other underlying conditions. In your grandfather's case, it appears that he had severe coronary artery blockage leading to chronic heart failure, which complicates the recovery process.

1. Can a Damaged Heart Recover?
The heart has a remarkable ability to heal, but this is contingent on the extent of the damage and the effectiveness of the interventions taken. After stent placement, if the heart muscle has not suffered irreversible damage, there is potential for recovery. The stent helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle, which can improve function over time. However, if the heart has been significantly weakened or if there is extensive scarring from previous ischemic events, recovery may be limited.
In your grandfather's situation, the fact that he was able to eat and walk prior to the stent placement suggests that he had some level of functional capacity. However, the deterioration in his condition post-procedure raises concerns. It is essential to monitor his heart function closely through follow-up appointments and possibly additional imaging studies to assess any changes.

2. Will He Have to Live Like This?
It is difficult to predict the long-term outcome without a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist. While some patients experience significant improvement after stent placement, others may face ongoing challenges, especially if they have underlying conditions such as heart failure. Rehabilitation programs, including cardiac rehabilitation, can be beneficial in improving functional capacity and quality of life. These programs typically involve supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and support for managing heart failure symptoms.

3. Concerns About Diuretics and Electrolyte Imbalance:
The use of diuretics post-stent placement is common, especially if there is fluid retention or signs of heart failure. However, as you noted, electrolyte imbalances can occur, leading to weakness and other symptoms. It is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor electrolyte levels closely, especially potassium and sodium, as imbalances can exacerbate weakness and other complications.

Your grandfather's inability to swallow and reliance on liquid diets may be related to his overall weakness and possibly to the effects of medications or heart function. It is important to communicate these concerns to his healthcare team, as they may need to adjust his medications or provide additional support, such as speech therapy for swallowing difficulties.

In conclusion, while there is potential for recovery after stent placement, it is essential to have realistic expectations and to work closely with healthcare providers to manage your grandfather's condition. Regular follow-ups, medication adjustments, and possibly rehabilitation can help improve his quality of life. It is also important to provide emotional support to both your grandfather and your family during this challenging time, as heart conditions can be distressing for everyone involved.

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