Should an 82 year old man with congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes get a stent? My dad has constant shortness of breath and we’re thinking about putting a stent but doctor said it could damage his kidney. Has anyone gotten it done and what’s the outcome? He wants to get it done and be good the next day but I don’t know if that’s possible. Doctors said they’re not sure of the outcome. It’s the risk we have to take but we’re both scared.
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You have to weigh out the positives and negatives--while the stent is done under "light sedation" it isn't terribly risky. But if your dad is non compliant with the procedure's aftermath (lying still on your back for quite a long time---) could he do that?
QOL at this age is far more important than trying to "fix" all the ailments of aging as they show up.
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In the best case, how long is Dad likely to live if nothing is done?
If it is successful, how long is Dad likely to live after a stent placement?
Then ask about quality of life in each situation. The CKD is not likely to be improved by a stent. How big is the influence of that condition on his quality of life?
My dad was also 82 at the time and he lived until 88 when he decided to stop the dialysis after 3+ years.
IMO, cardiologists are way too aggressive in recommending surgical options when medication is usually the safer route and just as effective. In the case of an elderly patient with so many conditions, it sounds like his doctor is being appropriately cautious.
Dad had been an exercise freak all of his life. At that point he was exercising about 45 minutes per day. Dad wanted the stent and I believed that the docs were underestimating his conditioning. Next week, Dad will be 97 years old. I attribute his longevity to his conditioning, which he keeps up to this day.
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