Nationwide, only about 13 percent of heart attack patients receive prompt angioplasty in response to cardiogenic shock, and even fewer get bypass surgery, Hochman says. Some doctors may not have the expertise to perform these procedures, Bates says. The other concern is that the patient has a high risk of dying whatever you do. There s a hesitation to attempt to do these procedures . . Angioplasty and bypass surgery carry risk, says Hochman.
Most small hospitals can t provide bypass surgery or even angioplasty.
The study also included 56 patients age 75 or older. In contrast to the younger group, these patients generally fared worse if they received angioplasty or surgery. Copyright 1999, Science Service.