Paul Washer Heart Surgery

The founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and renowned preacher Paul Washer went through a heart bypass surgery, leaving a lot of his followers and well-wishers concerned about his health. This turn of events was confirmed by the HeartCry Missionary Society on November 21, 2023. The intervention was deemed necessary for the preacher’s health, with the surgery yielding positive results. This news has led to a global wave of support as well as prayers. Paul Washer’s health ordeals have exemplified the strength of collective positivity, and followers continue to express immense gratitude for the success of the heart surgery. 

Paul Washer founded HeartCry Missionary Society in 1988 in Peru to help indigenous missionaries reach their people to preach Jesus to them and to help them build churches. The foundation is recently described as focusing on providing financial support, theological training, scripture and literature distribution, and the supply of any tool necessary to facilitate the completion of the great commission to indigenous missionaries worldwide. Paul Washer had to have a heart bypass surgery, which led to him cancelling his upcoming speaking engagements, one of which was the 2024 National Founder’s Conference that was scheduled to take place on the 18th-20th of January in Southwest Florida. 

The event would feature speakers like Phil Johnson, Allie Beth Stuckey, Tom Ascol and Costi Hinn. The HeartCry Missionary Society reported that the surgery was a success, reassuring followers that the preacher’s heart function was good. Also, insights from various sources provided details on the circumstances leading to the surgery. The positive outcome also elicited expressions of gratitude and continued support, highlighting the widespread impact of Paul Washer’s teachings and missionary work.

Paul Washer’s Health Update

According to the recent information provided, the preacher’s heart function was reported to be good. This news helped in providing much-needed relief for his supporters who had been fervently praying for his recovery. The successful intervention highlights the effectiveness of the medical procedure and the resilience of the preacher in the face of health challenges. 

Heart bypass surgery is a surgery that is done to create a new path for blood to flow around a completely or partially blocked artery in the heart. The surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from the chest area or leg. The vessel is then connected below the blocked heart artery. The heart muscle receives more blood thanks to the new channel. It is important to know that the underlying cause of the blockage is not cured by heart bypass surgery. However, it can reduce the severity of symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. It also reduces the risk of heart disease-related death.

Reasons for carrying out the surgery

Heart bypass surgery is carried out to restore blood flow around a blocked heart artery. The surgery may be done as an emergency treatment for a heart attack, in the case that other immediate treatments are not working. Some of the reasons why a heart bypass surgery may be recommended include:

• Severe narrowing of the main heart artery
• The presence of more than one diseased heart artery leading to the malfunction of the lower left heart chamber
• A blockage in the left main heart artery. This artery is responsible for the supply of blood to the heart muscles
• A blocked artery that cannot be addressed through coronary angioplasty
• An angioplasty that has not worked

What are the risks of this procedure?

Typically, heart bypass surgery is performed as an open procedure. Possible complications that may arise from the surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Death
• Heart attack from a blood clot after the surgery
• Kidney issues
• Stroke
• Memory loss or temporary cognition problems
• Long-term need for a ventilator
• Infection at the site of the surgery.

If the surgery is carried out as an emergency intervention, the risk of complications is higher. The risks of complications are also dependent on the general health condition of the patient before the surgery is done. Also, having any of the following medical conditions can significantly increase the risk of complications:

• Diabetes
• Kidney diseases
• Blocked arteries in the legs
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Medication to control the bleeding and blood pressure and to prevent infection is typically given before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Diabetic patients may get medication to control their blood sugar.

What are the results of the procedure?

After recovering from heart bypass surgery, most patients start to feel better. Some people remain symptom-free for many years. However, they may need a future procedure if that graft or other arteries become clogged in the future. The results and the long-term outcome depend on how well they can control blood pressure and cholesterol levels and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is necessary to take the medication as directed. The patient can better manage and even improve their health by making lifestyle changes. 

What are some lifestyle changes to make?

Some of the lifestyle changes a patient can make include:

• Managing their weight – Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease.
• Exercise – Regular exercise helps to control diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are all risk factors for heart disease. Aiming for about 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity for most days of the week is optimal. The surgeon will also inform the patient when to start physical exercises after the heart bypass surgery.
• Manage stress – Finding ways to reduce emotional stress is crucial. Practising mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups might be helpful. In the case of anxiety or depression, talking to the provider about strategies to manage them can be very helpful.
• Eating healthy – Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, limit saturated fats, sugar and salt.
• Avoiding smoking – Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Quitting is the best way of reducing the risk of heart disease and its complications. The patient should talk to their healthcare provider if they are having trouble quitting.