How serious is a blood clot in the heart?

[lyndahmr]

My father who will shortly turn 80 in December was diagnosed today with a blood clot in his heart.  He currently has a pacemaker installed two years ago, has had approximately 4 heart attacks, had a quadriple heart bypass about ten years ago, is a non-smoker but lives in a home with second-hand smoke, has become a type one insulin dependant diabetic, and basically lives in his recliner chair in his livingroom.  His family physician who advised my father he had a blood clot in his heart yesterday, then sent my father home with bloodthinner medication (kind unknown) and advised him he would have to travel to the hospital once a week for blood tests.  I feel my father should be hospitalized right now or at the very least referred to a cardiologist.  Please advise?
Lynda


This discussion is related to How dangerous is a blood clot in the heart?.

[Flycaster305]

I'm curious, how was his heart artery blockage diagnosed?  Did he have a stress test, or angiogram?  I'm guessing that a recent blood test showed evidence of a recent heart attack, but that's just a guess.  

I'd question the doctor why your father isn't having an angiogram, it's the gold standard to determine if there is a blockage.  Given the fact that your father isn't active, I'd think a once a week blood test would be very intrusive.

His doctor may have very good answers, but I'd ask the hard questions.  It sounds like your father is very ill.

Keep us informed.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

wow strange and scarey that a dr would send him home with a blood clot in heart , have never heard of them doing that.  have really never heard of someone having a blood clot in heart and not having a heart attack.

prayers are with him and you .