For diabetics, heart bypass may be best option

March 20, 2009 Scientists found, among patients ages 65 to 75 who had diabetes, the bypass surgery was markedly less risky. In fact, they were 30 percent less likely to die if they got bypass.

This study was one of a series meant to help doctors and patients choose which treatment they want when several different options are available.

On the other hand, patients under 55 were 25 percent more likely to die with bypass than with angioplasty.