Everything One Should Know About Heart Attack

 Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This can cause damage to the heart muscle and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, known as the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi, will discuss everything that one should know about heart attacks, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Causes of Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. The most common cause of this blockage is a build-up of fatty deposits, also known as plaque, in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Other causes of a heart attack include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Drug abuse.

Symptoms of Heart Attack

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. However, some common symptoms of a heart attack include the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue or weakness.

It's important to note that some people, especially women, may not experience chest pain during a heart attack. Instead, they may experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue.

Diagnosis of Heart Attack

If someone is experiencing any symptoms of heart attack, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner a heart attack is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

To diagnose a heart attack, a cardiac surgeon may perform a physical checkup and ask about the symptoms and medical history. They may also perform some diagnostic tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
• Blood tests: These tests can help identify enzymes and proteins the heart releases during a heart attack.
• Chest X-ray: This test can help identify abnormalities in the heart and lungs.
• Coronary angiography: This test involves injecting dye into the arteries of the heart and taking X-rays to identify blockages or narrowed areas.

Treatment of Heart Attack

The goal of treatment for a heart attack is to restore blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible. The sooner blood flow is restored, the less damage there will be to the heart muscle. Treatment for a heart attack may include:

• Medications: Medications such as clot-busting drugs may be given to help restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further damage.
• Coronary angioplasty and stenting: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a balloon on the end into the blocked artery and inflating the balloon to widen the artery. A small mesh tube, called a stent, may also be inserted to help keep the artery open.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery: It is a type of open heart surgery in Delhi performed by Dr. Sujay Shad. This surgical procedure involves creating a new route for blood to flow around the blocked artery.
• Heart valve repair and replacement: A most common reason for heart stroke is blockage in the valve. A cardiac surgeon repairs the damage to heart valves (mitral, aortic, pulmonary and tricuspid) or replaces them with artificial ones if required.  
• Lifestyle changes: After a heart attack, it's important to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future heart problems. This may include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.
• Heart transplant: Heart transplant is a unique and most effective treatment of replacing an healthy heart with fully functional blockage caused by cholesterol-free heart.  

Prevention of Heart Attack

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of a heart attack, including:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, so quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do
• Eating a heart-healthy diet: A diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve heart health.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet is important.
• Managing stress: Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation. 

Heart attacks need immediate treatment. Hence, one feeling chest pain, heavy breathing, dizziness or any other symptoms from the above-mentioned list need to avoid wasting time in home remedies and schedule an emergency consultation with a best heart specialist.

In advance, book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad- best heart surgeon in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital roday for more information. 

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - Who Needs It?

CABG stands for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is a surgical procedure that helps restore blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. It involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and attaching it to the heart to bypass the blocked artery. 

It is a common procedure that has already helped millions of people with heart disease to regain their health and improve their quality of life. But who needs CABG, and how one can identify that candidates eligibility criteria and bypass surgery cost in Delhi has been answered by Dr Sujay Shad in this blog. 

Who needs CABG?

CABG is usually recommended for people with severe Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked. 

CAD is caused by a buildup of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, on the walls of the arteries. As the plaque grows, it can restrict blood flow to the heart and cause chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack.

CABG may be recommended for people with CAD who have:

1. Severe symptoms: If someone has severe chest pain or shortness of breath that is not relieved by medication or lifestyle changes, a heart specialist in Delhi may recommend CABG.
2. Multiple blockages: If the person has been diagnosed with more than one blocked artery, or if the blockages are in a difficult-to-reach location, CABG may be the best option.
3. Left main coronary artery disease: A person with blockage in the left main coronary artery, which supplies blood to the majority of the heart muscle, CABG is usually the recommended treatment.
4. Diabetic patients: People with diabetes may be at higher risk for complications from stents or angioplasty, making CABG a better option for them.
5. Decreased heart function: If someone has been diagnosed with weakened heart function and the cause of it is coronary artery disease, CABG is the best option to improve the heart function.

How can one identify the right candidate for the Coronary Bypass Surgery in Delhi?

If someone has the symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, then the heart doctor in Delhi will perform tests to determine if the person has CAD and how severe it is. The examination of CAD include below-mentioned test:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of one’s heart and can detect any abnormalities.
2. Stress test: This test measures how well an individual’s heart responds to exercise or medication, and can detect if there is reduced blood flow to the heart.
3. Coronary angiogram: This test uses a special dye and X-rays to visualize the inside of the coronary arteries and detect any blockages.

If someone has been diagnosed with CAD, the cardiac surgeon will discuss treatment options with the patient. If CABG is recommended, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation to make sure that the candidate is a good candidate for surgery. This evaluation may include:

1. Physical exam: Cardiac surgeons will perform a physical exam to evaluate one’s overall health and fitness for surgery.
2. Blood tests: Blood tests will be performed to check your overall health, including the patient’s kidney and liver function.
3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, may be performed to evaluate the condition of the heart and lungs.
4. Cardiac catheterization: This procedure may be performed to evaluate the severity and location of the blockages in the coronary arteries.

If someone is deemed a good candidate for CABG, the heart specialist will discuss the procedure with the candidate and explain the risks and benefits. One will have an opportunity to ask any questions before making a decision about whether to proceed with surgery.

Cost of Coronary artery bypass surgery

The cost of coronary artery bypass surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location of the hospital, the experience of the surgeon, the type of hospital, the extent of the surgery, and any additional medical treatments or medications required. 

Whereas this cost may increase due to differences in the cost of living and medical practices in other cities. However, it is important to note that these costs are estimates and may vary widely depending on individual circumstances. It is essential to consult with a qualified medical professional for an accurate estimate of the cost of this procedure. 

To learn more about CABG pay a visit to Dr. Sujay Shad a renowned cardiac surgeon in Delhi practising at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

He has helped many patients by performing best life saving cardiac and heart surgeries. Using the best approaches and advanced techniques he has helped many many patients to get a new life.

To know more about these procedures pay a visit now at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today!