Common Heart Conditions Treated by Heart Doctor

Heart doctors, also known as cardiologists, are medical professionals who can prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of problems related to the heart and the blood vessels. Learning about the most commonly occurring heart conditions taken care of by a heart doctor can help us understand the importance of keeping our heart in good health and how to avoid developing any heart condition.  

Heart doctors often see patients who present symptoms indicating a cardiac issue. Some of these symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythms, sudden intense chest pain, and high blood pressure. This blog provides information on common heart conditions that heart doctors treat.

The article contains information and insights shared by Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgeon in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Heart Conditions Commonly Addressed By Heart Doctors/Cardiologists

 

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is not a disease in itself but it is a heart condition that when left untreated can increase one’s risk of developing serious heart conditions including heart stroke, heart attack, and coronary heart disease. Serious heart conditions happen because of some degree of damage caused to blood vessels over time.

When blood vessels get damaged, they become weak and can cause aneurysm to form. An aneurysm can burst and cause death. Hypertension also makes the heart work harder which further causes heart muscles to become thicker and the blood pumping process to be more difficult.

A heart doctor prescribes blood pressure-lowering medications and suggests some lifestyle modifications to treat moderate to severe hypertension.

 

2. Elevated cholesterol/ Atherosclerosis

Blood contains good and bad cholesterol- a wax-like substance. If there is an excess of bad cholesterol in the blood, it can lead to a build-up of plaque along the wall of the arteries. Over time this can result in a condition called atherosclerosis which is characterised by restricted blood flow in the arteries. This is the common cause of a heart attack.

A heart doctor orders tests to see if there is any blockage in the heart and along with other medical specialists plans out the treatment. If there is a mild elevation in bad cholesterol, a heart doctor may prescribe drugs to lower cholesterol. In severe cases, if there is a blockage, a heart doctor performs cardiac surgery or other procedures. This includes angioplasty and stent placement, endarterectomy, fibrinolytic therapy, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

 

3. Heart rhythm problems

There is an electrical system within the heart muscles that helps stimulate the heartbeat. If the electrical signals coordinating the heartbeat get interrupted or disrupted, heart beating rhythms get abnormal. The heart can beat too quickly (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), and/or irregularly (arrhythmia).

If heart rhythm problems are causing significant symptoms or increasing the chance of experiencing serious heart problems, a heart doctor needs to be consulted. A heart doctor can treat such problems with medications, and therapies like cardioversion, vagal maneuvers, catheter procedures; or heart surgery.

 

4. Angina

Angina is pain or discomfort felt in the chest and radiating to the jaw, neck, stomach, or arms. It occurs because of the narrowing of the blood arteries causing restricted blood flow to the heart. It is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease. Some people have stable angina as they know how much physical activity can lead to an angina attack. Unstable angina is an undiagnosed pain in the chest or sudden aggravation of existing angina. It is a serious condition that calls for immediate medical attention by a heart doctor.

A heart doctor can treat angina by prescribing antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots from forming and angioplasty with stenting to improve blood supply to the heart.

 

5. Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a common cardiovascular condition caused when the coronary arteries become narrow or obstructed and cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It can result in angina and/or heart attack. A heart doctor can treat coronary artery disease by some medications or by performing heart surgeries like coronary angioplasty and stent placement and coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

 

6. Valve disease

Hearts have valves that function to regulate the flow of blood through the heart in the forward direction. If there are problems in valve functioning, the blood plumping will get hard and there will be strain on the heart muscles. There are three kinds of heart valve diseases: regurgitation, stenosis, and atresia. A heart doctor can help treat valve diseases with some medications or through heart valve repair/replacement surgery.

 

7. Heart attack (Myocardial infarction)

A heart attack happens because of a complete stoppage of the blood supply to a part of the heart muscles. Commonly, this is the result of breaking off a portion of a fatty material or a blood clot formation in the coronary artery. A heart doctor can help urgently fix the blood and restore normal oxygen levels within the body. A heart surgery or procedure is performed by a heart doctor to open the blocked artery. Some prescription medications can even help.

 

8. Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden stoppage of the beating of the heart because of the complete loss of electrical activity of the heart. Without prompt treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal. In such a case, a heart doctor can provide emergency treatments like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart using a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED). A heart surgery can also be performed to place a pacemaker device or to remove a blockage in heart arteries.

 

9. Heart failure

When the heart is not pumping normally and the heart muscles are not able to meet the body’s demand for blood and oxygen, it’s called the failure of the heart. Depending upon its cause, a heart doctor can treat heart failure. The treatment options include a combination of prescription medications and surgeries or other procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement surgery, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy, ventricular assist device, and heart transplantation (in case of severe heart failure). For further details on heart failure treatments and their management, you can contact Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi.

 

10. Congenital heart conditions

Congenital heart conditions are an outcome of defects in the heart structure present at birth. Some of the heart defects are life-threatening. A heart doctor can treat congenital heart defects depending on their type and severity. The treatment options include cardiac catheterization or surgeries to repair heart and blood vessels.

If you're encountering the symptoms described above and want to seek further information on methods and therapies to promote a healthy heart, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned cardiologist and heart surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Dr. Shad is a highly skilled heart surgeon who has successfully conducted numerous life-saving heart surgeries. Don't hesitate, reach out for a consultation today to learn more!

Can One Live A Long Life After Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart Bypass Surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon creates a bypass around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, allowing increased blood flow to the open grafts beyond the blockage to supply blood to the heart muscles. If other immediate treatments fail, the surgery may be performed as an emergency treatment for a heart attack. 

Individuals who undergo this surgery or those who are recommended to get it have numerous questions on their minds. One such common question is: what would be the life expectancy after a heart bypass surgery?

This blog is being drafted to answer this question and explain the factors that would determine the life expectancy after this surgery. The information is being gathered from the insights of the expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad, to make this a valuable guide for the readers. The post will also include why getting this surgery is essential in the first place and in what situations the doctor advises the surgical procedure. Let’s begin by learning the importance of getting heart bypass surgery. 

Why is Heart Bypass Surgery Essential?

The heart has three major coronary arteries. Over time, fatty deposits can form on the inside of these arteries, resulting in Coronary Heart Disease and decreased blood flow to the heart. When this occurs, one may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack.

The number of blocked coronary arteries determines whether the patient has single-, dual-, or triple-artery disease. Heart bypass surgery is used to relieve the symptoms of coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

When Would Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Advice?

If one has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise one to have coronary artery bypass surgery:

• A blockage in the left main coronary artery. This artery carries a lot of blood to the heart muscle.
• The main heart artery is severely constricted.
• Severe chest pain is caused by the narrowing of several heart arteries. The narrowing reduces blood flow to the heart even during light exercise or rest.
• More than one diseased heart artery and the lower left heart chamber aren't working correctly.
• A heart artery blockage that cannot be treated with coronary angioplasty. A balloon attached to the tip of a thin tube called a catheter is used to widen the artery. A small coil known as a stent is typically used to keep the artery open.
• An unsuccessful angioplasty with or without a stent. An artery, for example, narrowed again after stenting.

How Long Will One Live Following Bypass Surgery?

While the answer will differ for each individual, there is good news in general: patients who have CABG or heart bypass surgery can and often do live long, healthy lives afterward.

Those who successfully complete a heart bypass and survive the first month of recovery have a survival rate comparable to the general population. And they're doing it with significantly improved heart function!

However, listening to the cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and other medical providers is key to living a healthy life. One has worked hard to repair the heart; now it's time to keep it in top condition.

What are the Results of Heart Bypass Surgery?

Most people feel better after recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. Some people have been symptom-free for years. However, the graft or other arteries may clog in the future. If this occurs, one may require another surgery or procedure.

The long-term outcome is determined by how well one controls blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is critical to take the medications exactly as prescribed.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes To Keep The Heart Healthy?

Making lifestyle changes can help one manage and even improve heart health. Try the following steps:

• One should not smoke. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk of heart disease and its complications.
• Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consume less sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
• Control the weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease. One should enquire with the doctor about what constitutes a healthy weight for them.
• Exercise. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for heart disease that can be managed with regular exercise. With the doctor's permission, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. The doctor will guide when it is safe to resume exercising after surgery.
• Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Adults should sleep for 7 to 9 hours per day.

Conclusion

Although most people recover well from heart bypass surgery, it is important to remember that the procedure does not treat the underlying coronary heart disease. As a result, it is critical to take care of the heart by adhering to lifestyle recommendations suggested by the doctor. 

In most cases, heart bypass surgery can save a person's life. However, one should have this surgery only after consulting with an experienced heart surgeon. The surgeon will guide one the best about the surgery. One can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, home to the best heart surgeon. Make an appointment if one wants to learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi or have any concerns about the procedure.

The  doctor and insurance experts at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, can help you get details on this surgery cost and if this is covered in insurance. Contact for more details!

What is Worse Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

There is a widespread misconception that heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest are similar, if not the same, conditions. However, because both are medical emergencies involving heart health, distinguishing between them is important. A blood clot typically blocks the heart's blood supply during a heart attack, whereas an electrical failure causes the heart to stop beating completely during a sudden cardiac arrest. 

From this, one can easily understand that cardiac arrest is more severe, as it can lead to death within minutes if proper care is not provided.

Furthermore, this blog is being made to dispel the myth that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are the same thing, as well as to inform readers on which is more fatal. This essay was written using critical information taken from the insights of Dr. Sujay Shad, a prominent heart doctor in Delhi practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. We will determine which of these two conditions is more dangerous. Furthermore, we will go over these conditions, their symptoms, and the reasons for them. Let’s now go right into the details.

Heart Attack: It’s Causes & Symptoms

A heart attack ensues when the flow of blood to the heart from one or more coronary arteries is diminished or blocked. 

Causes: The obstruction is mainly caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries leading to the heart (coronary). Plaques are fatty, cholesterol-containing formations.

Symptoms: Some signs of a heart attack are more common than others. However, most people associate a heart attack with chest pain. However, it's important to remember that not every heart attack presents "classically." In some individuals, particularly women and people assigned female at birth, diabetics and the elderly may also develop "atypical" symptoms with their heart attack. It includes symptoms such as abdominal or back pain or even no symptoms at all.

Among the Symptoms are:

• Angina (a type of chest pain)
• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Indigestion or nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Cardiac Arrest: It’s Causes & Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which the heart stops beating. The heart is no longer pumping blood. This puts the organs and the entire body at risk of death within minutes. They must be supplied with oxygen at all times. The oxygen is delivered via blood.

Causes: The majority of abrupt cardiac arrests are caused by abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation is the most frequent life-threatening arrhythmia. This is characterized by unpredictable, disorganized impulse firing from the heart's ventricles (bottom chambers). When this occurs, the heart becomes unable to pump blood. One could die in minutes if one does not receive treatment.

Other causes of cardiac arrest include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart problems that are present from birth
• Changes in the structure of the heart are caused by disease or infection
• Excessive physical exertion or blood loss.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest may include:

• Fainting
• Chest discomfort
• Breathing difficulty
• Vomiting and nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Difference B/w Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack can be fatal. Plaque usually clogs the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The heart's muscle tissue can begin to die if it is deprived of oxygen and nourishment. The goal is to get blood flowing back to the heart as soon as possible; otherwise, a heart attack can cause irreversible damage and even death. 

In contrast, the heart begins racing in a confused, disorganized manner after cardiac arrest. Almost immediately, blood ceases to circulate. One falls unconscious, ceases breathing, and has no pulse. The brain begins to die from a lack of oxygen and blood flow unless the heartbeat is restored as soon as possible. According to Cleveland Clinic research, less than 10% of persons who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest survive. 

What is Worse, Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest

The information provided above makes it clear that cardiac arrests are more life threatening than heart attacks. Heart attacks do not cause the heart to cease fully beating, as it does during a cardiac arrest. Furthermore, a cardiac arrest necessitates prompt medical attention. Because a lack of timely medical assistance might result in death within minutes, a heart attack still has a possibility of survival. 

In addition, the treatment for heart attack includes medications and surgical procedures such as Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and Coronary angioplasty and stenting. Some doctors also suggest cardiac rehabilitation. However, the treatments for cardiac arrest involve Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Coronary angioplasty, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Radiofrequency catheter ablation, and Corrective heart surgery. 

Note: The expert heart surgeon determines the best treatment options after a thorough examination of the patient’s condition. 

Conclusion

Both a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are serious heart disorders. If one is experiencing any difficulties that reflect indications of either of the two diseases, one should seek immediate medical attention.

In such instances, one can seek the advice of Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart surgeon and transplant specialist. The skilled surgeon is a pioneer in the field of heart surgery. He provides superior care to his patients based on his extensive experience spanning more than three decades. He is well-known for doing successful procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery, heart valve surgery, septal myectomy for HOCM, and many more. One can visit the surgeon to learn more about these surgeries and their expenses, such as the bypass surgery cost in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.