When Is Open Heart Surgery Performed?

Heart surgery, medically termed cardiac surgery, refers to any operation done by a heart surgeon on the cardiac muscles, arteries, or valves. The term “open heart surgery” refers to the conventional surgical approach of addressing any heart problems wherein a cut or opening is made in the chest to directly access the heart.

If you have been suggested to undergo open heart surgery to correct blockage, replace diseased heart valves or others, then this article will help you. Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgeon who performs Open Heart Surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, will tell you all about this life-saving procedure.

 

What are the common types of open-heart surgery?

In this procedure the heart surgeon cuts through the breastbone and spreads the ribs to reach the heart. During the surgery, the patient is put on a heart-lung bypass machine. The patient’s heart beating is stopped and the heart’s working is taken over by the bypass machine. 

 

Open heart surgery is commonly of the following kinds:

Heart bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft): This surgery is performed in case of blockage. It involves creating a separate route, a bypass to allow the oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart.

Heart valve surgery: This surgery is done to repair or replace diseased heart valves that cause blood to backflow.

Surgery to correct a congenital heart defect: This corrective Open Heart Surgery in Delhi fixes or treats a structural defect in the heart present since birth. Some of the types of paediatric heart surgery are patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, coarctation of the aorta repair, atrial/ventricular septal defect repair, and tetralogy of fallot repair.     

 

When is open heart surgery performed?

Open heart surgery may be done to treat any of the following conditions:

Aortic disease: Aorta is the largest artery of the body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It may get damaged or malfunction with diseases like atherosclerosis (plaque build-up), hypertension, genetic disorders like bicuspid aortic valve disease or Marfan syndrome, and connective tissue disorders like Turner syndrome or Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Open heart surgery can help repair and replace the damaged aortic valve.

Coronary artery disease: This disease is the result of the narrowing of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Open heart surgery can help treat coronary artery disease by creating a bypass for blood to flow.

Arrhythmias: It is a cardiac condition wherein the heart beats abnormally, either too slow too fast, or irregularly due to malfunctioning electrical impulses. Open heart surgery can help the heart properly beat by implanting medical devices like pacemakers.  

Heart valve disease: Valves allow the blood to flow in a forward direction between the upper and lower heart chambers and even out of the heart. There are two ways by which the heart valve can get diseased: Stenosis (stiffening or thickening of the flaps) and regurgitation (leaky valve or valve insufficiency). Open heart valve surgery can be performed to repair or replace any diseased valve.

Heart failure: It is a condition when the heart fails to pump properly to allow enough blood flow to meet the individual body's needs. Many cardiac conditions can end up with heart failure. These include cardiac amyloidosis, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, cancer-related heart disease, constrictive pericarditis, heart valve disease, and coronary artery disease. Open heart surgery can be done to transplant a donor's heart in place of a damaged heart.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: In this cardiac condition, the walls of the left ventricle of the heart become thick and stiff and the blood supply gets obstructed. It can lead to atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias that can cause cardiac arrest. Septal myectomy is a kind of open-heart surgery that can treat this heart condition.

 

How is open heart surgery performed?

In general, open-heart surgery is performed by following these basic steps:

1. The patient is provided with general anaesthesia so that they remain unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
2. Next, the surgeon makes an 8 to 10-inch long cut in the chest. Through the cut, the surgeon passes all or a portion of the patient’s breastbone to get access to the heart.
3. Once the heart is exposed, the patient’s heart may be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine.
4. Then, the surgeon addresses the specific issues of the heart like repairing or replacing the valve/artery, implanting a medical device, creating a bypass, or transplanting the donor heart.
5. After the needful is done, the surgeon closes the breastbone with wire and leaves the wire inside.
6. Lastly, the original cut is stitched up and the heart is covered with sterile bandages.

 

Are there any risks of having open heart surgery?

Just like any other surgery, open heart surgery also poses some risks. The potential risks include:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Blood clot
• Huge loss of blood
• Irregular heartbeat
• Kidney or lung failure
• Chest pain and low-grade fever
• Fuzziness or memory loss
• Troubled breathing
• Pneumonia
• Chest wound infection (mostly in diabetics, obese people, or those who have undergone CABG surgery)
• The risk is increased when a heart-lung bypass machine is used.

 

What at-home care do I need to recover from my open heart surgery?

As per Heart Surgery Doctor in Delhi, After coming back home following your heart surgery, you must do the following:

 

• Take proper care of your incision site and regularly inspect it for any signs of infection.
• Manage your pain or discomfort with prescribed painkillers.
• Avoid intake of caffeine, tobacco, narcotics, and alcohol as these can impair the natural healing process.
• Take adequate sleep, eat heart-healthy food, and drink plenty of water.

 

When is open heart surgery preferred over minimally invasive heart surgery?

In recent times, minimally invasive heart surgeries, also known as the keyhole approach, have taken over the traditional open-heart surgery. That’s because the keyhole approach offers many benefits like no broken breast bone, no risk of bone infection, minimal pain, short recovery, minimal downtime, and small scarring. However, not every heart patient can go for the keyhole approach.

The factors that decide which approach to go ahead with include the patient’s heart condition, general health, age, improved patient outcomes, and other pertinent considerations. Certain patients’ condition or the complexity of the case necessitates the surgeon to perform open heart surgery.

 

Consult the Best Heart Surgeon!

Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned cardiologist and heart surgeon for Open Heart Surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He is a skilled heart surgeon who has successfully conducted many life-saving heart surgeries.

 

Reach out for a consultation today to learn more!

What is Cardiac Arrest? Things You Must Be Aware Of?

Every year in the United States, more than 350,000 people experience a sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is when the heart activity suddenly and unexpectedly halts. When someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, they suddenly collapse, experience difficulty in breathing, and struggle to breathe or stop breathing. They also lose their consciousness and have no pulse at all. Nine out of 10 individuals who often experience a cardiac arrest outside the hospital die within minutes. Every minute of delay could lead to a patient’s chances of survival by 7-10 percent. Therefore, that is why it is essential to know some important things about sudden cardiac arrest to help with timely treatment and minimize the risks. 

In this blog post, we will throw light on what a cardiac arrest is and what are some of the important things one must be aware of. To create this post, the insights have been taken from Dr. Sujay Shad, who is considered the best cardiac surgeon in India and practices at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Let’s start by discussing what cardiac arrest is. 

What is a Cardiac Arrest? 

When the heart stops pumping blood suddenly, an electrical issue in the heart can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest. Within ten minutes, a sudden cardiac arrest will result in rapid death if it is not appropriately and promptly treated. The signs of a cardiac arrest are almost immediate. These include no breathing, loss of consciousness, no pulse, and sudden collapse. Other signs and symptoms that might occur before a sudden cardiac arrest include chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vomiting, dizziness, etc. It requires urgent treatment to make sure the blood flow around the body is restored, and the heart starts beating again. 

Following are Some of the Important Facts About Cardiac Arrests 

1. A Sudden Cardiac Arrest is Different From a Heart Attack

Many individuals believe that heart attacks and cardiac arrest are the same thing. However, they are two completely different heart conditions. A heart attack refers to a blockage in the coronary arteries, which disrupts the blood flow. A sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical issue, instead of obstruction in its blood supply, in which the heart suddenly collapses, and the pulse completely stops. It is essential to understand the difference between the two so that the right treatment is initiated. 

2. The Lifestyle Determines the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest 

Not many individuals are aware that the risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest develop due to a sedentary lifestyle. The risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest include misuse of alcohol, increased cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. It is therefore advised to have a healthy lifestyle and engage in physical activities throughout the day. Maintaining a healthy weight and routinely checking blood, sugar, and cholesterol levels are essential. Simultaneously, it is important to minimize alcohol and tobacco usage as they increase the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest. 

For more tips on heart health, seek the help of a heart doctor. To do this, one can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous cardiac surgeon in Delhi who practices at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

3. Family History

An individual who has a family history of heart ailments is often at a high risk of having sudden cardiac arrest. Besides that, if a person has a family history of heart conditions, the risk of sudden cardiac arrest doubles, and one must take extra care. Therefore, one must get into the habit of routine checkups to ensure the problem gets detected at an initial stage. This is because timely intervention plays a vital role in not only minimizing the risk factors but it helps in giving a new lease of life to the patient.

5. The Emergency Response Time for a Cardiac Arrest is Around 6-12 Minutes

When it comes to sudden cardiac arrest, a minute is fine, but they could simply die within the next minute. Although it is vital to call an emergency number, an average response tends to be around 6-12 minutes. Hence, everyone must be trained in CPR.

6. Fainting Can Be Fatal

Fainting is the first sign of a sudden cardiac arrest, which is often ignored by a majority of individuals. In case of a sudden cardiac arrest, the sudden loss of consciousness often happens when the heart stops beating abruptly. Before fainting, many people often experience a racing heart or dizziness. Prior to a cardiac arrest, some people could also experience pain in the chest, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Therefore, it is best not to ignore loss of consciousness and seek the help of a cardiac surgeon as soon as possible.

Conclusion

We hope through this post, you have understood what a cardiac arrest is and what are the vital things you should be aware of about it. If someone faces sudden loss of consciousness or dizziness, they should not ignore them and seek the help of a cardiac doctor right away.

One can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgery specialist in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital who specializes in performing a wide range of heart procedures such as heart transplants, HOCM, bypass surgery, and many more at the hospital.

To learn more about these procedures or to know how much heart surgery cost in Delhi, pay a visit to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today.

8 Symptoms That May Mean One Needs a Pacemaker - Guide By Expert

The ideal heart rate for an adult ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute, depending on the patient's age and health. Usually, the lower the resting pulse, the better it is. However, a heart rate that is too slow can cause complications. 

A slow heartbeat is the reason why one needs a pacemaker to speed up the heart beat and stimulate the heart pump more effectively. While pacemakers are not used to treat all heart diseases or irregular heartbeats, there are specific symptoms that can help determine whether someone requires one.

This blog has been drafted by taking insights from expert heart surgeon, Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. This blog talks about the signs and symptoms that warrant the need for a pacemaker. Read on for detailed insights.

What is a Pacemaker and What Role Does it Play?

With advancements in medical technology, expert heart specialists nowadays have a better understanding of how the heart works, which helps them design and create several treatment options to control an irregular heartbeat. As a result, cutting-edge pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias and other illnesses that can enhance and improve the quality of life. A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the chest area to control the heartbeat.

During the pacemaker procedure, small wires are used into the heart, where their tips connect the heart muscle. The pacemaker unit is connected to the other ends. When the device detects an abnormality, it delivers electrical signals to the heart through the electrodes, restoring it to a normal rhythm. Pacemakers can be designed to activate during episodes of bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, or cardiac arrest, and they only work when necessary.

Following are the common signs that indicate the need to get a pacemaker:

1. One Gets Dizzy

Dizziness can be a sign of the heart not beating properly. This can be caused by low blood pressure, low sugar, and other health issues too.

2. One Feels Fatigue

If the heart does not beat effectively and does not pump blood through the body, one might feel tired or fatigued even if one rests for the whole day. Fatigue can indicate a feeling of sleeping for the entire day, and one does not have the energy to do anything.

3. One Experiences Pounding in their Chest

Some irregular rhythms are considered harmless. The pounding in the chest, though, can indicate an alarming irregular heartbeat that can be treated with a pacemaker.

4. One Faints But Doesn’t Know Why

Fainting can cause serious injuries, especially if one falls in a dangerous area, hits a car, or faints. This can be a result of the heart beating too slowly or irregularly.

5. One Feels Shortness of Breath or Difficulty in Breathing

Shortness of breath or difficulty in catching the breath can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as asthma or pneumonia. Breathing issues, however, can also be an indication of heart issues or irregular heartbeats. A sign that the heart isn't functioning as efficiently as it should be is if one experiences increasing shortness of breath when performing activities such as shopping, climbing stairs, or cleaning the house. 

However, shortness of breath should never be ignored, and one must seek the help of an expert heart doctor in Delhi, such as Dr. Sujay Shad, right away to diagnose the root cause and get the concern treated.

6. One Has Been Diagnosed With Bradycardia

It's not necessarily a sign of bradycardia if one occasionally takes the pulse and finds it slow, below 60 beats per minute. However, one could require a pacemaker to keep up a healthy heart rhythm if the doctor has performed testing and diagnosed bradycardia.

7. One Takes Medicines that Slows the Heartbeat

There are some medications, such as dig-ox-in, for heart diseases that slow down the heartbeat. The doctor could advise a pacemaker if they need higher doses of these medications, and there is a possibility that the heart rate will go slow.

8. One Has Chest Pain

Arrhythmias do not generally cause chest pain, but the chest pain could ideally be a sign of a heart attack or heart disease. Depending on the type of condition, it is likely to be treated with a pacemaker.

Conclusion

Ignoring heart symptoms can be life threatening. To inquire about heart related conditions or diseases and want to know more on heart surgery cost in Delhi, make an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad at the most famous heart hospital in Delhi, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, right away.

He is an expert heart doctor and is known for performing a wide range of heart procedures, such as HOCM, aortic dissection, mitral valve surgery, heart transplants, bypass surgery, etc., at the hospital.

Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The Differences

Imagine if one is out for dinner and suddenly a person sitting next to them clutches their chest and falls from the chair, collapsing to the ground. While many people will say the person suffered a heart attack, others might believe it to be a cardiac arrest. It's common to use the terms "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" interchangeably. However, in actuality, they are distinct, typically with different causes and requiring a different response.

This blog is drafted by taking insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgery doctor in Delhi who practices at a multi-speciality hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. In this blog, he has shared key points about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Along with that, he has also discussed how to recognize each and what to do if someone in our family suffers from one.

Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest are Considered Different

A heart attack occurs if the artery (blood vessel) that supplies blood to the heart tissue becomes blocked. The heart typically continues to beat despite this, which results in a lack of oxygen, the death of cardiac cells, and symptoms like chest pain. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, refers to when the heart stops beating. Heart attacks can sometimes result in cardiac arrest, but there are numerous other reasons why this can happen. When the heart stops pumping the brain and other organs and tissues with blood and oxygen, this is called cardiac arrest. It could be caused by anything that can make the heart stop beating, i.e., some severe heart attacks. Cardiac arrest may also result from a heart attack. However, heart attacks are not the only reason for cardiac arrests.

Most Heart Attacks are Not Associated With a Cardiac Arrest

Although cardiac arrest may occur from a heart attack, most do not. The blockage that results in a heart attack might happen suddenly, but the narrowing of the heart's arteries that leads to the obstruction usually takes place over a longer period of time. High blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle choices increase the risk of the narrowing of blood vessels. When people exert themselves, chest pain is caused by restricted blood flow, which worsens as the narrowing becomes severe. Individuals would experience chest pain if they exerted themselves, which occurs due to restricted blood flow.

Angina indicates blockages but does not involve active damage to the heart muscles. If the pain does not go away, it points towards a heart attack. To seek medical attention from a cardiologist, it would be best to consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India.

What are the Signs of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Following are the symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea or indigestion
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Following are the symptoms of a cardiac arrest:

• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Both Medical Emergencies?

The fact that both cardiac arrests and heart attacks are life-threatening and need medical intervention is one thing they have in common. A heart attack is not like a stroke. Individuals who suffer from a heart attack should always have an ambulance to take them to the hospital instead of driving themselves.

For cardiac arrest, one must ensure that medical help is on the way as soon as possible. CPR, i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should be immediately started and should not be delayed.

Summary

There are several differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs if the blood supply to part of the heart stops and causes a part of the heart muscle to die. A cardiac arrest, however, happens when the heart stops beating altogether. The signs of a heart attack can vary. The primary signs of a cardiac arrest, in contrast, are unconsciousness, absence of breathing, and no pulse. Finally, there are numerous different causes of cardiac arrest, whereas coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks.

So, now that you have understood the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, if one seeks guidance on heart surgeries, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar. Over the years, he has performed several life-saving heart procedures, such as bypass surgeries, aortic surgery, HOCM, heart transplants, and many more. For more details, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi, India today.

Why Does Heart Health Matters: A Doctor’s Perspective

 It's similar to the speed of an automobile when it comes to heart rate. People want something that isn't too rapid, sluggish, or irregular. In reality, most of the time, people don't need to think about heart rhythm or speed. And, unless something out of the ordinary is happening, they are probably utterly ignorant of what their heart is doing.

The best cardiac surgeon in India, Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explains: the heart is responsible for circulating nutrient-rich blood and oxygen throughout the body. When it fails to do its job properly, the entire body suffers. Since the heart function (cardiac output) is closely tied to heart rate and stroke volume (the quantity of blood pumped out with each beat), heart rate is important to this process.

What is a Heart Rate?

Normally, heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats every minute. Bradycardia ("slow heart") is slower than 60 beats per minute; tachycardia ("fast heart") is more than 100 beats per minute. However, other doctors say a healthy resting heart rate is closer to 50 to 70 beats per minute. Whatever is regarded as normal, it is crucial to understand that a healthy heart rate will fluctuate based on the scenario.

• To identify heart rate, first, locate the pulse. 
• The side of the neck and the wrist's front part is the most accessible locations. 
• Then, in 30 seconds, note the number of beats. This is one's heart rate multiplied by two.

Furthermore, feeling the pulse can tell if the rhythm is regular, irregular, or a combination of the two.

When Does the Heart Rate Become Slow?

A slow beat in healthy adults might be caused by the following:

• Not being physically fit 
• Taking certain medications
• Sleep (but heart rate may increase during REM sleep).

A slow pulse, on the other side, can be an indication of sickness, such as:

• Heart attack or another type of heart disease (sick sinus syndrome)
• Certain diseases (Lyme disease and typhoid fever)
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood) is caused by an underactive thyroid.

What Causes Fast Heart Rate?

Healthy persons might have a quick heart rate due to the:

• Exercising, especially if it is strenuous or linked with dehydration. 
• Frightened or agitated - while a heart rate of more than 100 may be deemed "abnormal”.
• Using a stimulant like coffee or cocaine when pregnant.

A rapid heart rate is connected with the following diseases:

• Most infections or almost any cause of fever.
• Heart issues, such as cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart's pumping function is decreased), ventricular tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation
• Particular medications ( EpiPen)
• Hypokalemia (when there are low potassium levels in the blood)
• Having an overactive thyroid gland or taking too much thyroid medication
• Anemia
• Asthma or other respiratory problems.

Why Are Regular Heart Check-ups Important?

Many heart disorders and associated risk factors might go unnoticed if routine heart checks and health tests are not performed. Preventative healthcare may assist the individual and their physicians in staying on top of their health and identify any health concerns before they become more serious. Regular heart checks will allow an individual to:

• Early detection of illnesses or diseases
• Reduce the likelihood of becoming sick
• Get the correct therapy as soon as possible
• Improve one's overall health
• Depicts one's health over time
• Minimize overall healthcare expenses
• Receive the most recent medical information as well as cutting-edge technology and practices
• One can develop a better bond with their doctor. 

What Can a Person Expect During Their General Check-up?

Even if a person does not already have a cardiovascular issue, regular check-ups are an excellent method to discover possible risk factors and avoid heart issues. During a heart screening, the physician will do a few tests to look for these risk factors and then choose the best treatment. Treatment methods range from dietary modifications to medicines. One can expect the following at their check-up:

• Blood pressure test - to diagnose elevated blood pressure, a blood pressure test can be conducted. High blood pressure puts more strain on the heart and can damage the arteries severely. If left untreated, blood clots can form, leading to heart failure or a heart attack. 
• Cholesterol screening - starting in their twenties, people should get their cholesterol tested once every 4-5 years. Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, they can spot it early. 
• A blood glucose test - determines the quantity of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. A glucose test can also aid in the diagnosis of diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to stroke and heart disease.

In addition, if one needs heart surgery and wonders about, heart surgery cost in Delhi, one must understand that it all depends on the type of surgery, doctor’s qualification, specialization, and their years of experience. It will also vary from patient to patient.

Therefore, it is recommended to choose a suitable heart surgeon in Delhi. If looking for one, one can visit Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

He offers all types of heart treatments from minimally invasive to surgical procedures to save the life of his patients with heart issues. Do visit now!