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 You Need To Know About Heart Surgery Aftercare?

If you've been told that you're a candidate for heart surgery, you've probably got a lot of questions. You're undoubtedly wondering about life following surgery and how you'll manage your recovery. Keeping in mind that everyone's recovery is different, there are some common questions individuals have about the aftercare.

In this blog, we will address some frequently asked issues about heart surgery aftercare. To create this helpful guide, we had a discussion with Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgery specialist in Delhi. Let us dig right into the information gathered about heart surgery aftercare.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

The type of surgery you have and your overall health will influence your recovery time. While your surgeon will offer you the most accurate estimate of your recovery time, there are some broad recommendations.

• Open-heart procedures often necessitate a four to five-day hospital stay. After you've been released from the hospital, it normally takes six to eight weeks for your breastbone and chest muscles to heal as you gradually return to your normal daily routine.
• Less invasive procedures, such as stent installation or ablation, in which aberrant cardiac rhythm tissue is scarred or eliminated, usually only necessitate an overnight hospital stay. Recovery at home for these treatments can take up to a month. Keep in mind that any unforeseen difficulties will lengthen your healing time.

How Will I Look After Myself at Home?

Your medical team and heart surgeon will give you special guidelines for self-care at home. You should have a caretaker assist you with your first aftercare over the first week or two. This person could be a family member, a friend, or a home health assistant.

At-home heart surgery aftercare will involve the following:

• Taking care of your incision and keeping an eye out for signs of infection. When washing your incision, use warm, not hot, water and pat the area dry.
• Resuming normal physical activity gradually and increasing heart and lung function with light workouts such as walking and chair-based strength training. Yoga is another great workout.
• Taking your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Keep an eye on your weight and note any changes.

After Surgery, How Will My Heart Condition Be Monitored?

Your doctors and nurses will closely monitor you during and after your surgery, and they will give you instructions to help you recuperate. Some of these guidelines will assist you and your doctor in monitoring your heart condition.

• Every Day, Note Your Pulse: Your pulse rate tells you if your heart rate is within a healthy range. Consult your doctor to determine what constitutes a healthy range for you. In general, if your pulse rate is higher than 110 beats per minute or less than 60 beats per minute, you should contact your doctor.
• Every Day, Weigh Yourself: Keep track of your weight and bring it with you to your follow-up appointments. A sudden rise in weight is sometimes an indication of fluid retention, which could signal that your heart isn't working properly or that you might have a kidney problem. Notify your doctor if you gain more than 2 pounds in one day or 4 pounds in one week.
• Take your Medications Exactly as Directed: Continue to take your heart, diabetes (if you have diabetes), and high blood pressure drugs, as well as any other prescription medications, once you return home. If you believe you should discontinue a medicine, consult with your doctor first.
• Maintain your Follow-up Appointments: Medical appointments after surgery are essential for monitoring your heart status. Make these appointments and bring any results or questions you may have for your doctor with you.
• Recognize and Respond to Warning Signs and Symptoms: If you have chest pain that isn't from your incision, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, a terrible headache that won't go away, or discomfort in your jaws, teeth, arms, or ears, call your heart surgeon right away.

What Can I Do to Bring Myself Back to My Daily Routine?

You'll probably be eager to get back to your normal routine following heart surgery, but you must give your body time to heal correctly. Overdoing it may impede your recuperation.

• Follow the Advice of Your Surgeon & Medical Team: This is especially important when it comes to resuming activities like lifting heavy objects and driving.
• Listen to Your Body: If you tire easily or experience pressure or pain while participating in an activity, stop. Overexertion increases the likelihood of injury or consequences.
• Help Your Body Repair Properly by Doing the Following: Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, lowering stress, getting enough sleep, and not smoking are all key lifestyle changes that will assist you in recovering and returning to your normal schedule.

Conclusion

Getting heart surgery is huge and challenging. Even though the surgery is being performed on your heart, your complete body will be put through a lot. You'll need some rest and recovery time to regain your strength. You'll heal faster and feel better sooner if you take your recovery one day at a time. To get proper assistance you should always discuss what the recovery will look like with your surgeon. To do so you should consult a skilled surgeon. 

You can consult a top heart surgeon Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The expert surgeon has over three decades of overall experience. He is known for performing varied complex heart surgeries like coronary bypass, heart valve surgery, aortic surgery, heart transplants, and open heart surgery in Delhi, and many more. To get personalized care, book an appointment with the skilled heart surgeon, Dr. Sujay Shad now!

Things to Know On Open Heart Surgery

 A surgical procedure known as "open-heart surgery" involves cutting open the chest to operate on the heart or nearby arteries. Open-heart surgery is performed by cardiac surgeons to treat severe coronary artery disease (CAD), replace or repair heart valves, or correct structural defects in the heart. Although open heart surgery is complicated, the risk of death is very low. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, an experienced heart surgeon who performs open heart surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, shares some valuable information about open heart surgery.

When Would Someone Need Open Heart Surgery?

A CABG could require open-heart surgery. For those with coronary heart disease, a coronary artery bypass graft might be required.

The blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become hard and restricted with coronary heart disease. "Hardening of the arteries" is the term used to describe this condition.

The walls of the coronary arteries become hardened when fatty material deposits itself as plaque. Because of this plaque, blood cannot flow through the arteries easily. A heart attack could happen if the heart's blood flow is compromised.

Additionally, open-heart surgery is performed on:

• repair or replacement of heart valves, which is necessary to allow blood to flow through the heart.
• repair any heart tissue that is harmed or is abnormal.
• medical implants that promote proper heartbeat
• heart transplant: the replacement of a diseased heart with a donor heart

What Kinds of Open Heart Procedures are there?

Open-heart surgery is a term used to describe surgeries in which the heart is accessed through a chest incision in order to perform interventions on the heart or its major blood vessels. Here are some examples of the various open-heart procedures:

• CABG: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The most frequent kind of open-heart surgery is this one. It involves using grafts (blood vessels taken from another part of the body or synthetic grafts) to create a bypass for blood flow around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

• Valve Replacement or Repair

This procedure is carried out to fix or swap out unhealthy or damaged heart valves. The affected valve is removed during the procedure, and either a mechanical valve or a biological valve is used in its place. 

• Heart Transplant

The need for a heart transplant may arise in cases of severe heart failure. The diseased heart is removed during this procedure, and a donor's healthy heart is put in its place.

• Arrhythmia Treatment

Heart irregularities, or arrhythmia, cause irregular heartbeats. During surgery, a pacemaker or an ICD is implanted inside the body to treat irregular heartbeats. Treatments for arrhythmia ablation are now readily available thanks to cutting-edge technology and skilled surgeons.

 

Procedure of Open-Heart Surgery

1. Patients will initially receive anesthesia to put them to sleep.
2. After that, the surgeon will carefully make an 8 to 10 inch incision in the chest.
3. The patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine as soon as the heart is visible to help with blood flow throughout the procedure.
4. A healthy vein, usually the saphenous vein from the leg, will be used to patch up the fractured vein.
5. The surgeon will close the incisions after the procedure.

How Long Exactly Does Recovery from Open Heart Surgery take?

Each person's situation is unique. However, the average length of stay in the intensive care unit is one or two days. One might not be able to eat or drink anything during this time. To help one breathe, they might also need to wear a face mask or nasal prongs. Depending on the patient's health and the procedure they underwent, they will recover differently at home. In order to track one’s recovery, they will also require ongoing care in the form of heart examinations and tests.

When recovering:

• Being exhausted and experiencing some pain are perfectly normal feelings.
• Follow the surgeon’s recommendations for wound care, and keep an eye out for indications of infection, such as redness or discharge, near the chest wound.
• Any potentially serious infection-related symptoms should be treated right away. Breathing issues, fever, and excessive perspiration are symptoms.

For more details on open heart surgery or mitral valve repair  in India, make an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad today at the prestigious Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. 

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. 

What To Expect When Undergoing Open Heart Surgery?

The heart is the most vital body organ that regulates blood circulation all over the body. But sometimes, it starts creating issues in pumping and filtering the blood, leading to heart pain, strokes and heart failure. Open heart surgery is the most widely performed procedure to manage and treat various heart issues. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, a senior cardiac surgeon, will discuss an insightful study of open heart surgery. The heart specialist will also talk in detail about what one can expect before, after and during this surgical procedure. So, read the post and learn about the benefits of considering open heart surgery in Delhi.

What is open heart surgery?

As the name indicates, open heart surgery is a surgical procedure to treat various heart's health issues and improve one’s quality of life. Open surgery includes the minimally invasive treatment of heart muscle, arteries, valves, aorta and other arteries connected to the heart. Following are the medical conditions that require open heart surgery:

Medical Conditions require Open Heart Surgery 

• Coronary Artery Bypass 

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels. These blood vessels keep the heart healthy by supplying adequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients to heart muscles. Due to formation of sticky cholesterol caused by unhealthy lifestyle of smoking, oily food and various other things, this pathway gets blocked. This heart condition leads to severe chest pain, life-threatening heart attack and sometimes  death too. As a result an open heart surgery called coronary bypass surgery is used to create an alternate pathway to feed the heart.

    

• Heart valve repair or replacement

The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. The four heart valves are the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves. Heart valve issues like stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse, endocarditis etc can arise due to congenital disabilities, infections, and age-related wear and tear. Heart valve issues lead to serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, and even death. Depending on the severity of the issue, heart valve surgery is done if repair or replacement is necessary.

• Aortic Surgery

The largest artery in the body, the aorta, transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body's other organs. The swelling of an artery is known as an aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic aneurysms can occur in two different types of aneurysms of the aorta.

One of the most common aortic issues is an aortic aneurysm, a bulge or weakening of the wall of the aorta. If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. As a result, open heart surgery for aortic surgery is performed to prevent  aneurysm and further heart complications.

• Septal Myectomy for HOCM

Septal myectomy is a surgical procedure to treat hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a genetic heart condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken and obstruct blood flow. While septal myectomy is a complex surgery, Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgeon in Delhi, performs it successfully and improves symptoms and quality of life for HOCM patients.

• Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

Blood clots form in the lungs and block the pulmonary arteries, leading to high blood pressure and strain on the right side of the heart. Such a heart condition requires Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) - a surgical procedure for treating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

• Heart Failure Surgery

Heart failure surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures that can be used to treat advanced heart failure. These surgeries are typically reserved for patients with severe heart failure symptoms that are not responding to medical therapy. The most common types of heart failure surgery include heart transplant, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). 

A heart transplant involves replacing a patient's diseased heart with a healthy donor heart, while LVAD implantation involves implanting a mechanical device to help the heart pump blood. CRT uses a pacemaker-like device to help coordinate the contractions of the heart's ventricles. Heart failure surgery can significantly improve eligible patients' quality of life and survival.

Expectations from an open heart surgery

When an individual is diagnosed with an unhealthy heart and receives a recommendation for open heart surgery, things the individual can expect are underneath:

• Open heart surgery will be performed on the numbed body. For this surgeon will inject general anaesthesia first.
• As the name indicates, open heart surgery is a surgical procedure; hence the surgeon will make incisions of 8- to 10-inch in the chest.
• After that, the surgeon will access the heart. The surgeon will connect the heart to a heart-lung bypass machine. 
• This machine removes the blood away and performs the surgical procedure of heart valve repair, coronary bypass, aortic surgery and any other. 

How to Preparation for open heart surgery

Usually, best heart surgeons in Delhi consider a candidate with normal blood pressure, diabetes and maintained weight for open heart surgery. As a result, a patient can expect mentioned below-mentioned guidelines to follow:

• One must stop taking blood thinner medicines a week or two before surgery. 
• One must limit the consumption of alcohol and smoking. 
• One must avoid taking the stress of surgery and stay positive
• Candidates can reduce weight.

Medical procedure before open heart surgery

When one qualifies the eligibility criteria for open heart surgery, heart surgeons do the medical checkup, during which one can expect:

• X-rays of the chest 
• The candidate's chest must be hair-free.
• Sterilization of the surgical area with anti-bacterial soap or cleaner.
• An intravenous line (IV) will provide the fluids and medications.

Post Open Heart Surgery Expectation

Depending on the surgery, one can expect to spend a day or more in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). A heart surgeon will monitor the patient's health throughout this time daily. Anytime the patient feels well, the surgeon releases the discharge papers based on the patient's recovery report and allows the patient to return to the hospital for regular checkups.

The cardiac surgeon and colleagues will go over aftercare instructions before discharge. Patients may, however, be provided with a unique, firm pillow to protect their chest when they cough, sneeze, or get out of bed.

Benefits of Open heart surgery 

Open heart surgery is frequently advised for treating heart attack, heart failure, valvular disease, and coronary artery disease. The procedure for performing a coronary artery bypass is the most frequently used. The quality of life is improved, and long-lasting results are helped by this surgery, which has a high success rate for treating serious conditions that pose a threat to life.’

Beyond this, open heart procedures have a lot of other advantages, such as:

1. A decrease in chest pain 
2. An improvement in respiratory ability.
3. Bloodstream oxygen levels that are healthier
4. Lessened risk of stroke or blood vessel issues
5. Sustaining the benefits of open heart surgery involves lifelong dedication to certain lifestyle changes, each described below.

To know more about open heart surgery and when it is necessary. Book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, best heart surgeon in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital! 

Consult now for more information!

Heart Failure: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery

 Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough healthy blood to meet the body’s requirements. An inadequate blood supply disrupts the body’s major functions, which may result in further serious problems. According to statistics, heart failure is a prevalent health condition that has affected about 26 million people worldwide and is still on a continuous rise (1). 

With an increasing number of cardiac patients, medical scientists are working daily to make heart treatments affordable and available for all. In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart doctor in Delhi, explains the available treatment for heart failure under his expertise. He also discusses the various causes and risk factors that may lead to heart failure. 

Keep scrolling till the end to read some genius tips to keep the heart healthy. 

Causes and Risk Factors

The majority of people with heart failure also have another health problem. Coronary artery disease (CAD), an illness that narrows the arteries that deliver blood and oxygen to the heart, is one of the leading causes of heart failure. Some other conditions that may contribute to the risk of heart failure are: 

• Hypertension: The heart of the person suffering from high blood pressure works harder than usual to supply blood to other organs. However, over time, this pressure makes the heart muscles either too stiff or weak, which eventually may cause problems in pumping blood effectively. 
• Defective heart valves: The heart's valves ensure that blood flows in the right direction. When a heart defect, coronary artery disease, or a heart infection damages a valve, the heart has to work harder, which can make it weaker over time. This may lead to heart failure. 
• Injured heart muscles: Damage to the heart muscles may also cause heart failure. Some health conditions,  infections, alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and in some cases, some chemotherapy drugs may lead to damage to heart muscles. 
• Myocarditis: This condition may also cause inflammation and cardiac muscle pain. It is a viral inflammation caused by various viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, and can lead to heart failure on the left side.
• Congenital heart disease: When the heart or heart valves do not develop properly at birth, it may lead to an extra burden on the developed part of the heart to make sufficient blood. This may lead to an exertion of the healthy parts and heart failure. 
• Irregular heartbeats: When the heartbeats are irregular due to certain health conditions, it may cause exertion on the heart and cause heart failure. 
• Other risk factors: Some other health conditions and factors may also increase one’s risk of having heart failure. These are:
• Health conditions:
• Diabetes 
• Lung diseases 
• HIV 
• High blood pressure 
• Obesity 
• Heart attack 
• Sleep apnea
• Anemia 

• Lifestyle factors: 
• Smoking 
• Alcohol 
• Use of illegal drugs 
• Fatty food 
• 65 years of age or older 
• Family history of heart disease
• Inactive lifestyle

Symptoms of Heart Failure 

Dr. Sujay Shad explains that one may experience the following symptoms of heart failure: 

• Fatigue 
• Weight gain 
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Continuous coughing 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Swelling in the stomach
• Breathing problems
• Swelling on the leg, especially around the ankle
• Shortness of breath while lying down
• Frequent urge to urinate 

Heart Transplant Surgery for Heart Failure

There are several ways and open heart surgeries that may help treat heart failure. However, when the body does not respond to any other treatment, Dr. Sujay Shad, an expert heart doctor, opts for heart transplant surgery. 

This is an open heart surgery, where the surgeon will change either the patient’s heart’s faulty part or the whole heart and replace it with a donor’s heart. 

The surgery may sound complicated, but when done by an expert like Dr. Shad, who is known for providing the best open heart surgery in Delhi provides a high success rate with a faster recovery pace. 

In the past few years, medical treatments for heart disease have advanced, and device treatments for heart failure have also improved. Smart machines that help the heart pump blood are easy to use, last long, and cause few problems. Heart transplantation gives long-lasting results at a fraction of the cost and improved quality of life.

Tips for Healthy Heart 

As rightly said, precaution is better than cure. These healthy heart tips can help one save themselves from the risk of heart failure: 

• Eat healthy diet 
• Quit smoking and alcohol 
• Go running, dancing, skipping, or any physical activity 
• Have a cube of dark-medium dark chocolate daily 
• Maintain healthy weight
• Control cholesterol, BP, and blood sugar
• Stay stress-free 
• Indulge in hobbies 
• Laugh more 
• Limit salt intake 

Dr. Sujay Shad, an expert heart doctor examines the patient’s medical history and current medical condition before suggesting further treatments. Visit him at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for successful open heart surgery in Delhi. The expert heart surgeon will first provide a thorough diagnosis of the patient and then suggest the appropriate treatment.

How Can One Keep their Heart Healthy: Important Tips

There are at least 31 million individuals with heart disease, and around 6 lakh individuals die each year. Heart disease remains in the top position for killing people worldwide. But, the good news is that, unlike other diseases, it is one of the few disorders that can be prevented by making lifestyle changes. But this lifestyle change must be permanent to achieve good heart health.

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, the Top Heart Surgeon in Delhi, shares tips on having a healthy heart. Read on to learn more.

1. Reduce the Intake of Salt

Individuals who consume a higher amount of salt generally tend to have higher blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A healthy individual should consume no more than 6 grams of salt daily. One should reduce the salt intake in their food and should read labels to determine the level of salt. Fast foods and processed meat products frequently have very high amounts of salt. One can reduce blood pressure by consuming less salt, but the dose of medications needed to lessen the blood pressure should also be lowered. Be on the lookout for methods to maintain a healthy heart.

2. Reduce Saturated Fat

Saturated fats are usually found in butter, pastries, biscuits, dairy fat and meat. The problem with saturated fat is that they promote atherosclerosis in the blood vessels, which leads to blockage. One should only use a minimal amount of saturated fat when cooking or instead avoid it and use unsaturated fats. Also, cutting down on meat products, such as pork, chicken skin, red meat, bacon, and ham, is essential. One should select low-fat dairy options and avoid pies, cakes, and biscuits.

3. Consume Less Sugar

Sugar is becoming hazardous as it provides junk calories, rapidly increasing obesity. Sugar is found in almost all foods. Diabetes, blood vessel disease, and heart disease can all be brought on by excessive sugar intake. Sugar is also a big contributor to tooth decay and dental cavities. Therefore, one needs to reduce sugar consumption. This is usually done by cutting the consumption of beverages, such as eating less sweetened food, i.e. pies, chocolates and candies. Since many foods are high in sugar, reading labels is also essential for maintaining heart health. Book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, the Best Heart Surgeon in Delhi, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to learn ways of keeping the heart healthy. 

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and other health problems like cancer. Individuals who smoke are more likely to be affected by a heart attack than people who do not smoke. Nicotine is known to narrow the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart. Additionally, this narrowing can cause high blood pressure, which raises the risk of kidney failure and stroke.

5. Reduce the Intake of Alcohol

Alcohol is associated with many heart problems, including high blood pressure and damage to heart muscles. Alcohol is known to lower blood cholesterol in small doses, but since some people cannot control their consumption, it could become more troublesome. Therefore, one should restrict the amount of alcohol they intake.

6. Become Physically Active

People who are not physically active are more likely to experience a wide range of health issues, such as heart disease. Any type of exercise is better than no activity. To lower the risk of heart disease, it is advised that one engages in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. For those starting, daily walking for 45–60 minutes is suggested. The main idea is to be consistent. Exercise can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, in addition to helping people lose weight.

7. Reduce the Body Weight

Obesity is not a benign condition, and it is linked to several long-term health conditions, such as heart and premature death. Obesity can be treated, but it requires effort and commitment. One can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by losing weight. Reduced calorie intake, increased physical activity, and weight loss surgery is required to lose body weight.

8. Control Stress

Another risk factor for heart disease and poor health is uncontrollable stress. One must take the necessary step to reduce stress in their life. One shouldn’t turn to alcohol to relieve stress but practice meditation, deep breathing exercises or join stress relief classes. In general, easing stress will not only improve the heart’s health, but the overall quality of life will also be improved.

9. Take Good Sleep

Nowadays, people have bad sleep habits, which increases the risk of heart disease. Too little sleep disturbs the body's hormonal balance, which creates havoc on the rest of the organs. One should get in the habit of getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Keep the bedroom free of distractions such as watching television or working on the laptop during late hours. One should go to bed on time and get up in the morning at the same time. Good sleep relieves stress, refreshes, and revitalises one for the day ahead.

Therefore, one should follow the above tips to feel better and stay active with a healthy lifestyle. Book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to learn more ways of keeping the heart healthy and fit. He is also known for performing the best Open Heart Surgery in Delhi. Consult the expert heart surgeon today!

Open Heart Surgery: Basic Things One Should Know

 During a heart transplant surgery, a deteriorating heart is replaced with a healthier donor heart to save the sick patient's life. Most frequently, patients who require a heart transplant are those whose cardiac diseases have not improved enough with medicine or other treatments. 

Everyone feels a little nervous whenever surgery is suggested, mainly when it concerns the heart. A renowned cardiac surgeon with a significant understanding of heart transplants, open heart surgery, and treatments for treating heart failure, Dr. Sujay Shad has offered vital information about Open Heart Surgery in Delhi in this blog.

When is Open Heart Surgery Required?

A CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) procedure may involve open-heart surgery. Individuals with coronary heart problems may require a bypass artery graft. Coronary heart disease develops when the arteries that provide oxygen and blood to the heart muscle narrow and harden. When fatty tissue forms plaques on the coronary artery walls, hardening occurs. Blood flow is hampered by the narrowing arteries caused by this plaque. A heart attack could happen if the heart's blood supply is impacted.

Other reasons may include the following:

• The replacement or repair of heart valves, which allow blood to flow through the heart

• The repair or replacement of damaged or abnormal heart tissue

• The implantation of medical devices to assist the heartbeat normally

• The replacement of a dysfunctional heart with a donor heart (heart transplantation)

What are the Risks Involved?

• Refusal of the Implanted Heart: One of the most alarming risks after a heart transplant is the body rejecting the donor's heart. If the immune system considers the donor heart a foreign object, this could lead to rejection, which could harm the organ. Every patient receiving a heart transplant receives immunosuppressants.

• Problems With the Arteries: The arterial valves in the heart could possibly thicken and harden after the transplant. Due to this, the heart may struggle to pump blood, which could cause a heart attack, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarctions, or early cardiac death.

• Primary Graft Failure: The most frequent cause of death in the first few months after transplant is primary graft failure, in which the donated heart is not functioning. 

Note: Immunosuppressants must be taken by the person for the rest of their life; among other factors, they can significantly damage the kidneys. Immunosuppressive drugs make it more difficult for a person to fight infections—in the first year following the operation. Thus, it is advised to follow the doctor’s advice. 

What Happens Before the Surgery?

• Inform the doctor about all medications one is taking, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Let them know if one has a herpes outbreak, the flu, a cold, or a fever. The doctor might advise quitting smoking and stopping blood-thinning drugs, such as two weeks before the procedure.

• One can experience alcohol withdrawal if one regularly consumes three or even more drinks each day and stops soon before the procedure. Following open-heart surgery could result in potentially fatal consequences like seizures or tremors. To lower the chance of these issues, the doctor can assist patients with alcohol withdrawal. 

How is the Procedure Carried Out?

A CABG takes three to six hours:

• Anaesthesia is administered to the patient. That guarantees that the patient will be sleeping off and will remain pain-free throughout the entire procedure.

• An 8 to 10 inch cut is made in the chest by the surgeon.

• The surgeon makes a full or partial cut through the breastbone to access the patient's heart. 

• The patient might be attached to a heart-lung bypass device after the heart is visible. The machine pumps blood out from the heart for the surgeon to perform surgery. Some more recent techniques use something other than this device.

• The surgeon creates a new passage around the obstructed artery using a functional vein or artery. The wire is left within the body after the surgeon uses it to seal the breastbone. The first cut has been repaired.

• After surgery, the breastbone is repaired with small plates and screws known as sternal plating.  Sternal plates may normally be necessary for individuals who are at high risk, including those who have undergone several surgeries or are elderly. 

What Happens After the Procedure?

In order to determine whether the system is rejecting the new heart, periodic cardiac biopsies are performed in the first few months after transplantation, when rejection is particularly likely to happen. Over time, less frequent biopsies become necessary. Any signs of resistance, including gaining weight, feeling out of breath, a fever, weariness, and decreased urination, will be examined in terms of one's health.

Book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, best bypass surgeon in Delhi, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital straight away to learn more about heart problems and life-saving heart transplant surgery.