How does open-heart surgery differ from bypass surgery?

Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects can require surgical interventions to treat and manage the condition. In some cases, medications, lifestyle changes, and other non-surgical interventions may be sufficient, but surgery may be necessary for more severe cases or when other treatments have failed. Open-heart surgery and bypass surgery are two common types of surgeries used to treat heart conditions. It is important to consult with a qualified cardiac specialist to determine the best course of treatment for any heart condition.

In this article, Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgeon in Delhi, discusses these differences and a successful heart surgery cost in Delhi. 

Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the chest to access the heart. During the course, the patient is put under general anesthesia, and the heart is stopped for a period, allowing the cardiac surgeon to perform the necessary repairs or procedures. The heart-lung machine is used to take over the functions of the heart during this time.

Open heart surgery is commonly used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including:

• Coronary artery disease - when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow to the heart.

• Heart valve disease - when the valves that regulate blood flow through the heart are not functioning correctly.

• Aortic aneurysms - when the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes enlarged.

• Congenital heart defects - when the heart has structural abnormalities from birth.

 

The procedure involves making an incision in the chest and cutting through the breastbone to access the heart.

Once the heart is exposed, the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs. This allows the surgeon to work on the heart while it is not beating. During open heart surgery, the surgeon may perform various procedures, including:

1. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) -This procedure involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart.
2. Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement - It is a procedure that involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves. The mitral valve residing between the heart chambers is the important valve. It regulates the blood flow in both directions; as a result, leaky valves are pretty standard. This valve issue can be repaired. Visit Dr Sujay Shad for Mitral Valve repair in India.
3. Aortic Aneurysm Repair - It is a procedure that involves repairing or replacing the aorta.
4. Congenital Heart Defect Repair - It is a procedure that involves repairing the structural abnormalities of the heart.

Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure for treating coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. When this happens, the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to chest pain, a heart attack, and other complications.

Bypass surgery involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery in the heart. This creates a new route for blood to flow to the heart, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.

Bypass surgery is typically recommended for people with severe coronary artery disease who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes. The procedure can also be performed in an emergency, such as during a heart attack.

Key Differences between Bypass and Open Heart Surgery

While both open heart surgery and bypass surgery involve surgery on the heart, there are several key differences between the two procedures.

1. Indications: Open heart surgery can be used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart defects. Bypass surgery, on the other hand, is typically used to treat severe coronary artery disease that has not responded to other treatments.
2. Technique: Open heart surgery involves making an incision in the chest and cutting through the breastbone to access the heart. Bypass surgery involves creating a new route for blood to flow to the heart by taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery in the heart. This procedure is typically used to treat severe coronary artery disease that has not responded to other treatments.
3. Type of heart condition to treat: Bypass surgery is primarily used to treat coronary artery disease, while open heart surgery can treat various heart conditions.

While both bypass surgery and open heart surgery involve surgery on the heart, they differ in the type of heart condition they treat, the technique used during the procedure, and the recovery time required. One cardiac surgeon will determine which procedure is best for the individual based on needs and conditions.

Cost of heart surgery in Delhi

The cost of heart surgery in Delhi, India, can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of procedure, the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed, the surgeon's experience and qualifications, and the patient's overall health. So one needs to visit the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi for the best heart treatment.

The success rate of heart surgery in Delhi

Success rates for heart surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure and the patient's overall health, but Dr. Sujay Shad, who practices at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, reports success rates of over 90% for common procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement.

Hopefully, this article has touched on all the significant aspects of bypass and open heart surgery. Book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad to learn more about the treatments and the exact heart surgery cost in Delhi.

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!

Heart Bypass Surgery: Purpose & Procedure

 Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is performed to improve the heart's blood flow. A surgeon can bypass the damaged arteries by removing blood vessels from another body part. Worldwide about 200,000 of life saving heart surgeries are done by doctors annually.

Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous misconceptions concerning bypass surgery, and many believe it can have negative outcomes. Individuals with blockages that cover more than 70% of their arteries are candidates for this surgery since angioplasty, which involves placing stents in the arteries to enhance blood flow, is ineffective. Some basic factors about bypass surgery are addressed by Dr. Sujay Shad, Professor, Senior Consultant in Cardiac Surgery, Director of Cardiac Transplants at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the top heart doctor in Delhi.

What is Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart bypass surgery is performed when coronary arteries become clogged or damaged. The oxygenated blood is delivered to the heart by these arteries. If these arteries are blocked, or blood flow is restricted, the heart cannot work properly. This may result in heart failure.

Bypass surgery is one of the most popular kinds of open-heart surgery. Most people have great outcomes and enjoy a decade or longer of symptom-free living. One will still require a balanced diet, regular exercise, and perhaps medication to stop more blockages. However, before the procedure, one should be aware of what to expect, how to prepare, potential difficulties, and the course of the recovery.

Why Does One Need a Heart Bypass?

The symptoms of coronary artery disease are treated with bypass surgery. This occurs when plaque, a waxy substance, accumulates inside the arteries of the heart and prevents blood and oxygen from getting to it.

Heart bypass surgery may be recommended by the doctor if,

• One experiences severe chest discomfort that the doctor believes is caused by a blockage in a number of the arteries that carry blood to the heart.
• The left ventricle, which pumps the majority of the blood, isn't functioning as it should because at least one of the coronary arteries is diseased.
• The left main coronary artery, which supplies the majority of the blood to the left ventricle, is blocked.
• Other procedures one has undergone either didn't work or made the arteries narrower once more.
• One now has obstructions.

A coronary artery disease can result in heart attack. It can result in a blood clot and stop the flow of blood. The sufferer can benefit greatly from a bypass procedure.

What Happens During a Heart Bypass?

Most procedures last between three and six hours. One will be sleeping off the entire time. The doctor will place a breathing tube in the patient's mouth. It is connected to a ventilator, which will take care of breathing during and immediately after the procedure.

• The heart surgeon will cut down the chest from the centre. The patient’s rib cage will then be spread open, allowing the surgeon access to the heart.
• The patient’s heart will be momentarily stopped using medicines by the surgical team. While the heart isn't beating, a device known as a heart-lung machine will keep blood and oxygen moving through the patient's body.
• A blood vessel, known as a graft, will then be removed by the surgeon from another area of the body, such as the chest, leg, or arm. One end of it will be connected to the patient's aorta, a sizable artery that leaves the heart. The second end is then attached to an artery that is below the obstruction.
• Due to the graft, the blood now has a new pathway to the heart. The surgeon might do several bypass procedures during the same procedure if one has many blockages (double bypass, triple bypass, etc.).
• The surgeon might not need to stop the heart in some circumstances. Others merely require minor trims. These procedures are named "keyhole." They are referred to as "off-pump" procedures.
• Robotic surgical tools are used during some operations. The optimal surgery for one will be suggested by the heart surgeon after a proper examination.

Before the procedure, one should discuss these with the surgeon. One will be able to exercise more, and the chances of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. The procedure can lengthen one’s life, which is the best part. 

One can get the best heart bypass surgery done by the renowned heart surgeon Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, heart hospital in Delhi. The doctor will first thoroughly examine the patient before making the best recommendations. 

Visit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to learn more about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi. 

How To Maintain Heart Health During Winter?

 In wintertime, temperature fluctuation may have unanticipated effects on health, particularly on the heart. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to comprehend the cause and methods for protecting the heart in this weather. ‘Let’s explore why heart attacks are more prevalent in  winter and how to prevent them with the valuable information shared by the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi’, Dr. Sujay Shad practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of the best heart hospitals in India.

Are heart attacks common during  winter?

Cold causes constriction of blood vessels. As a result, the risk of stroke and heart attack may also increase. The narrowing of coronary arteries during the winter might exacerbate angina or chest pain caused by coronary heart disease.

The heart works harder to maintain a normal body temperature when it is chilly outdoors. Because winter winds cause the body to lose heat more rapidly, they may exacerbate the condition. If the body temperature dips below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia may injure the heart muscle.

Due to elevated blood pressure, the coronary arteries may constrict, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart and its muscles. The consequence may be a heart attack.

In winter season, the human body perspires more compared to summer, as a result increasing the blood volume. The increased fluid retention in the body causes higher blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack.

Cold weather influences people’s behavior. Weight gain and less physical activity are two examples. These two factors raise the probability of developing issues that could lead to a heart attack. In addition, individuals may consume more food, exacerbating the weight gain issue.

The decrease in solar exposure is an additional major effect. This decreased exposure to sunlight could lead to Vitamin D insufficiency if people spend more time indoors or if certain regions receive less sunlight. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular diseases.

How to maintain a healthy heart throughout the winter?

As with the majority of illnesses, there are preventative actions one can take to reduce the disease risk. Similarly, various corrective and preventative measures can assist in reducing the incidence of heart attacks during the winter.

Follow these steps to improve heart health:

·   Eat well during winter. Avoid fried, greasy, sugary, and cholesterol-rich foods, as they can increase the risk of getting heart disease.

·   The most important thing is to be warm. If one is prone to cold conditions, wear-in sufficient layers to keep the body warm.

·   Maintain physical activity throughout the winter, even if it seems difficult. It is not necessary to exercise outside. Yoga, dancing, light aerobics, home workouts, and meditation can all be performed indoors. Regular activity maintains fitness and keeps the body warm.

·   Avoid exceeding the bounds. If one has heart problems, one should avoid strenuous labor and take short time between jobs.

·   Abstain from excessive alcohol consumption.

·   Maintain a close watch on medical concerns such as kidney, cardiovascular, and blood pressure difficulties. These conditions raise the chance of developing cardiac issues if left untreated.

·   Quit smoking since it increases the chance of acquiring heart problems.

·   Consume hot foods in chilly weather to keep the body warm.

·   Those with heart problems should avoid sudden cold strokes by being indoors on chilly days.

·   Remember these tips if one wishes to keep a healthy heart throughout the winter and beyond.For more valuable insight on heart health and if one is experiencing any issues related to their heart, they can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgeon in Delhi.

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.

Angina Signs And Symptoms- What To Do To Save A Life

Angina is a syndrome- a set of symptoms including chest pain or discomfort which occurs due to insufficient oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscles. It is not a disease but a warning sign of having a risk of heart attack or stroke. It is usually caused by coronary artery disease- a heart disease wherein coronary arteries become narrowed, hence reducing blood flow to the heart. ‘When this happens, the heart may beat faster and harder to receive more blood, causing a noticeable pain in the chest area’ shares Dr. Sujay Shad, an expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi practising at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

 

Signs of Angina

 

The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort which usually-

 

• feels dull, tight/squeezed, or heavy and it may radiate to the jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, back, or belly
• is triggered by stress or physical exertion
• stops after some resting.

 

The chest discomfort usually starts behind one’s breastbone and some people may not be able to exactly locate the source of pain. Some people feel angina like their indigestion or gas. Due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart, a person can experience symptoms that are not felt in the chest area, called angina equivalents. These include:

 

• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or Vomiting
• A lot of sweating.

 

Types of angina

 

Angina can be of varying kinds including:

 

1.  Stable Angina (Angina Pectoris): It is a temporary feeling of pain, pressure, fullness, or squeezing sensation at the centre of the chest, lasting for only 5 minutes or less. This feeling may spread to other body parts and may feel like gas or indigestion. The symptoms may show up and disappear in predictable patterns for at least 2 months. It is usually noticed in people having strong emotions like extreme anger, anxiety, or stress; during body exertion like walking up a hill; after having a heavy meal; any time when the heart is made to work harder; in extreme weather conditions (too hot or too cold). Usually, it is the case with patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Proper rest and certain medications can alleviate it. 

  

2.  Unstable Angina: Unlike usual stable angina, the pain feels more intense or worsens, and may last for more than 20 minutes. It may go away and return and may be accompanied by shortness of breath. It can happen to anyone while resting or sleeping or during light physical activity. It is not predictable, may be a sign of a heart attack, and rest or medications may not let it fade away.  

 

3.  Microvascular Angina: It refers to severe chest pain lasting for at least 10 minutes. The patient may even experience shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating, or trouble sleeping. It occurs during physical exertions, periods of strong emotions, and normal daily routines. It is a symptom of coronary microvascular disease. Immediate relief cannot be provided by medications.

 

4.  Prinzmetal (Variant or Vasospastic) Angina: The chest pain is unbearable or the lower chest may feel like having vague pain or pressure. It may spread to the jaw, neck, or left shoulder and may go along with fainting, nausea, dizziness, or cold sweat. It happens in a recurrent pattern when one is sleeping or resting often between 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. It is the least commonly occurring angina which can be relieved by certain medications. It is a symptom of coronary spasms affecting younger people.

 

When to Seek Medical Help?

 

If a person is diagnosed with angina and experiences an attack of chest pain that disappears after a few minutes of resting, he/she must have an urgent appointment with a general physician. The doctor would be able to identify if the pain is caused by a heart problem and refer the patient for certain tests. Chest pain lasting for more than a few minutes must be taken more seriously and the patient must consider it an emergency.

 

By becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of angina, one can take immediate steps for its treatment and perhaps save a life- maybe his/her own life. If one is having unexpected or severe chest pain, it could be a possible sign of an upcoming heart attack. So act promptly, call emergency services, and get to the hospital for medical assistance from a cardiologist to avoid serious health issues.

 

How Angina Can Be Treated?

 

Angina can be probably treated with certain medications that are taken for remaining life and also proper rest. Medications may be prescribed for treating attacks, preventing future attacks, and reducing the risk of having strokes or heart attacks. Medications may not be suitable in every patient case. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to save a life. An operation of the heart to improve blood flow to the muscles may be recommended. For instance, if the patient has angina due to coronary artery disease, the cardiac surgeon may fix a blocked artery by coronary artery bypass graft surgery or coronary angioplasty and stent placement.

 

Living with angina

 

If one is diagnosed with angina, then it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle to avoid the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Hence, the patient must:

 

• Have a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Lose and maintain body weight- if overweight or obese
• Regular exercise- mild to moderate intensity ones are usually safe.

 

If one is experiencing the above mentioned symptoms and want to know more about the ways and treatments that can help one to live healthy, consult now with Dr. Sujay Shad, best cardiologist and heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He is an expert heart surgeon with experience in performing many lifesaving heart surgeries. To know more consult today!