Everything One Should Know About Heart Attack

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

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

Causes of Heart Attack

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

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

Symptoms of Heart Attack

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

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

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

Diagnosis of Heart Attack

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

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

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

Treatment of Heart Attack

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

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

Prevention of Heart Attack

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

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

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

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

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - Who Needs It?

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

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

Who needs CABG?

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

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

CABG may be recommended for people with CAD who have:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Coronary artery bypass surgery

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

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

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

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

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

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!  

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!

A Comprehensive Guide on Coronary Bypass Surgery

 Nobody is ever too old to take care of their heart. A healthy heart regulates a person's overall health as it pumps nutrition-rich blood across the body. As the main center of one's cardiovascular system, it is vitally responsible for life flowing throughout the body. However, the arteries get blocked due to various factors and demand coronary bypass surgery. 

This particular heart surgery cost in Delhi may vary from hospital to hospital and surgery to surgery. However, finding the right cardiologist for the best results is crucial. Dr. Sujay Shad is one of the most renowned heart surgeons in Delhi. He specializes in the comprehensive management of heart failure patients. Some of the necessary surgical procedures the doctor takes include HOCM, Coronary Bypass, and Aortic Surgery. One can find him in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi to know more about this life saving heart surgery. 

What is Coronary Bypass Surgery?

Coronary bypass surgery or bypass surgery is one the most common heart surgeries which must be performed by an expert and experienced cardiac surgeon such as Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India. When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, restricting blood supply to the heart, this surgery helps develop a new channel to regulate a healthy blood flow. Sometimes, this surgery is performed as an immediate treatment for a heart attack. 

There are many reasons why one may get bypass surgery. Some of the reasons may include the following: 

• When the artery supplies a lot of blood to the heart; (the left main heart artery) may have a blockage.
• When the main heart artery is blocked. 
• When a person faces severe chest pain as a result of narrowing down multiple heart arteries, the narrowing causes less blood to flow to the heart, even during rest. 
• When a person has more than one heart artery, the lower left heart chamber also doesn't function properly. 
• When the blocked heart artery cannot be fixed with a less invasive treatment called coronary angioplasty. 
• An unsuccessful angioplasty without or with a stent. For instance, after stenting, an artery narrows again.

What to Expect Before the Procedure?

• The healthcare provider will educate the patient about the medications they may have to take before the surgery and which ones should be stopped. 
• The healthcare provider will guide you in preparing for the procedure and the directions to follow post-surgery. 
• The patient will be instructed to eat and avoid specific foods. 
• The experts will also disclose what the patient can experience during the recovery, including the recovery duration, how the patient is most likely to feel, and what symptoms to look for. 

What Happens During the Surgery?

Coronary bypass surgery is a complex one that can take several hours to finish. The exact time depends on the specific surgery and how many bypasses the patient needs. Below are the typical steps followed in most of these surgeries.

• The doctors will give anesthesia to the patient and put them into a deep sleep. 
• The patient will then be incubated to help them breathe during the surgery. 
• Intravenous lines will be attached to the patient to infuse medications and other fluids into the body. 
• A small tube called a urinary catheter will be inserted into the urethra until it reaches the patient's bladder to help them when unconscious. 
• The patient will be on a heart-lung bypass machine which takes over the patient's lungs and heart and aids in pumping the blood. 

Blood Vessel Harvesting 

Coronary bypass surgery creates a bypass route for blood to reach the heart. The surgeon takes blood vessels from somewhere else in the body, such as limbs or legs, and uses them to develop the detour around the blockage. Multiple bypasses are required for multiple blockages. These are (4) quadruple, (3) triple, and (2) double.

Surgical Procedure

• The surgeon will make the incision in the center of the chest to reach the heart.
• They will split the breast bone from the middle, spreading and lifting the ribcage. 
• The harvested blood vessels will be used to craft the bypass as soon as the surgeon gets to the heart. 
• The upper end of the bypass will attach to the aorta (the large artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body). 
• The lower end will be attached to the blocked artery past the blockage. 
• As soon as the steps mentioned above are completed, the doctors will restart the patient's heart if it is stopped. 
• The surgeon will lower the rib again and wire it back. 
• The incision will be closed using stitches and staples. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation After the Surgery

• After the surgery, the patient is shifted to the ICU for the first two days because the staff there is specialized in handling such cases. 
• Once the patient is stable enough to walk to the bathroom and shows interest in eating (in the next 4-5 days), the doctor transfers them to a regular medical-surgical room for the rest of their stay. 
• The average hospital stay may be up to 12 days.
• After discharge from the hospital, the patients may complete a cardiac rehabilitation program to rebuild the patient's strength. 
• An ECG, blood test, and a CXR are necessary for the first review after a week. Most patients can initiate short walks in nearby parks and gradually increase their physical activity. 
• About a month after the surgery, Most self-employed persons who can regulate their schedules return to work by this period; employees take around two months to recover.

Risks Associated with the Surgery 

During the last 30 years, bypass surgery has already become extremely efficient and painless. Now doctors have better equipment, grafts, surgical and anesthetic techniques, risk factor control, and more efficient medications. Statistically, bypass grafts yield excellent results even after 15 years.

Most individuals, however, are still apprehensive about the complications of this surgery. Several centers across the globe would have been happy if 60-65% of bypass patients survived 40 years ago when methods were not as advanced.

Now, centers aim for nearly 100% survival post-bypass surgery. Most facilities in India have a success rate of more than 99%, while better institutions have a 99.6-99.8% survival rate. In general, this is a safe surgery.

Coronary bypass surgery is indeed significant, but it is safe and yields impressive results. It is better for multiple blockages in specific arteries and in cases where coronary angioplasty is not applicable. The best part is there is a lower risk for follow-up procedures. 

One can contact Dr. Sujay Shah at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for coronary bypass surgery. He repairs the creator's creation, which makes his work unique. Regardless of the circumstances, he must remain motivated and determined, and his single goal is to make others feel better. Approximately 70% of his work is on coronary bypass surgery. Off-Pump CABG is nearly totally used nowadays. He routinely performs double or triple/quadruple artery grafts on younger individuals under 60 with severe coronary lesions. LIMA is utilized for all patients; young patients also get a RIMA or radial graft. Therefore, achieving less than 1 unit transfusion for CABG, less than 3% IABP usage, and less than 0.5% risk of wound infection with adequate monitoring and pre and intraoperative care. Contact them for details like heart surgery costs in Delhi and other such information on heart care.  

Book a visit today!

Understanding Bypass Surgery: What to Expect

The term "cardiovascular disease" is used to define a wide range of problems that impact the anatomy and function of the heart. Coronary heart disease is a type of heart disease that happens when the heart's arteries can't get enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Under these circumstances, a coronary bypass operation is carried out. It is a surgical treatment for the management of coronary artery disease. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, the renowned heart surgeon in Delhi, will discuss the surgery's causes, procedure, and aftercare. He will also talk about bypass surgery cost in India.  

Keep reading to understand the bypass surgery procedure in detail. 

What is Bypass Surgery?

A coronary bypass surgery aims at creating a new route, or bypass, for the oxygenated blood to flow around the blocked artery to reach the heart. For this, the surgeon may take healthy blood vessels, or grafts, from the leg vein, arms, or chest artery. The surgeon attaches one end of the graft just above the blockage and the other end under the blockage. Blood travels through the new graft and around the obstruction to get to the heart muscle. 

Why is Bypass Surgery Needed?

Bypass surgery is needed to treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). When the coronary arteries, which provide blood to the heart and other parts of the body, get clogged with plaque, it results in CAD.

The deposits of cholesterol and other chemicals in the arteries make up plaque. Plaque formation over time causes the interior of the arteries to narrow, which can partially or completely obstruct the passage of blood via the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. It can affect any artery and lack of enough blood supply can increase the risk of cardiac failure.  

If the coronary arteries narrow or become obstructed to the point where one has a significant risk of having a heart attack, the doctor may advise heart bypass surgery. 

Also, if the blockage is too bad to be fixed with medicine or other methods, the doctor may recommend bypass surgery.

The doctor may advise a coronary artery bypass surgery in the following conditions: 

• When the left main artery is blocked, which carries most of the blood to the heart muscle. 
• When either of the main heart arteries is blocked partially or completely.  
• When one suffers severe angina (chest pain) due to narrowed heart arteries. 
• When one has several clogged coronary arteries, and the left ventricle is now functioning the way it should.

Who is At the Risk of CAD?  

The following conditions may increase a person’s risk of developing coronary artery disease: 

• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• Physically inactive 
• Use of tobacco or smoking 
• Family history of CAD 
• High cholesterol levels 
• Long-term kidney disease 
• Obesity 
• Stress 
• Unhealthy lifestyle and diet 
• Lack of sleep 

Preparing for Bypass Surgery  

Before the surgery

Coronary bypass surgery is a major surgery and may require many doctor visits and tests before the surgery. One may have to undergo the following tests before the procedure. 

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Angiogram

Apart from this, one week before the surgery, the patient must stop smoking and stop taking anti-inflammatory or other blood-thinning medicines. The patient will be asked to stop eating or drinking anything the night before the surgery.

During the Surgery 

The patient will be provided medicine, fluids, and an anesthetic using an IV. Once the anaesthesia kicks in, the patient will experience no discomfort as they go off to sleep.

 

• In order to begin, the surgeon makes an incision in the centre of the chest.
• When the surgeon performs heart surgery, the patient will be connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body.
• Certain treatments can be carried out without attaching the patient to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine or "off-pump."
• In order to bypass the narrowed or damaged section of the artery, the surgeon next takes a healthy blood vessel from the legs, chest, or arms. The graft is connected with one end above the obstruction and the other below.
• When the surgeon is done, the bypass is tested to ensure it works. When the bypass has begun to function, the incision will be sewn up, and bandaged. 
• After this, the patient will be observed in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Bypass surgery is a complex and major surgery, and the recovery takes time. Dr. Sujay Shad observes his patient in his hospital for at least a week. In some cases, he carries on the remaining post-surgery treatment for about a month or even two until he is sure that his patient is completely fine. 

One can visit Dr. Sujay Shad, the top heart surgeon in India,  at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for any further queries on the topic, like how much bypass surgery cost in India or any other cardiac disease. 

Bypass Surgery: Detailed Information Shared by Expert Surgeon

 The cardiovascular disorders have been increasing rapidly, taking around 17 million lives of patients every year. The most common heart problems include arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, etc. The increasing numbers result from risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, alcohol and cigarette usage, and inactivity. Various procedures are performed to manage heart problems, such as coronary angioplasty, valve replacement, heart bypass surgery, etc.

In this article, Dr. Sujay Shad, the best Heart Surgery Doctor in India, discusses coronary bypass surgery in detail. Read on to learn more.

What is Bypass Surgery?

A heart bypass surgery is a procedure that helps to improve the blood flow and supply of oxygen through the heart. During this procedure, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from a different body part and attaches it to the blocked portion by ultimately bypassing it. Diverting the blood flow with the help of coronary bypass surgery is a well-known treatment for atherosclerosis, which causes coronary artery disease. Individuals who are obese and have a high-fat diet are susceptible to such a disease. Although the open-heart technique makes this procedure invasive, keyhole and robotic surgery have been developed to lessen the invasiveness.

Who Needs a Heart Bypass Surgery? 

When a waxy substance known as plaque deposits on the arterial wall, the blood flow to the heart gets affected, which causes a heart attack. One needs bypass surgery if the arteries are narrowed or blocked and when medication and angioplasty fail. The cardiologist will ask one to undergo several diagnostic tests or procedures. Based on the test results, the cardiologist will determine how severe the heart disease is, the number of arteries blocked, and where they are narrowed. Depending on the tests, a CABG is advised.

What are the Different Types of Heart Bypass Surgery?

Depending on the blocked arteries, the surgeon will recommend the type of bypass surgery. These include: 

Single bypass: One artery is blocked

Double bypass: Two arteries are blocked

Triple bypass: Three arteries are blocked

Quadruple bypass: Four arteries are blocked

The number of blocked arteries affects the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, heart failure, or other cardiac problems. More artery blockages also raise the probability that the procedure will take longer or be more complex. To learn about the Bypass Surgery Cost in Delhi, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon, at  Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. 

 

What Happens During Heart Bypass Surgery?

• During the surgery, a breathing tube is inserted in the mouth, which gets attached to a ventilator. 
• The surgeon makes an extended cut in the middle of the chest. He will spread a rib cage open to reach the heart. 
• The surgical team uses medications to stop the heart. With the help of a heart-lung machine, blood and oxygen flow through the body while the heart stops beating. 
• The surgeon will remove a blood vessel, called a graft, from other areas of the body, such as the chest, legs, or arms. The surgeon will attach one end to the aorta, a large artery that comes out of the heart, and the other end gets connected to an artery below the blockage. The graft creates a new route for the blood to travel to the heart. 
• If one has multiple blockages, the surgeon may perform more bypass procedures during the same surgery. This includes double bypass, triple bypass, etc. 

In some cases, the surgeon may not stop the heart. These are referred to as “off-pump” procedures. Some surgeries rely on the help of robotic devices, and the surgeon will recommend the best operation for the patient.

What Happens After Heart Bypass Surgery?

The patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring the condition. One will be still breathing with the ventilator and may have after-heart bypass surgery side effects, including:

• Pain with deep breaths
• Pain when coughing
• Pain at the incision site

These are normal and will disappear in a few days. The vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be regularly monitored while one is in the ICU for one to two days. After the condition becomes stable, the patient will be shifted from the ICU to the normal room and discharged in 3 to 5 days. Before leaving, the medical team will give instructions on how to take care of themselves and the dos and don’ts to follow after the surgery.

Are there any Risks Associated with Bypass Surgery?

Every procedure carries a unique set of risks. The risks of surgery depend on factors such as the patient's lifestyle, age, the extent of the disease, the surgeon's experience, and post-operative care. Some of the risks of coronary artery bypass surgery include the following -

• Bleeding before or after the surgery
• Respiratory issues
• Blot clots that dislodge and lead to stroke or heart attacks
• Pneumonia
• Infection near the sutures
• Graft failure

How Long is the Recovery of Bypass Surgery? 

Recovery from heart bypass surgery is a slow process that can take two to three months. After surgery, it's quite normal to feel sad and uneasy. The surgeon will set up several follow-up sessions throughout the first few months to monitor the progress. However, one should visit the surgeon immediately if one feels worse or experiences any symptoms. This include:

• Increased heart rate
• Fever above 100 degrees
• Discharge or redness around the incision
• Increased chest pain

What are the Tips for Quick Recovery from Bypass Surgery? 

• Stay away from driving for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Refrain from involving in intense workouts. One can perform cardiac rehabilitation instead if recommended by the surgeon. Cardiac rehabilitation is a customised exercise program offering lifestyle education and nutrition. After completing this program, one can work on fitness.
• Perform household work when one recovers.
• Most patients can resume their work after six days. However, if the job involves physical tasks, one must ask the surgeon before continuing the work. It can take three months to resume work with full strength.
• The recovery time depends on the overall health, the activities one performs, and the number of bypass surgeries one has had.

For more information about bypass surgery, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgery doctor in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.