Monday, June 19, 2023

When Does a Person Need Bypass Surgery?

 Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of heart-related complications and death. While lifestyle modifications and medications can help manage CAD, there are cases where bypass surgery becomes necessary. 

A leading heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad explains that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure that reroutes blood flow around blocked or narrowed arteries, restoring blood supply to the heart. He further elaborates on the need for getting a well-qualified surgeon to perform this kind of surgery. 


In this blog, we will explore the circumstances in which a person may require bypass surgery.

When Does A Patient Need Bypass Surgery?

  • Severe Coronary Artery Disease

The primary indication for bypass surgery is the presence of severe coronary artery disease. When the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, it can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If lifestyle changes, medications, and less invasive procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, are not effective in alleviating symptoms or improving blood flow, bypass surgery may be recommended.

  • Multiple Blocked Arteries

Bypass surgery is particularly beneficial when multiple coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed. If three or more major arteries supplying the heart are severely obstructed, bypass surgery is often the preferred treatment. By creating new pathways for blood flow using grafts, such as veins from the leg or arteries from the chest, the surgeon can bypass the blockages and improve blood supply to the heart muscle.

  • Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

The left main coronary artery is a critical artery that forms a large portion of the heart muscle. If it becomes significantly narrowed or blocked, bypass surgery may be necessary. The left main artery disease requires prompt attention, as it poses a higher risk of life-threatening events, such as heart attack or cardiac arrest. Bypass surgery can effectively restore blood flow to this vital artery and reduce the risk of complications.

  • Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments

Before considering bypass surgery, heart surgeons usually exhaust non-surgical treatment options, such as medications and lifestyle modifications. If these interventions fail to control symptoms, improve blood flow, or prevent further progression of coronary artery disease, surgery may be the next logical step. Bypass surgery can offer long-term relief and reduce the need for frequent hospital visits or invasive procedures.

  • Failed Angioplasty or Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures commonly used to treat coronary artery disease. During angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is used to widen the narrowed artery, and a stent (a tiny mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open. However, in some cases, these interventions may not achieve the desired results. If the artery re-narrows or if complications arise following angioplasty or stenting, bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow effectively.

Heart Surgery Cost?

Those who want to know the heart surgery cost in Delhi must understand that many factors affect its costs such as: 

  • The severity of the condition. 
  • Location of the facility. 
  • Doctor’s qualification. 
  • Doctor’s experience. 
  • Doctor’s expertise, etc. 

Importance of a Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery is a vital and highly effective treatment option for individuals with severe coronary artery disease. It becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments and less invasive procedures fail to provide relief or improve blood flow adequately. By creating alternative pathways for blood circulation, bypass surgery restores oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart, reducing symptoms and lowering the risk of life-threatening complications.

If you or a loved one experiences severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms associated with coronary artery disease, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A qualified heart doctor can assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include bypass surgery if necessary.

Remember, each case is unique, and decisions regarding bypass surgery are made on an individual basis after considering various factors. Trust your heart surgeon and his team to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions to safeguard your heart health. If you are looking for the top heart surgeon in Delhi, visit Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, now!

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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. 


Friday, June 2, 2023

Heart Bypass Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Procedure, And More

Heart bypass surgery is used to treat a blocked artery bypassing a blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart. The surgeon uses a healthy blood channel from another part of the body to connect to the beginning and end of the obstruction, allowing blood to flow in a different direction. This new channel allows blood to pass through the restricted area, allowing more blood to reach the heart.

Coronary artery disease is treated with heart bypass surgery. Plaque, a waxy substance inside the heart's arteries, blocks blood and oxygen from reaching it. Depending upon the complexity of the surgery the bypass surgery cost in Delhi is determined by the heart bypass surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. Sujay Shad.


Depending on how many arteries are blocked, there are four main types of heart bypass surgery:

  • Single-bypass surgery
  • Double bypass surgery
  • Triple bypass surgery
  • Quadruple bypass surgery.

 Symptoms of blocked arteries

  • Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become obstructed.
  • Numerous factors contribute to this, including genetics, lifestyle, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. As the arteries narrow and the heart loses oxygen, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack occur, in which a piece of the heart muscle dies from a lack of oxygen.
  • Angina is commonly described as chest discomfort but not constantly uncomfortable. Most patients describe it as an uncomfortable feeling or tightness in the chest, with discomfort in the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or abdomen.
  • Some people with coronary artery disease do not experience any discomfort or tightness and may even have a so-called silent heart attack. Women and diabetics are more prone to this.


Why is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery done?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed for two reasons: to ease coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms such as angina and to improve survival when there are significant or many blockages in the heart arteries. When medical treatments such as blood thinners and drugs that relax the arteries, lower the heart rate and lessen chest pain have not been able to improve symptoms of CAD, it is performed either as an emergency procedure after a heart attack or as an elective procedure.


Ideal candidates for heart bypass surgery

The build-up of a fatty material known as "plaque" can constrict or clog the coronary arteries. It is known as atherosclerosis. If a patient has many sites of atherosclerosis, the doctor may advise heart bypass surgery. If a patient has:

  • Pain in the chest that does not improve with medication
  • Unstable angina
  • Had a previous heart attack
  • Coronary artery disease: not appropriate for coronary angioplasty or stenting.


Diagnosis

The common route to surgery would generally begin when a patient seems to have chest tightness after walking up a hill that resolves when they stop walking. The doctor may arrange for a stress test in which the patient exercises on a treadmill.

At the same time, the heart is monitored using ultrasonography (echocardiography) or an ECG to look for signs of oxygen depletion (ischemia). If the stress test is positive and there are signs of oxygen starvation, the patient will be referred to a cardiologist, who will perform coronary angiography.

The angiography will assess the degree of coronary disease and whether the patient requires surgery or alternative medicinal therapy.


Before the procedure

Blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest X-rays will be conducted before surgery. Coronary angiography is an X-ray procedure that a physician may use. A special dye is used to show how blood flows through arteries.

Patients will also be informed if any dietary or lifestyle changes, as well as prescription changes, are required before surgery. Inform the doctor about any vitamins or supplements the patient is taking, even if they are natural, in case they increase the risk of bleeding. Patients must also plan for their post-surgery recovery.


During the procedure

Coronary artery bypass surgery is done either open or through an incision in the sternum.

During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel is removed from a body part such as the leg (long saphenous vein), arm (radial artery), or chest (internal thoracic artery). The heart is carefully stopped while the grafts are being generated. During this time, a heart-lung machine mimics the heart and lungs by delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and keeping the blood flowing.

If the artery graft is obtained from the leg or arm, one end is joined to the aorta, and the other end is attached to the coronary artery beyond the obstruction by fine sutures. Blood can now readily reach the heart after bypassing the blocked and constricted region.

If the internal thoracic artery is being used, the surgeon will redirect it by removing one end of it and reattaching it below the blocked section of the coronary artery.

After the surgery, the heart will be restarted, the heart-lung machine removed, and the incision repaired with absorbable sutures. The sternum bone is reconstructed with stainless steel wires that remain in place when the bone heals. They are inert, do not set off metal detectors, and are MRI-compatible after 6–8 weeks.

If one wants to know about this surgery in detail they can consult with Dr. Sujay Shad, Heart Surgery Doctor in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.


After the procedure

  • When a person wakes up, a tube will be put into their throat to assist them with breathing, and it will be uncomfortable and disturbing, but it is necessary, and within 24 hours, a doctor will usually remove the tube.
  • On average, a person will spend around a week in the hospital after surgery, and soreness and night sweats are normal, and patients can expect to cough a lot because there may be some fluid in the lungs.
  • Most patients start eating and moving around after removing the breathing tube.
  • Platelet inhibitors are routinely used as post-surgery therapy to help prevent blood clots.


Post-operative guidelines

Patients must follow a few post-operative guidelines after surgery, which include:

  • Lifting heavy objects, performing rigorous exercises, and driving should be avoided for several weeks after surgery to allow the sternum to recover.
  • To alleviate chest pain and avoid blood clots, medications may be recommended.
  • While recuperating, the doctor may advise patients to wear compression stockings around the calf muscles.
  • Patients should consult the doctor when they notice redness, swelling, irregular heartbeats, palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness.

Patients can treat or prevent the advancement of CAD with lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Consume a low-salt, low-cholesterol diet.
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Lose weight if a patient is overweight.
  • Control diabetes and high blood pressure.

For more information on heart bypass surgery in Delhi, and how this is performed. Consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. All types of heart surgeries are performed at the hospital in patients of all ages.


Friday, May 5, 2023

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. 


Tuesday, May 2, 2023

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!


Monday, April 24, 2023

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!  


Tuesday, April 4, 2023

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!

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