Heart Valve Disease: Causes and Symptoms

Heart valve disease is when one or more heart valves do not work correctly. The valves are responsible for keeping blood flow moving forward in one direction. They also prevent the backward flow of blood as it leaves each heart chamber. The four heart chambers include two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Additionally, the four valves are tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves. We get many questions on what heart valve disease is, their causes and their signs and symptoms. We have attempted to cover all this in this post. 

To provide readers with a better understanding of heart valve disease, we have drafted this blog by taking references from famous heart specialists, like Dr. Sujay Shad. He is renowned for performing the best heart valve surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. By reading the complete blog, one will fully understand the symptoms and causes of heart valve disease in detail. So, let’s begin discussing. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease? 

Heart valve disease may not show symptoms sometimes. The following are some common symptoms experienced by individuals with heart valve disease. However, every individual varies and may experience different symptoms. The signs can vary depending on the type of heart valve disease and may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in chest
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Swelling
• Migraine headache
• Low or high blood pressure depending on which valve disease is present
• Pain in the abdomen due to enlarged liver

If one is experiencing the above symptoms, it might indicate a heart valve disease. For this, individuals must seek medical attention right away. One can consult the expert heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The adept heart doctor will perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

What Causes Heart Valve Disease? 

The following are the causes of heart valve disease: 

• Changes in heart valve structure due to aging 
• Heart attack or coronary artery disease 
• Infection in heart valve 
• Birth defects 
• A sexually transmitted infection 
• An inherited connective tissue disorder which weakens the heart valve tissues
• Medicines 
• Radiation therapy aimed at the chest wall which treats lymphoma
• Having a history of rheumatic fever 

Note: One must understand that heart valve disease can occur due to two main types of problems including: 

Leakage of Valve (Regurgitation): When the valve does not complete properly, it causes the blood to flow backwards through the valve. This reduces the blood flow and leads to volume overload in the heart. 

Narrowing of the Valves: When the opening of the valves becomes narrowed, it limits the blood flow out of the ventricles or atria. This way, the heart is forced to pump blood with more force to move blood through the narrowed valve. 

How is Heart Valve Disease Treated? 

The treatments for heart valve disease include the following: 

1. Medicines: Medicines can help ease heart valve disease symptoms but are not a permanent cure. Digoxin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are all beneficial in regulating heart rate and stopping unstable cardiac rhythms. Vasodilators and diuretics are two other medications that can lower blood pressure. The medicines might not work if one has a narrowed heart valve. If the valve does not open, one might require valvuloplasty or transcatheter replacement surgery.

2. Surgery: Surgery is needed to replace or repair the damaged valve. In most situations, own tissues are used. When the heart valves are damaged severely, they must be replaced with new ones. The replaced valves include tissue (biologic) valves, animal valves, or donated human valves.

3. Transcatheter Procedure: These are minimally invasive procedures. During this procedure, the heart doctor replaces the heart valves. It is done through an artery (for the aortic valve) or a vein (for the tricuspid, pulmonary, or mitral valve).

4. Heart Valve Repair: This repair is performed for the mitral valve. A clip can be used to prevent blood from leaking through the mitral valve.

5. Balloon Valvuloplasty: During this procedure, a hollow tube known as a catheter is put in a blood vessel and the heart. A deflated balloon at the catheter's tip is placed into the heart valve. The balloon is inserted, inflated to expand the valve, and then removed. The procedure is only used for treating stenotic (narrowed) valves.

6. TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement): A new aortic valve is placed inside the previous valve to perform this procedure. This can be done using catheters, wires or balloons, which are inserted in the arteries of the groin. The process can also help replace heart valves that leak or become narrow over time.

Conclusion 

Through this blog, we hope you understand heart valve disease, its symptoms, causes and effective treatment. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous heart specialist, at the renowned hospital Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. 

He also performs a range of other heart procedures at the hospital, such as coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery, heart transplants, bypass surgery and many more. Dr. Sujay Shad is also widely recognized as the best bypass surgeon in Delhi. Consult the expert heart doctor, Dr. Sujay Shad, for more details on these procedures at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. 

Heart surgery is a procedure used to treat heart issues. One way that surgeons can access the heart is through open-heart surgery. One of the most important and life-saving surgeries done today for a variety of heart conditions is open-heart surgery. The chest wall is opened during open-heart surgery to allow the surgeon easier access to the heart. To access the heart, surgeons cut through the sternum (breastbone) and spread the ribs. This procedure effectively lowers the risk of sudden death, heart rhythm abnormalities, strokes, and heart injuries.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail open heart surgery, including when it is needed, types of open heart surgery, ways to perform it, the procedure, and the recovery process. To make this post enriching, we have gathered insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, a well known heart surgery specialist in Delhi. Let’s continue reading to learn.

When Does One Need Open Heart Surgery?

Patients with coronary artery disease, which increases the risk of a heart attack, are usually advised to have open heart surgery. But there are other circumstances as well, such as the following, in which heart surgery is necessary:

• Issues with the valves

• Complications with the heart's main artery

• Replacing a damaged heart with a donor heart.

• Hole in the heart

• Aortic surgery

Most Common Types of Open-Heart Surgery

There are various kinds of open heart surgeries, depending on the type of heart disease. A few common ones are as follows:

1. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

It is the most popular kind of heart surgery, done to give the heart alternative blood supply routes. The arms, legs, or chest are typically used to remove the healthy artery.

2. Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

The purpose of the surgery is to replace the malfunctioning valve with a metallic or biological valve or to repair it.

3. Heart Transplant

The procedure aims to treat advanced heart failure by replacing the damaged heart with a healthy one from a deceased donor.

Ways to Perform Open-heart Surgery

There are two methods for doing open cardiac surgery: 

1. On-pump: The heart and lungs are momentarily replaced by a heart-lung bypass machine that is connected to the heart. It transfers blood away from the heart and throughout the body. Then the surgeon performs surgery on a non-beating, non-circulating heart. Following surgery, the device is disconnected by the surgeon, allowing the heart to begin beating again.

2. Off-pump: Off-pump bypass surgery is performed on a heart that is still beating naturally. This method is limited to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, also known as bypass surgeries. 

Procedure of Open-Heart Surgery

Heart surgery is a complicated procedure. A surgical procedure could take up to six hours. It involve the following steps:

1. General anesthesia is administered to the patient. This guarantees that they will be pain-free and asleep during the entire procedure.

2. A cut of eight to ten inches is made in the chest by the surgeon.

3. To access the heart, the surgeon makes a full or partial incision through the patient's breastbone.

4. The patient might be hooked up to a heart-lung bypass machine once the heart is visible. To enable the surgeon to perform surgery, the device drains blood from the heart.

5. The surgeon uses a healthy vein or artery to create a new path around the clogged artery.

6. The initial incision is stitched.

7. In certain high-risk cases, such as those involving multiple surgeries or elderly patients, sternal plating may be performed. Sternal plating is the process by which tiny titanium plates are used to reassemble the breastbone following surgery.

How Long Does Recovery Take Following Open Heart Surgery?

The type of surgery, any complications, and preoperative health all affect how long it takes to recover from surgery. Following an open heart procedure, recovery can take six to twelve weeks, or even longer in some cases.

1. Incision Management

The proper care of an incision is important. Wash hands both before and after touching the area of the incision, and keep it warm and dry. One can take a shower if their incision is healing properly and there is not any drainage. Warm, not hot, water should be used for no more than ten minutes during the shower. Make sure the water does not hit the incision site directly.

2. Pain Management

In addition, pain control is important because it can speed up healing and lower the risk of sequelae like blood clots or pneumonia. One might experience pain from chest tubes, incision sites, muscles, or the throat. Most likely, the doctor will write a prescription for painkillers that one can take at home. Some medical professionals advise taking the painkiller before going to bed and before engaging in any physical activity.

3. Get Adequate Rest

Following open heart surgery, some patients have difficulty sleeping, but it is needed to get as much rest as one can. Following open heart surgery, there are some patients who do experience anxiety or sadness. Managing these effects can be aided by a therapist or psychologist.

Conclusion

Open heart surgery improves a patient's general health in addition to treating life-threatening conditions. It may take a while to recover. Apart from adhering to the doctor's recommended heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, one will also need to take antirejection medications on a daily basis. These steps might facilitate healing. If one is looking for open heart surgery, they may consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgeon performing open heart surgery in Delhi, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The expert surgeon has almost three decades of experience in performing heart surgeries. To learn more, visit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital now!

Coronary Bypass Surgery: Ideal Candidates, Procedure and Recovery

The blood vessels that provide the heart with oxygen, nutrition, and energy are called coronary arteries. A serious narrowing or blockage of these arteries may result in a heart attack or other complications. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the heart's blood supply. In these cases, coronary bypass surgery is performed.

In this blog, we will learn about coronary bypass surgery in detail, including ideal candidates, the procedure of the surgery, and the recovery period. To help readers understand it better with proper knowledge, we have gathered information from Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart doctor in Delhi. Keep reading to learn.

Understanding Coronary Bypass Surgery

When a coronary artery becomes clogged or obstructed to the point where blood flow becomes unnatural, doctors can design a bypass to restore normal blood flow. When there is complete or partial blockage of the coronary arteries, bypass surgery is done. With coronary artery bypass surgery, a blocked or partially blocked cardiac artery is bypassed by a new blood vessel. During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel from the leg or chest is removed. The blood vessels are linked beneath the clogged cardiac artery. The new pathway improves the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

Ideal Candidates for Coronary Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery opens a blocked heart artery and allows blood to flow through it again. In cases where other immediate treatments are not working, the surgery might be performed as an emergency heart attack treatment. If a person has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise coronary artery bypass surgery:

1. A blockage in the left main heart artery. The heart muscle receives a large amount of blood from this artery.
2. Severe narrowing of the main heart artery.
3. Severe pain in the chest brought on by multiple heart artery narrowing. Even when the heart is at rest or only slightly exerted, the narrowing decreases blood flow to it.
4. More than one damaged coronary artery and poor function of the left lower chamber of the heart.
5. A heart artery blockage that is unresponsive to coronary angioplasty treatment. This minimally invasive procedure enlarges the artery by using a balloon at the end of a thin tube known as a catheter. To keep the artery open, a tiny coil known as a stent is usually utilized.
6. An angioplasty with or without a stent that hasn't worked. For instance, following stenting, an artery narrowed once again.

What is the Coronary Bypass Surgery Procedure?

When a patient has multiple bypasses, complex vascular disease, or other underlying medical conditions like diabetes, heart bypass surgery is the recommended course of treatment. 

An open bypass procedure has the following stages: 

1. General Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist will put the patient to sleep with a general anesthesia to make him ready for surgery and insert a breathing tube into the patient's windpipe.
2. Graft Vessel Harvesting: The patient's leg, arm, or chest will be used by surgeons to remove the vessels that are needed for the procedure.
3. Incision and Opening: To reach the patient's heart, the surgeon will cut an incision in the middle of their chest and separate their sternum. At this point, they will momentarily stop the heart from beating.
4. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Doctors may place a person on cardiopulmonary bypass. In order to do this, the patient must be hooked up to a machine that will operate their heart and lungs. This bypass does not have to be used for every surgery.
5. Grafting: To reroute blood flow, surgeons will affix the new graft vessels to both sides of the blockages.
6. Restoring Blood Flow: If cardiopulmonary bypass is required, doctors will remove it and verify that blood is passing through the grafted vessel as intended.
7. Closure: The surgeons will use metal wires to secure the sternum and suture up the incision site after verifying that blood is flowing through the graft. The patient will be admitted to an intensive care unit in order to heal.

Usually, the process takes three to six hours. However, this can change based on the number of grafts an individual needs.

Recovery After Surgery

1. First 3-5 days

The majority of patients begin to walk to the bathroom and based on a variety of clinical factors, they may be moved to the ward or SICU. During this time, patients are gradually becoming more independent in meeting their own needs, even though nurses and doctors are always present.

2. Initial Evaluation following a Week

A CXR, an ECG, and a few blood tests are necessary for this clinic visit. Most patients are able to increase their exercise by going for short walks in the nearby parks.

3. One Month Following Surgery

It takes about two months for people in employment to regain strength; most independent workers who have control over their schedules have returned to work by this point.

Conclusion

During a coronary bypass procedure, a blood vessel from the arms, legs, or chest is cut out and used to create a bypass or detour around the blockage in the coronary artery. This enables blood to reach the heart again. Heart bypass surgery lowers the risk of death and heart attack and is a relatively safe and effective procedure. Additionally, the procedure may lessen chest pain, which is one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease. 

If one is concerned about the surgery or the bypass surgery cost in Delhi, they may consult with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The coronary bypass surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital starts at Rs. 3,55,000. Dr. Shad is one of the most well known heart doctors and has delivered many successful surgeries at very reasonable prices. To get the benefits, consult the doctor now!

What You Need To Know About Heart Surgery Aftercare?

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

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

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

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

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

How Will I Look After Myself at Home?

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

At-home heart surgery aftercare will involve the following:

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

After Surgery, How Will My Heart Condition Be Monitored?

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Common Heart Conditions Treated by Heart Doctor

Heart doctors, also known as cardiologists, are medical professionals who can prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of problems related to the heart and the blood vessels. Learning about the most commonly occurring heart conditions taken care of by a heart doctor can help us understand the importance of keeping our heart in good health and how to avoid developing any heart condition.  

Heart doctors often see patients who present symptoms indicating a cardiac issue. Some of these symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythms, sudden intense chest pain, and high blood pressure. This blog provides information on common heart conditions that heart doctors treat.

The article contains information and insights shared by Dr. Sujay Shad, a top heart surgeon in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Heart Conditions Commonly Addressed By Heart Doctors/Cardiologists

 

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is not a disease in itself but it is a heart condition that when left untreated can increase one’s risk of developing serious heart conditions including heart stroke, heart attack, and coronary heart disease. Serious heart conditions happen because of some degree of damage caused to blood vessels over time.

When blood vessels get damaged, they become weak and can cause aneurysm to form. An aneurysm can burst and cause death. Hypertension also makes the heart work harder which further causes heart muscles to become thicker and the blood pumping process to be more difficult.

A heart doctor prescribes blood pressure-lowering medications and suggests some lifestyle modifications to treat moderate to severe hypertension.

 

2. Elevated cholesterol/ Atherosclerosis

Blood contains good and bad cholesterol- a wax-like substance. If there is an excess of bad cholesterol in the blood, it can lead to a build-up of plaque along the wall of the arteries. Over time this can result in a condition called atherosclerosis which is characterised by restricted blood flow in the arteries. This is the common cause of a heart attack.

A heart doctor orders tests to see if there is any blockage in the heart and along with other medical specialists plans out the treatment. If there is a mild elevation in bad cholesterol, a heart doctor may prescribe drugs to lower cholesterol. In severe cases, if there is a blockage, a heart doctor performs cardiac surgery or other procedures. This includes angioplasty and stent placement, endarterectomy, fibrinolytic therapy, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

 

3. Heart rhythm problems

There is an electrical system within the heart muscles that helps stimulate the heartbeat. If the electrical signals coordinating the heartbeat get interrupted or disrupted, heart beating rhythms get abnormal. The heart can beat too quickly (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), and/or irregularly (arrhythmia).

If heart rhythm problems are causing significant symptoms or increasing the chance of experiencing serious heart problems, a heart doctor needs to be consulted. A heart doctor can treat such problems with medications, and therapies like cardioversion, vagal maneuvers, catheter procedures; or heart surgery.

 

4. Angina

Angina is pain or discomfort felt in the chest and radiating to the jaw, neck, stomach, or arms. It occurs because of the narrowing of the blood arteries causing restricted blood flow to the heart. It is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease. Some people have stable angina as they know how much physical activity can lead to an angina attack. Unstable angina is an undiagnosed pain in the chest or sudden aggravation of existing angina. It is a serious condition that calls for immediate medical attention by a heart doctor.

A heart doctor can treat angina by prescribing antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots from forming and angioplasty with stenting to improve blood supply to the heart.

 

5. Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a common cardiovascular condition caused when the coronary arteries become narrow or obstructed and cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It can result in angina and/or heart attack. A heart doctor can treat coronary artery disease by some medications or by performing heart surgeries like coronary angioplasty and stent placement and coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

 

6. Valve disease

Hearts have valves that function to regulate the flow of blood through the heart in the forward direction. If there are problems in valve functioning, the blood plumping will get hard and there will be strain on the heart muscles. There are three kinds of heart valve diseases: regurgitation, stenosis, and atresia. A heart doctor can help treat valve diseases with some medications or through heart valve repair/replacement surgery.

 

7. Heart attack (Myocardial infarction)

A heart attack happens because of a complete stoppage of the blood supply to a part of the heart muscles. Commonly, this is the result of breaking off a portion of a fatty material or a blood clot formation in the coronary artery. A heart doctor can help urgently fix the blood and restore normal oxygen levels within the body. A heart surgery or procedure is performed by a heart doctor to open the blocked artery. Some prescription medications can even help.

 

8. Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden stoppage of the beating of the heart because of the complete loss of electrical activity of the heart. Without prompt treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal. In such a case, a heart doctor can provide emergency treatments like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart using a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED). A heart surgery can also be performed to place a pacemaker device or to remove a blockage in heart arteries.

 

9. Heart failure

When the heart is not pumping normally and the heart muscles are not able to meet the body’s demand for blood and oxygen, it’s called the failure of the heart. Depending upon its cause, a heart doctor can treat heart failure. The treatment options include a combination of prescription medications and surgeries or other procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement surgery, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy, ventricular assist device, and heart transplantation (in case of severe heart failure). For further details on heart failure treatments and their management, you can contact Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi.

 

10. Congenital heart conditions

Congenital heart conditions are an outcome of defects in the heart structure present at birth. Some of the heart defects are life-threatening. A heart doctor can treat congenital heart defects depending on their type and severity. The treatment options include cardiac catheterization or surgeries to repair heart and blood vessels.

If you're encountering the symptoms described above and want to seek further information on methods and therapies to promote a healthy heart, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned cardiologist and heart surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Dr. Shad is a highly skilled heart surgeon who has successfully conducted numerous life-saving heart surgeries. Don't hesitate, reach out for a consultation today to learn more!

Can One Live A Long Life After Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart Bypass Surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon creates a bypass around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, allowing increased blood flow to the open grafts beyond the blockage to supply blood to the heart muscles. If other immediate treatments fail, the surgery may be performed as an emergency treatment for a heart attack. 

Individuals who undergo this surgery or those who are recommended to get it have numerous questions on their minds. One such common question is: what would be the life expectancy after a heart bypass surgery?

This blog is being drafted to answer this question and explain the factors that would determine the life expectancy after this surgery. The information is being gathered from the insights of the expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad, to make this a valuable guide for the readers. The post will also include why getting this surgery is essential in the first place and in what situations the doctor advises the surgical procedure. Let’s begin by learning the importance of getting heart bypass surgery. 

Why is Heart Bypass Surgery Essential?

The heart has three major coronary arteries. Over time, fatty deposits can form on the inside of these arteries, resulting in Coronary Heart Disease and decreased blood flow to the heart. When this occurs, one may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack.

The number of blocked coronary arteries determines whether the patient has single-, dual-, or triple-artery disease. Heart bypass surgery is used to relieve the symptoms of coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

When Would Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Advice?

If one has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise one to have coronary artery bypass surgery:

• A blockage in the left main coronary artery. This artery carries a lot of blood to the heart muscle.
• The main heart artery is severely constricted.
• Severe chest pain is caused by the narrowing of several heart arteries. The narrowing reduces blood flow to the heart even during light exercise or rest.
• More than one diseased heart artery and the lower left heart chamber aren't working correctly.
• A heart artery blockage that cannot be treated with coronary angioplasty. A balloon attached to the tip of a thin tube called a catheter is used to widen the artery. A small coil known as a stent is typically used to keep the artery open.
• An unsuccessful angioplasty with or without a stent. An artery, for example, narrowed again after stenting.

How Long Will One Live Following Bypass Surgery?

While the answer will differ for each individual, there is good news in general: patients who have CABG or heart bypass surgery can and often do live long, healthy lives afterward.

Those who successfully complete a heart bypass and survive the first month of recovery have a survival rate comparable to the general population. And they're doing it with significantly improved heart function!

However, listening to the cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and other medical providers is key to living a healthy life. One has worked hard to repair the heart; now it's time to keep it in top condition.

What are the Results of Heart Bypass Surgery?

Most people feel better after recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. Some people have been symptom-free for years. However, the graft or other arteries may clog in the future. If this occurs, one may require another surgery or procedure.

The long-term outcome is determined by how well one controls blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is critical to take the medications exactly as prescribed.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes To Keep The Heart Healthy?

Making lifestyle changes can help one manage and even improve heart health. Try the following steps:

• One should not smoke. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk of heart disease and its complications.
• Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consume less sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
• Control the weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease. One should enquire with the doctor about what constitutes a healthy weight for them.
• Exercise. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for heart disease that can be managed with regular exercise. With the doctor's permission, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. The doctor will guide when it is safe to resume exercising after surgery.
• Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Adults should sleep for 7 to 9 hours per day.

Conclusion

Although most people recover well from heart bypass surgery, it is important to remember that the procedure does not treat the underlying coronary heart disease. As a result, it is critical to take care of the heart by adhering to lifestyle recommendations suggested by the doctor. 

In most cases, heart bypass surgery can save a person's life. However, one should have this surgery only after consulting with an experienced heart surgeon. The surgeon will guide one the best about the surgery. One can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, home to the best heart surgeon. Make an appointment if one wants to learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi or have any concerns about the procedure.

The  doctor and insurance experts at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, can help you get details on this surgery cost and if this is covered in insurance. Contact for more details!

What is Worse Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

There is a widespread misconception that heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest are similar, if not the same, conditions. However, because both are medical emergencies involving heart health, distinguishing between them is important. A blood clot typically blocks the heart's blood supply during a heart attack, whereas an electrical failure causes the heart to stop beating completely during a sudden cardiac arrest. 

From this, one can easily understand that cardiac arrest is more severe, as it can lead to death within minutes if proper care is not provided.

Furthermore, this blog is being made to dispel the myth that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are the same thing, as well as to inform readers on which is more fatal. This essay was written using critical information taken from the insights of Dr. Sujay Shad, a prominent heart doctor in Delhi practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. We will determine which of these two conditions is more dangerous. Furthermore, we will go over these conditions, their symptoms, and the reasons for them. Let’s now go right into the details.

Heart Attack: It’s Causes & Symptoms

A heart attack ensues when the flow of blood to the heart from one or more coronary arteries is diminished or blocked. 

Causes: The obstruction is mainly caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries leading to the heart (coronary). Plaques are fatty, cholesterol-containing formations.

Symptoms: Some signs of a heart attack are more common than others. However, most people associate a heart attack with chest pain. However, it's important to remember that not every heart attack presents "classically." In some individuals, particularly women and people assigned female at birth, diabetics and the elderly may also develop "atypical" symptoms with their heart attack. It includes symptoms such as abdominal or back pain or even no symptoms at all.

Among the Symptoms are:

• Angina (a type of chest pain)
• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Indigestion or nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Cardiac Arrest: It’s Causes & Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which the heart stops beating. The heart is no longer pumping blood. This puts the organs and the entire body at risk of death within minutes. They must be supplied with oxygen at all times. The oxygen is delivered via blood.

Causes: The majority of abrupt cardiac arrests are caused by abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation is the most frequent life-threatening arrhythmia. This is characterized by unpredictable, disorganized impulse firing from the heart's ventricles (bottom chambers). When this occurs, the heart becomes unable to pump blood. One could die in minutes if one does not receive treatment.

Other causes of cardiac arrest include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart problems that are present from birth
• Changes in the structure of the heart are caused by disease or infection
• Excessive physical exertion or blood loss.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest may include:

• Fainting
• Chest discomfort
• Breathing difficulty
• Vomiting and nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Difference B/w Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack can be fatal. Plaque usually clogs the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The heart's muscle tissue can begin to die if it is deprived of oxygen and nourishment. The goal is to get blood flowing back to the heart as soon as possible; otherwise, a heart attack can cause irreversible damage and even death. 

In contrast, the heart begins racing in a confused, disorganized manner after cardiac arrest. Almost immediately, blood ceases to circulate. One falls unconscious, ceases breathing, and has no pulse. The brain begins to die from a lack of oxygen and blood flow unless the heartbeat is restored as soon as possible. According to Cleveland Clinic research, less than 10% of persons who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest survive. 

What is Worse, Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest

The information provided above makes it clear that cardiac arrests are more life threatening than heart attacks. Heart attacks do not cause the heart to cease fully beating, as it does during a cardiac arrest. Furthermore, a cardiac arrest necessitates prompt medical attention. Because a lack of timely medical assistance might result in death within minutes, a heart attack still has a possibility of survival. 

In addition, the treatment for heart attack includes medications and surgical procedures such as Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and Coronary angioplasty and stenting. Some doctors also suggest cardiac rehabilitation. However, the treatments for cardiac arrest involve Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Coronary angioplasty, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Radiofrequency catheter ablation, and Corrective heart surgery. 

Note: The expert heart surgeon determines the best treatment options after a thorough examination of the patient’s condition. 

Conclusion

Both a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are serious heart disorders. If one is experiencing any difficulties that reflect indications of either of the two diseases, one should seek immediate medical attention.

In such instances, one can seek the advice of Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart surgeon and transplant specialist. The skilled surgeon is a pioneer in the field of heart surgery. He provides superior care to his patients based on his extensive experience spanning more than three decades. He is well-known for doing successful procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery, heart valve surgery, septal myectomy for HOCM, and many more. One can visit the surgeon to learn more about these surgeries and their expenses, such as the bypass surgery cost in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.