Cardiology

Coronary Artery Diseases:  Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) result from atherosclerosis, where fat and cholesterol build up in the coronary arteries, causing them to become narrow and limiting oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle. This can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Non-modifiable risks include age and genetics. Coronary Artery Disease symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, often accompanied by shortness of breath and fatigue. In acute cases, this leads to a heart attack.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is the most common treatment. It involves an open-heart surgery where a healthy blood vessel (graft) is taken from elsewhere in the body (leg, chest, wrist) and sewn onto the coronary artery, creating a bypass around the blockage to restore full blood flow.

Aortic Stenosis:  Aortic Stenosis is the progressive narrowing and stiffening of the aortic valve, preventing it from opening completely. This forces the left ventricle to work harder, leading to hypertrophy and eventual heart failure. Aortic Stenosis may be caused by age-related calcification. Some of the lesser common causes include a congenital defect or rheumatic fever. Some of the symptoms of Aortic Stenosis may include chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath on exertion. TAVI / TAVR Treatments are a minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is used to deliver and implant a new prosthetic valve (often tissue-based) within the diseased native aortic valve. It's often the preferred option for high and intermediate-risk patients due to quicker recovery than traditional Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR).    

Pacemaker Surgery:  Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute, preventing the heart from pumping sufficient oxygenated blood to the body. It may be caused by dysfunctions in the heart's electrical system, such as Sick Sinus Syndrome or Atrioventricular Block (electrical signal blockage between atria and ventricles). These issues frequently result from ageing, heart disease, or medication side effects. Some of the most common symptoms are dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope (fainting), and chronic fatigue. A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that is implanted under the skin (usually near the collarbone). Wires run to the heart chambers to monitor the rhythm and deliver small electrical pulses to stimulate a contraction whenever the heart beats too slowly, maintaining a safe and effective heart rate.

Paediatric Heart Surgery:  Ventricular Septal Defect is a congenital heart defect that creates a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. This allows oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to flow to the right ventricle and recirculate to the lungs. The most common causes of a ventricular septal defect include fetal heart development. Large ventricular septal defects may lead to symptoms of heart failure in infants, including rapid or difficult breathing, difficulty feeding, and failure to gain weight. The most common treatment for a ventricular septal defect is an open-heart surgery that is performed to sew a patch of material over the hole, permanently closing the defect and restoring normal blood flow. Less commonly, a catheter-based device can be used for closure.

Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI): Percutaneous coronary interventions, including angioplasty and stenting, are minimally invasive procedures used to treat blockages in the coronary arteries. In India, PCI is performed using the latest technology, such as drug-eluting stents and bioresorbable vascular scaffolds. Highly skilled interventional cardiologists utilize advanced imaging techniques and innovative strategies to ensure optimal results and faster recovery for patients.

Electrophysiological Studies and Ablation: Electrophysiological studies and ablation are performed to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. In India, skilled electrophysiologists utilize advanced mapping systems and catheter ablation techniques to precisely locate and eliminate abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. These procedures provide long-term relief for patients with rhythm disorders, restoring normal heart rhythm and reducing the need for medication.