Vasculitis
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What is Vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a medical condition that affects the blood vessels in the body, leading to inflammation and damage to these vital structures. The blood vessels affected by vasculitis can range from small capillaries to larger arteries, depending on the type of vasculitis. This damage to the blood vessels can cause a range of symptoms and health problems, including impaired blood flow, organ damage, and increased risk of infections and bleeding.

Types of Vasculitis

There are several different types of vasculitis, each with its own unique causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Some of the most common types of vasculitis include giant cell arteritis, Takayasu’s arteritis, and Wegener’s granulomatosis. These diseases can affect people of all ages, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to certain medications or chemicals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vasculitis can vary widely, depending on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the location of the affected blood vessels. Some common symptoms of vasculitis include fever, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, skin rashes, and sores that do not heal. In severe cases, vasculitis can also cause organ damage, such as kidney failure, heart attack, or stroke.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing vasculitis can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions. The process usually involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for vasculitis depends on the type and severity of the disease, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. In many cases, treatment involves a combination of medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the blood vessels. These medications can be taken orally or intravenously, and may need to be taken for an extended period of time.

In severe cases of vasculitis, treatment may also involve other interventions, such as stents, surgery or radiation therapy. For example, if the vasculitis is causing a blockage in a major blood vessel, such as the aorta, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage and restore normal blood flow.

Living with vasculitis

Living with vasculitis can be challenging, but with proper treatment and care, many people are able to manage their symptoms and lead healthy lives. It is important to consult a specialist and monitor your symptoms and medical condition regularly. This may include regular blood tests, imaging studies, and physical exams, as well as lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Conclusion

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases characterized by inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in the body. The symptoms and treatment options can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the disease, but with proper care and management, many people are able to live active, healthy lives.

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Different Types of Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body, and its proper functioning is essential for good health. However, various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and other health conditions can contribute to the development of heart disease. In this blog we will discuss different types of heart diseases and how they affect the heart and blood vessels.

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, causing a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle especially when demand is high on exertion. This can lead to chest pain, angina, and heart attack. The primary cause of CAD is the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is a mixture of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that can clog the arteries and make it difficult for blood to flow. The risk factors for CAD include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.

  • Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when a blood clot or plaque ruptures in a coronary artery, blocking blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle. This can cause damage or death to the heart muscle, which can lead to serious health problems, including heart failure. The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and light headedness. Quick treatment with medications and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery can help prevent further damage to the heart and reduce the risk of heart failure.

  • Heart Failure

During heart failure the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s requirements. This can occur due to damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, heart valve dysfunction, myopathy, certain infections, high blood pressure, or other health conditions. Heart failure can cause a number of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Treatment for heart failure includes medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery to implant a pacemaker or defibrillator, ventricular assist devices and heart transplant.

  • Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can occur due to a variety of factors, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stress. The symptoms of arrhythmia include palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Treatment for arrhythmia may include medications, lifestyle changes, and procedures such as ablation or implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator.

  • Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease is a condition that occurs when the valves in the heart that regulate blood flow become damaged or diseased. The most common types of valvular heart disease include aortic stenosis, in which the aortic valve becomes narrow, aortic regurgitation in which the valve leaks and mitral stenosis in which mitral valve becomes narrow and mitral regurgitation, in which the mitral valve leaks. The symptoms of valvular heart disease can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery to repair or replace the affected valve. In selected cases percutaneous valve replacement and repair is also possible nowadays.

  • Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is a condition that is present at birth and affects the structure of the heart. This type of heart disease can be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors during pregnancy. The symptoms of congenital heart disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart murmur. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery to repair or replace the affected heart structures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, heart disease is a complex and often life-threatening condition that can take many forms. Understanding the different types of heart disease, their symptoms, and their causes, is an important step towards reducing the risk factors and improving the chances of maintaining good health. With timely treatment the patients can look forward to almost normal life in most cases.

aortic stenosis murmur
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What is an Aortic Stenosis Murmur?

Aortic stenosis murmur is a heart condition characterized by a narrowed opening in the aortic valve, which is the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing can cause a restriction in blood flow, leading to a number of symptoms and complications.

Symptoms of Aortic Stenosis Murmur

The most common symptom of aortic stenosis murmur is a heart murmur, which is a whooshing or whistling sound that can be heard through a stethoscope. This sound is caused by turbulent blood flow through the narrowed valve. Other symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting. In severe cases, aortic stenosis murmur can lead to heart failure, stroke, or even death.

Causes

There are several causes of aortic stenosis murmur. One of the most common causes is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. This plaque can harden and narrow the aortic valve, making it difficult for blood to flow through. Other causes of aortic stenosis murmur include congenital heart defects, rheumatic fever, and aortic valve calcification.

Aortic stenosis murmur is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and listening for the heart murmur. Your healthcare provider may also use other diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart and its valves, or a cardiac catheterization, which involves threading a thin tube through an artery to the heart to measure pressure and blood flow.

Treatment

Treatment for aortic stenosis murmur depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary and simply monitoring the condition may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, treatment may be required to prevent complications and improve symptoms.

The most common treatment for aortic stenosis murmur is aortic valve replacement, which involves surgically removing the narrowed valve and replacing it with a new one. This can be done using either an artificial valve or a valve from a donor. Aortic valve replacement can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Another treatment option is aortic valve repair, which involves repairing the narrowed valve rather than replacing it. This can be done using techniques such as balloon valvuloplasty, which uses a balloon catheter to widen the valve, or valvulotomy, which involves cutting open the valve to widen it. Aortic valve repair can also significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

In some cases, a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be used to replace the aortic valve. This procedure is less invasive than open heart surgery, and is done by threading a catheter through a blood vessel to the heart, and then deploying a new valve to replace the narrowed one.

In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes can also help to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. This can include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It is important to note that aortic stenosis murmur is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you have symptoms of aortic stenosis murmur or are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to speak with your doctor about your options for diagnosis and treatment.

Coronary Microvascular Disease
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Coronary Microvascular Disease (CMD)

Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is a condition that affects the small blood vessels in the heart. It is a common cause of chest pain and can also lead to heart failure. While CMD is often overlooked, it is a serious condition that can have significant consequences for people who have it.

How is CMD Caused?

CMD is caused by a blockage or damage to the small blood vessels in the heart, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. It can also lead to heart failure, in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

CMD is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions such as angina or heart attack. In addition, traditional tests such as angiography may not be able to detect the blockages or damage in the small blood vessels. As a result, CMD may be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for some time.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for CMD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. It is also more common in women and people with a family history of heart disease. These risk factors can damage the small blood vessels in the heart and lead to CMD.

Treatment of CMD

The good news is that CMD is a treatable condition. The first step in treatment is to manage any underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. This may involve lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medications may be necessary to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve blood flow to the heart.

In addition to managing risk factors, it is important to address any symptoms of CMD. This may involve the use of medications to manage chest pain and improve blood flow to the heart. In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may be necessary to open blocked blood vessels.

It is important to regularly consult with the specialist who can develop a treatment plan to manage CMD. This may include regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and medication management. By taking steps to manage CMD, patients can reduce their risk of heart failure and other serious complications.

Conclusion

CMD is a serious condition that affects the small blood vessels in the heart. It can cause chest pain and lead to heart failure if left untreated. Risk factors for CMD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes and medications, and in some cases, procedures to open blocked blood vessels.

Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
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What is Pulmonary Valve Stenosis?

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a medical condition in which the pulmonary valve, which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs, becomes narrowed or obstructed. This can lead to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, causing a range of symptoms and potentially serious health complications if left untreated.

Causes of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

There are several potential causes of pulmonary valve stenosis. One common cause is congenital heart defects, which are present at birth and may be inherited or caused by environmental factors during pregnancy. Rheumatic fever, a condition that can develop as a complication of strep throat, can also lead to pulmonary valve stenosis. In rare cases, the valve may become narrowed or obstructed due to scarring or inflammation. In some cases, the cause of the stenosis is unknown.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, individuals may not experience any symptoms or may only have mild shortness of breath during physical activity. More severe cases may cause significant difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and fainting. In severe cases, the condition can also cause heart palpitations, swelling in the legs and ankles, and a bluish tint to the skin due to low oxygen levels.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis typically begins with a physical exam and a review of the individual’s medical history. The doctor may also order several tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. These tests may include an echocardiogram, a chest X-ray, and an electrocardiogram.

There are several treatment options available for pulmonary valve stenosis, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. In mild cases, treatment may include medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. These may include diuretics to reduce fluid build-up in the body and beta blockers to reduce the heart’s workload.

For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the valve. Repair surgery involves making changes to the existing valve to improve its function, while valve replacement surgery involves replacing the faulty valve with a new one. There are several different types of valves that can be used in replacement surgery, including mechanical valves, which are made of man-made materials, and biological valves, which are made from animal tissue.

In some cases, a procedure called balloon valvuloplasty may be used to widen the narrowed valve. This procedure involves inserting a balloon catheter into the narrowed valve and inflating the balloon to widen the opening.

It is important for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis to work closely with their doctors to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. This may include regular check-ups and monitoring of symptoms, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet, and taking prescribed medications as directed.

Conclusion

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. With proper treatment and management, however, it is possible to live a full and active life. It is important for individuals with the condition to stay in close communication with their doctors and follow their treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes.

How can Work Stress Hurt your Heart – and How to Prevent?
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How can Work Stress Hurt your Heart – and How to Prevent?

Stress is considered to be a normal part of life. Stress under manageable limits increases alertness and performance. However, uncontrolled stress can lead to many health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease.

Common symptoms of stress include anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, upset stomach, chest pain, etc.

Signs of Work Stress

Working professionals have been experiencing increasing stress in recent times. This is due to the hectic nature of the jobs, long work hours, heavy workload, strict deadlines, job insecurity and other reasons.

Stress related problems in offices have led to many issues like arguments with co-workers, mood swings, loss of motivation and confidence, decreased performance, regular absence due to sickness, high attrition and so on.

Hence, it is very important for employers to assess the impact of work related stress and take appropriate action to protect the employees.

Effect of stress on the heart

In a stressful situation the human body releases a hormone called adrenaline that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. Chronic stress can cause conditions like inflammation, high blood pressure, and low HDL or good cholesterol, which can all impact the heart and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Negative mental health conditions like stress, anxiety and depression can lead to harmful responses from the body such as irregular heart rate and rhythm, reduced blood flow to the heart, etc.

It has been observed that people with positive mental health are at lower risk of developing heart disease as they have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and better glucose control.

Managing Work Stress

Stress can be managed by adopting regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep. It is also helpful to practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing, spending time with family and friends, developing hobbies, etc. to keep stress under control.

Employees suffering from work related stress also need to make some changes in their work environment to reduce their stress levels. It is recommended to organise official tasks in order of priority and take up the difficult tasks in the morning hours when the employee is fresh and active.

Advice and help can be taken from co-workers on how to handle any difficult tasks. Work should not be taken up after office hours preferably and the time should be utilised for relaxation and spending on personal activities.

Any health concerns should be brought to the notice of the human resources department in the organisation, so that they can be addressed immediately. If the symptoms of stress continue to persist over a period of time, it is essential to consult a physician or psychologist and seek their advice.

Role of family; meditation;friend; office sessions from company.

Acute Coronary Syndrome
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What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to conditions where the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked or severely reduced. It is a life threatening condition affecting millions of people every year and requires prompt diagnosis and care. Unstable angina and heart attack both are types of ACS.

Causes

The build-up of plaque in the arteries can block the blood flow to the heart. Plaque is a fatty substance made up of cholesterol, fat and other substances.

Gradual build-up of plaque can cause an artery to become very narrow and later completely blocked. The plaque can rupture suddenly leading to the formation of a blood clot that narrows or blocks the artery.

Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms of ACS include:

  • Chest pain or severe discomfort
  • Pain spreading from the chest to other parts of the body
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden, heavy sweating
  • Nausea
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s age, sex and other medical conditions.

Risk factors

Certain risk factors increase the probability of developing ACS. People over the age of 45, those who are obese, and those who smoke are at risk.

Similarly, other conditions like high blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and family history of heart disease also cause a risk of ACS.

Types of ACS

ACS includes three types of coronary artery disease that can damage heart tissue. These are:

  • Unstable angina: It comprises sudden and unexpected chest pain and is a warning sign of a heart attack.
  • NSTEMI: A Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a heart attack in which the coronary arteries aren’t fully blocked.
  • STEMI: An ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a severe heart attack that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is fully blocked.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are a number of tests that doctors may recommend to diagnose ACS including:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) – It measures the heart’s electrical activity.
  • Blood test – Blood tests such as troponin blood test can detect the cause of chest pain and the risk of a heart attack.
  • Echocardiogram – This test uses sound waves to detect if heart has been damaged or has any other problems.

Treatment for ACS may comprise medicines, surgery, or other procedures to treat the symptoms and restore blood flow to the heart. Doctors may prescribe different medicines such as aspirin, beta blockers, blood thinners, clot dissolving drugs, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or nitroglycerin based on the patient’s condition.

Angioplasty procedure is performed to open a clogged artery using a long, thin tube known as catheter. Bypass surgery is performed to route the blood around the blocked artery.

Prevention

According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra, the risk of ACS can be reduced to a great extent by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

This includes consuming a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits while limiting foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats. It is also important to maintain optimum weight by exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and tobacco in any form as it can damage the heart.

It is also advised to get regular preventive health screenings done and manage health conditions such as cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes under control.

Breast Cancer
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An Overview of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women. It occurs mostly in women, though men can also get breast cancer (less than 1% of cases). With growing awareness and advancement in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer survival rates have increased and deaths due to the disease have decreased steadily.

Breast cancer can occur at any age, though it is mostly diagnosed in patients over the age of 50.

Spread of breast cancer

Breast cancer can start in one or both breasts when the cells begin to grow out of control. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells, forming a lump or mass. Most breast lumps are benign and not malignant (cancerous). However, it is very important to get any breast lump checked by a specialist.

Cells may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Different people may exhibit different symptoms of breast cancer. Some signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

  • New lump in the breast or underarm
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Irritation or dimpling of the skin over the breast
  • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area
  • Fluid discharge from the nipple
  • Pain in any area of the breast

A few people may not show any symptoms at all though they are affected by breast cancer.

Causes

Breast cancer generally begins with the cells in the milk-producing ducts. It may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules or in other cells within the breast.

According to medical research, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors can all increase the risk of breast cancer. As a woman’s age increases, the risk of breast cancer also rises.

Family history and genetics also have a role in determining the risk of the disease. Around 5% to 10% of the cases are due to single abnormal genes. These can be detected by genetic testing.

Other causes of breast cancer include smoking and drinking alcohol. In addition, patients with prior radiation therapy or hormone replacement therapy are at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Diagnosis of breast cancer

There are several tests that may be recommended by the doctor to check for breast abnormalities. These tests can include:

  • Mammogram: Mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that helps doctors in detecting early signs of breast cancer.
  • Ultrasonography: It helps in diagnosing breast lumps or abnormalities by using sound waves to take pictures of the tissues inside the breast.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI produces detailed images of the interna structure of the breast using magnets and radio waves.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning: During a PET scan, a special dye is injected into the veins, after which the image of the affected areas is taken by the scanner.

Treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be treated using a number of treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy. Doctors may recommend one or more of these options based on factors like location and size of the tumour, spread of cancer to the other parts of the body, results of the lab tests, etc.

Surgery involves removing the cancerous portion of the patient’s breast and an area of normal tissue surrounding the tumour. It can be of different types such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, etc.

Chemotherapy may be recommended before a lumpectomy to shrink the tumour and sometimes after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Hormone therapy is mostly used after surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, though it may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumour or to treat the cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Immunotherapy helps the patient’s immune system to target and attack breast cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is usually given after a lumpectomy or mastectomy to kill remaining cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy may be recommended by doctors in cases where breast cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Impact of breast cancer on heart health

Breast cancer and heart disease can sometimes overlap in patients, and occurrence of one condition can lead to the development or recurrence of the other.

In some patients the radiation therapy for breast cancer may lead to issues such as blocked arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, etc. Similarly chemotherapy can sometimes weaken the heart and cause blood clots and other issues.

Medical research has also found that survivors of breast cancer, who are subsequently affected by cardiovascular disease, have an increased probability of cancer recurrence.

According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra, a few risk factors are common for both heart disease and breast cancer, and a heart-healthy lifestyle including proper diet and exercise must be adopted by women to minimise the chances of developing either disease.

Conclusion

Though breast cancer cannot be prevented totally, women can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of discovering it at an advanced stage.

All women over the age of 40 should get a mammogram screening done yearly. Doctors should be consulted with immediately whenever the women find any abnormality or changes in their breasts. Clinical breast exams can detect lumps that mammograms may not find.

Women with early-stage breast cancer can manage their condition successfully with treatment and live long, happy lives.

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What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary heart disease is a common type of heart disease that occurs when the arteries become hardened and narrowed. This is caused due to the cholesterol and calcium deposit or plaque in the arteries.

Coronary artery disease begins due to a condition called atherosclerosis which occurs when cholesterol and calcium collects on the inner walls of the arteries. This build-up is known as plaque which can block blood flow due to the narrowing of the arteries. If the plaque bursts it can lead to a blood clot.

Symptoms of CAD

A patient having coronary artery disease can have chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea and due to the reduced blood flow to the heart. Chest discomfort or angina is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, heaviness, aching, squeezing, etc.

Complete blockage of blood flow can also lead to heart attack.

Risk Factors

In addition to high cholesterol, other causes of damage to coronary arteries include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, etc.

Obesity, stress, unhealthy diet, irregular sleep and alcohol usage are other risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Diagnosis of CAD

The doctor reviews the patient’s symptoms, risk factors and medical history before performing a physical examination. Diagnostic tests include:

  • Electrocardiograph test: This test can detect heart attack and heart rhythm issues by recording the heart’s electrical activity.
  • Exercise stress test: This is a treadmill test that can help suspect  coronary blockages
  • Pharmacologic stress test: This test can also help detect coronary blockages through medication given to increase heart rate. This is done in patients who cannot walk on treadmill.
  • Coronary calcium scan: This can identify the amount of calcium on the walls of the coronary arteries which can give an indication of atherosclerosis.
  • Echocardiogram: This test utilizes sound waves to measure the overall functioning of the heart.
  • Blood tests: These tests are done for factors affecting arteries like cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein, glucose, etc.
  • Cardiac catheterization: In this test small tubes are inserted into the blood vessels to detect the presence of coronary artery disease and also evaluate the heart function.

Prevention of CAD

According to Dr. Ramji Mehrotra who is one of India’s leading cardiologist, coronary artery disease can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle to improve heart health. These include stopping smoking and limiting alcohol use, consuming a heart-healthy diet, exercising and increasing activity levels, etc.

Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol should be controlled. Stress management is also essential to prevent coronary artery disease.

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Life after Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery disease occurs due to the hardening of arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. Bypass surgery is performed to restore normal blood flow to the obstructed coronary artery.

Bypass surgery helps the patients by improving the quality of life and decreasing angina and other CAD symptoms. It improves the pumping action of the heart and lowers the risk of a heart attack. Additionally it enables patients to resume a more active lifestyle.

According to Dr. Ramji Mehrotra, who is one of the Best Cardiac Surgeon in India, patients generally exhibit excellent results after bypass surgery. 85% of people have significantly reduced symptoms, with lesser risk of heart attacks in future, and a lesser chance of dying even beyond 10 years.

Recuperating after bypass surgery

Dr. Mehrotra says that patients should definitely follow the doctor’s advice regarding diet, activity and lifestyle changes, to be adopted after surgery and during recovery. They should take medication as per directions and notify the doctor immediately of any concerns like fever, pain, bleeding or problems at the incision site.

It is essential to follow the guidelines below while recovering after the bypass surgery.

Healthy diet – The patient should consume a healthy diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated and trans-fats. This can stop the build-up of plaque on artery walls.

Medications – Doctors prescribe the medications for promoting comfortable healing from the surgery and reducing the risk of future heart attacks. The medications generally prescribed include:

  • medicines to reduce cholesterol,
  • aspirin and antiplatelets to prevent blood clots,
  • ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers to regulate blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac remodelling.

Physical Activity – Physical activity should be gradually resumed by the patient and the advice of the physiotherapist may help gradual increase in exercise tolerance. For the first six weeks after surgery, the patient should not lift anything that is over 5 kg as the sternum (chest bone) will need time to heal. Walking is a good option for gradually increasing the activity level.

Cardiac Rehabilitation – Through Cardiac rehabilitation or rehab the patient can take up exercise under the supervision of a medical professional. It also involves psychological counselling, nutritional counselling, etc.

Diabetes Management – Patients with diabetes need to carefully manage their recovery in coordination with their doctors as diabetes contributes to cardiovascular disease.

Stress Management – Chronic stress is a risk factor leading to heart disease and hence must be managed carefully with a healthy lifestyle.

Improvement in Life – Improvement in quality of life after bypass gives the patient positive reinforcement towards life and patients are more receptive towards life style changes. Many quit smoking, alcohol and sedentary life style and start exercises and healthy dietary habits. 

Conclusion

As a leading arterial bypass Surgeon based in Delhi, Dr. Ramji Mehrotra is of the opinion that long-term recovery from bypass surgery involves managing the risk factors contributing to the cardiovascular disease. Though some risk factors like family history cannot be changed, others like healthy diet, medications, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes must be adopted for faster recovery and maintenance of good health.

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