Best heart treatment in Bangalore

Diagnosis & treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

 

Introduction

A disorder known as coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to the thickening of one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and other chemicals are accumulated in arteries, where they interact with blood cells to form plaque that narrows the artery lumen. This condition is referred to as atherosclerosis and can result in heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease or a stroke, classified as cardio-vascular disorders (CAD).

In CAD, the blood supply to the heart is affected leading to Angina and ultimately Heart attack. The trusted method world over, for a confirmed diagnosis of CAD, is Cardiac Catheterization; it is performed by a cardiologist in a Hospital having a cath-lab facility like Aster RV Hospital

How are blocks diagnosed in a cardiac catheterization?

Cardiac catheterization also known as Coronary Angiogram (CAG) is a procedure, in which a doctor inserts the catheter into a blood vessel in the arm or groin pre-decided. The catheter is used to check for blockages or other issues in the coronary arteries, which deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, after being guided via the blood channels to the heart.

Afterwards, a dye is injected into the bloodstream from an intravenous (IV) line connected to the vein. It helps doctors see how well blood flows through different parts of the heart on X-rays taken during the procedure. This is the gold standard diagnostic procedure employed to check the coronaries.

Treatment modalities

A coronary angiogram can show blocked or narrowed blood vessels in the heart. When a Coronary Angiogram (CAG) is positive, it means that there is a significant blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle and lead to conditions like angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

1. Medical management (Conservative treatment)

Used when blockages are minor or in patients not suitable for interventions.

2. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) / Angioplasty

Recommended when significant blockage is found (typically >70%) or during an acute heart attack.
Procedure:

  • A balloon is inserted to open the blockage
  • Followed by placement of a stent (drug-eluting or bare-metal) to keep the artery open
    Advantages:
  • Minimally invasive
  • Short recovery time

3. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), also known as heart bypass surgery, is performed to treat severe coronary artery disease (CAD)—a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This limits oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If CABG is advised, meet Dr.Divakar Bhat  the best surgeon for beating heart bypass operation in Bangalore.

CABG is typically recommended when:

  • Medications and lifestyle changes are not enough.
  • One or more coronary arteries are severely blocked.
  • The left main coronary artery is significantly narrowed.
  • There is a high risk of heart attack or heart failure.
  • Multiple vessels are blocked, especially in diabetic patients.

The CABG Procedure:

·        Preparation & anesthesia

·        Harvesting the graft

·        Accessing the heart

·        Heart-Lung machine (optional)

·        Grafting

·        Closing the chest

Recovery:

  • Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days.
  • Full recovery: May take 6–12 weeks.
  • Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended for improved outcome

Benefits of CABG:

  • Reduces symptoms like chest pain and fatigue.
  • Improves heart function and quality of life.
  • Lowers the risk of heart attack in some patients.
  • Can increase life expectancy in specific groups.

4. Hybrid approach

  • Combination of PCI and CABG in some cases, depending on patient’s anatomy and comorbidities.

Decision factors:

  • Number and location of blockages
  • Left ventricular function
  • Presence of comorbid conditions (like diabetes)
  • Patient’s age and surgical risk
  • Patient preference (after explaining options)

A quick look at the symptoms of coronary artery disease

Individuals with asymptomatic ("silent") coronary artery disease might not have any symptoms until a blockage is serious enough to cause a heart attack. In such emergency situations, you should rush to a nearby hospital. Aster RV Hospital with the best cardiologist is equipped with the most modern cath lab. This is why it’s important for people to get regular medical checkups and talk with their doctors if they experience symptoms of coronary artery disease

Conclusion

Cardiac catheterization plays a pivotal role in the evaluation &, if need be, treating of patients with suspected or known heart disease. For the best heart treatment in Bangalore where all the services are under one roof, please visit Aster RV Hospital

Cardiac catheterization, is the accepted procedure of choice to assess the presence and proportion of coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, heart muscle dysfunction, and congenital heart disease. It is carried out with little danger when performed by skilled cardiologists. If the blocks are pointing towards a CABG don’t worry; you are safe hands.