Cardiac surgery, often known as heart surgery, treats various conditions involving the heart and its blood vessels. The most frequent types of cardiac surgery are those performed on the heart to repair valves or blockage in the coronary arteries.
Heart surgery can fix the heart issues you were born with, known as congenital heart disease. Additionally, it can fix problems that surface later in life. The underlying issues determine the type of heart surgery.
Doctors advise heart surgery for several reasons, such as treating or preventing heart attacks and blood clots, addressing irregular heartbeats, unblocking or widening arteries, and repairing damaged or diseased heart valves.
Specialists at VitaLife address many heart diseases like cardiomyopathy, rheumatic heart disease, and more with advanced methods.
Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery are looked after by a medical staff that consists of a primary care physician, a cardiologist, a cardiovascular surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other experts.
Thus, cardiac surgeries are a significant event that can enhance heart health and blood flow while giving you a new outlook on life. As a result, you can live a longer, healthier life after having heart surgery.
A variety of disorders that affect your heart and the blood vessels can be treated by cardiac surgery. Some of the common conditions that need surgical intervention are mentioned below.
A bulging in the heart muscle or arterial wall is called an aneurysm. An aortic aneurysm is a common type of aneurysm. The heart muscle can also develop aneurysms, most commonly in the left ventricle.
An abnormal heartbeat is known as an arrhythmia. The heart may beat too quickly (tachycardia), slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly. An arrhythmia can weaken your heart over time.
Some congenital cardiac abnormalities require immediate treatment or surgery. However, other defects might not immediately manifest symptoms. These issues consist of:
The coronary arteries narrow in CAD, commonly due to atherosclerosis. It is a steady buildup of plaque in your arteries. Your coronary arteries function at their best when they are mainly free of plaque and wide open. The blocked arteries stop blood flow to the heart.
Heart failure is when the heart cannot adequately pump blood to the body. Heart failure is a common comorbidity for other cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Any of the four heart valves can develop the disease. The four valves are tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral or aortic valves. Each valve has leaflets and flaps that open and close precisely when blood has to pass through and prevent blood from flowing backwards.
However, your valves may not operate as they should in conditions like:
Both your life and its course may be altered by heart surgery. You’ll probably feel better, stronger, and more prepared to resume your favorite activities once you’ve recovered. Although a bit scary, heart surgical procedures are often safe.
Each year, specialists at VitaLife perform thousands of heart surgeries, and many patients who undergo the procedure have symptom relief without needing long-term medication. Unfortunately, the risk of complications increases with the severity of the heart condition left untreated.
Continue reading to know common treatments and conditions that need heart surgery.
Angioplasty is a procedure that widens an artery with plaque buildup. The heart surgeon will use a tiny balloon to push plaque against the artery walls and allow blood to flow through the artery. Coronary angioplasty may be necessary for people with heart or coronary artery disease.
Aortic surgery involves removing the bulge (aneurysm) to correct a thoracic aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm can be treated using one of two methods:
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a procedure that restores blood supply to the heart. A CABG entails joining a blood vessel from another body part (often the leg, arm, or chest) to the coronary artery above and below the restricted or blocked area.
Conditions affecting the myocardium (heart muscle) are called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy can produce scar tissue, and make your heart stiffer, enlarged, or thicker.
Due to this, the heart cannot adequately pump blood to the rest of the body. The heart may deteriorate over time, and cardiomyopathy may result in heart failure. Cardiomyopathy patients who adopt a healthy lifestyle and seek medical care can enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Damage to the heart valves brought on by rheumatic fever is known as rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever can be brought on by bacterial illnesses known as Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections.
Inflammation can cause irreversible damage to heart valves if left unchecked. However, high quality of life is possible for those with rheumatic heart disease who are treated on time.
With each heartbeat, valves function like doors that swing open and shut, allowing blood to flow into and out of the chambers. Unfortunately, some blood may return to the chamber or area it just left when a valve malfunctions.
The two possibilities for heart valve surgery are as follows:
Heart surgeries involve surgical procedures of the heart. These operative procedures include Angiography/Angioplasty, Aortic Surgery, Thoracic & Vascular surgery, Coronary Artery Surgery, and Valve Replacement & Repair. Management of these surgeries involves a strict dietary regime along with physical exercise.
Heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and rheumatic heart disease are cardiac conditions that are caused due to various reasons. Autoimmune disorders, endocrine conditions, and family history can result in these heart diseases. The treatment options vary based on the extent of the disease and type of cardiac condition. Diet and exercise are a part of the treatment protocol for cardiac diseases. Early detection helps manage the condition in a better manner.
At VitaLife, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality medical care. That’s why we’re committed to providing ethical, patient-centered care in your neighborhood. Our experienced doctors come from some of India’s premier institutes, and they’re dedicated to providing the best possible care for every patient. We offer comprehensive OPD and IPD services, using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. And we’re always looking for ways to improve our services and make a positive impact on our patients' lives.
All heart conditions may not require surgery. However, the type of condition, severity, age and overall health of the person determines whether surgery is needed or not.
Some common life-saving heart procedures are:
When you visit a cardiologist, it is essential to clarify all your queries regarding your heart health. Ask the following:
Feeling apprehensive or nervous when meeting a heart surgeon is normal. But you can prepare for your first appointment with a cardiologist by knowing the following things.
When you visit for the first time, a heart specialist may ask for the following information:
What are the commonly performed cardiac procedures?
All heart conditions may not require surgery. However, the type of condition, severity, age and overall health of the person determines whether surgery is needed or not.
Some common life-saving heart procedures are:
What should I ask a heart specialist?
When you visit a cardiologist, it is essential to clarify all your queries regarding your heart health. Ask the following:
What should I know before visiting a specialist?
Feeling apprehensive or nervous when meeting a heart surgeon is normal. But you can prepare for your first appointment with a cardiologist by knowing the following things.
What will the heart specialist ask me?
When you visit for the first time, a heart specialist may ask for the following information:
What are the restrictions following cardiac surgery?
Never lift, carry, push, or pull anything weighing more than five to ten pounds, including a small child, a hefty bag, or a suitcase. In addition, for three months following surgery, you should refrain from intense activities, including swimming, jogging, biking, bowling, tennis, and golf.
What to avoid before having heart surgery?
At least two weeks before your heart surgery, stop drinking and smoking. Drinking can compromise your immune system, liver function, and natural blood coagulation, all of which raise your risk for postoperative problems. Both can prolong post-surgical healing.
VitaLife is committed to providing the highest quality of care to its patients and adheres to the highest standards of medical ethics.
