Heart Disease - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Expert Opinion On Common Questions

Answers of common Questions about Heart disease:- 

When should I get checked for heart related problems?

Anyone who is above the age of 35 have high cholesterol, BP, diabetes, obesity or heart related problems must undergo regular heart check-ups. 2D Echo and TMT before symptoms appear. Tests like these can help in detecting heart blockage. If anyone has symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular or rapid heartbeat, etc., they should immediately consult a cardiologist.

Is every chest pain a symptom of a heart attack? How to differentiate between them and what should be done immediately?

Yes, emergency treatment is being given in case of heart attack, brain stroke or any other medical emergency by following all the safety rules laid down by the government. Patients who are experiencing heart attack symptoms should come to the hospital emergency as soon as possible to prevent excessive damage to the heart.

Sometimes patients with coronary artery disease are advised different treatments (surgery/stenting). What should be done in such cases. 

Several factors are involved in deciding the treatment regimen such as the complexity of the disease, how many blood vessels are affected, diabetes, age of the patient, medical history etc. By ascertaining these factors, it is decided that which method of treatment can be more safe and effective for the patient. When the most appropriate treatment option is not clear in a patient's case or multiple treatment options are possible, the case is referred to the Heart Team for evaluation. The heart team consists of a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon and imaging specialist who jointly review the case and recommend the most appropriate treatment option. State-of-the-art diagnostic techniques are also very helpful for decision making in such cases.

If heart problems recur after angioplasty or surgery, is re-surgery or angioplasty possible and is it safe?

With increasing life expectancy, repeat or re-do heart procedures or surgeries (second, third or fourth heart surgery) are now very common and are being performed in advanced heart centers with a very good success rate. Such surgeries are quite complex and require great post-operative care with extensive experience and precision in these surgeries as the patient's recovery depends on it. 

I had a heart attack a few years back and now my heart pumping has reduced, what should be done?

A heart attack or infection can weaken the heart muscle and reduce the heart's pumping ability. These complications mostly increase over time. Often its symptoms do not appear until the heart is severely damaged.Patients with symptoms such as ejection fraction below 40, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, persistent cough, dizziness, swollen legs and weight gain, feeling tired, or irregular heartbeat should be treated without delay. Failure specialist should be contacted.

What should a heart patient do if he is not able to come to the hospital due to any reason?

Heart patients who need a doctor's consultation or have been advised a follow-up visit should not delay the consultation as it may be harmful. If a patient is unable to come to the hospital, he can consult his doctor online (as per his convenience) sitting at home. 

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only. These should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.