A heart attack or cardiac arrest is a condition where a blood clot in the blood vessel blocks the flow of blood to the heart resulting in a lack of oxygen. This oxygen deprivation causes the heart tissues to die, leading to a life-threatening condition. Common symptoms of a heart attack include tightness & pain in the chest, arms, and back, accompanied by lightheadedness and anxiety.

As we know that cardiac arrest is a common malfunction of the heart. Let us have a look at some of the most common treatments available, not limited to, at Metro Hospitals:-

• Angioplasty:- In Angioplasty, we use a deflated balloon or tubing and place it at the area of a blood clot. The heart doctor then inflates the balloon to widen the blocked area.
• Artificial Heart Valve Surgery:- In this procedure, we replace a blocked heart valve with a new one.
• Bypass Surgery:- We use veins or arteries from different body parts and place them in the heart to reroute the flow of blood.
• Heart Transplant:- We use this only when the heart is irreversibly damaged. An impaired heart is replaced with a new one.
• Stent Placement:- We use a stent placement to improve the flow of blood towards the heart. The stent implant in a blocked artery permanently holds open the artery.
• Medications:- You may also be prescribed medications, such as Nitroglycerin, Blood thinners, Pain killers, Drugs to open clots, and Blood pressure medication

Pre-procedure Preparations

• Angioplasty:- You should stop eating solid foods six hours prior to the procedure. If you are diabetic, then you may be administered with Glucophage, Glucovance or Avandamet. Your kidneys will be examined since we use dyes to filter, which can damage the kidneys. You should avoid smoking at least 24 hours before the operation.
• Artificial Heart Valve Surgery:- Our medical professionals will advise you regarding your regular medications and food consumption and if you need to stop them.
• Bypass Surgery:- Our medical experts will recommend your diet and medications and also check your regular drug prescriptions. We also brief you about the procedure and the necessity of getting assistance since you won’t be able to return to the normal routine for 4 to 6 weeks after the operation.
• Heart Transplant:- We assign you medical staff that helps you understand the procedure of a heart transplant. We will also perform the following tests to determine the functions of your lungs, heart, and other systems. Here is the list of prescribed tests:-
  • Echocardiogram
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Heart catheterization
  • MVO2 (exercise stress test)
  • Chest X-ray
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Bilateral Lower Extremity Doppler and Carotid Doppler tests
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen/pelvis
  • Blood work
• Stent Placement:- You may need to go for X-rays, electrocardiogram, and blood tests. We will also perform a coronary imaging test to check your heart artery blockage.

Benefits of the Procedure

Angioplasty

• Regulates blood flow in the blocked artery
• Alleviates chest pain.
• You can perform physical activities after recovery
• Helps in preventing stroke

Artificial Heart Valve Surgery:- It restores the normal functioning of the heart despite a damaged valve.

Bypass Surgery:- One of the most effective & common procedures to manage & treat blockage of blood to the heart muscle.

• Increases the blood supply, and oxygen availability will be improved.
• It will alleviate chest pain.
• It will lessen the risk of a heart attack.
• You will have more capacity for physical activity.

Heart Transplant:- Heart transplant restores the heart health in the selected patients.

Stent placement:-

• It will improve the blood flow to the heart muscles.
• Alleviates Angina

Eligibility

Who is not eligible?