heart specialist in Hyderabad

Can you know if there’s something wrong with your heart? Unfortunately, many heart problems do not have apparent warning symptoms. So, there won’t all be intense chest pain followed by a hard fall to the floor, as witnessed in the movies. The best cardiologists in India point out that not all symptoms arise in the chest. Hence, knowing what’s happening inside the body is not always easy. But it always helps to get examined.

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Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease. Learn how incorporating a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and healthy habits can improve heart health. Explore actionable tips and expert advice for a healthier, heart-friendly lifestyle.

Following a heart attack, diagnosis, surgery, or stroke, your life may change in several ways. You will inevitably make changes in your health, family life, work, and relationships. We spoke to some of the best cardiologists in Hyderabad and have compiled some tips to help you adjust to the new normal.

Our body continually depicts early, subtle signs of cardiovascular disease or heart problems. These may include conditions such as heart attacks or heart failure. Heart disease is one of the top reasons for death in India.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a kind of abnormal heartbeat or heart arrhythmia. It occurs when the heart’s upper chambers fibrillate or twitch instead of pumping normally. In people with atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat may be fast but not regular. It stems from a problem with the electrical pathways controlling the heart rhythm.

Approximately 17.9 million people die of cardiovascular diseases every year. With the number growing at an alarming rate, individuals must take active measures to care for their hearts and routinely see an expert.

We all know of that perfect store in the mall or the restaurant with the most delectable food, but when trying something new, do we ever venture without reading reviews? But when it comes to picking the best cardiologists in Hyderabad, can you rely merely on the reviews?

Coronary angioplasty aka PCI is a common procedure with excellent success rates. The in-hospital mortality following PCI is 1-2% and in the setting of acute coronary syndrome is 3%. Additionally,1-2% of patients die after discharge within 30 days.

Two recent retrospective database analyses from the states of New York and Michigan Blue shield studied mortality after PCI 1,2. The New York database included 135,000 patients studying in-hospital and 30-day mortality while the Michigan database had 92,000 patients analysing in-hospital mortality.

I present these papers with the learning points so that we can improve patient outcomes.

coronary angioplasty

The findings

Both databases showed a 1.5% – 30-day mortality after PCI.
30% of these deaths are preventable.
Most in-hospital deaths were non preventable (70%). They were attributed to pre-existing cardiac conditions such as cardiogenic shock, left ventricular failure, comorbidities etc. Most of them are emergency and high-risk patients. 30% of in-hospital deaths are preventable and in most cases the indication for PCI was rarely beneficial.
After-discharge deaths accounted for 30% of the total 30-day mortality. Surprisingly, 60% of these deaths happened in non-emergency patients and in low-risk patients.
Most deaths that happened in low-risk patients were in whom the PCI was rarely indicated.
Procedural complications such as coronary perforation and rupture are extremely rare.

The learnings

Most deaths after discharge and 30% of in-hospital deaths are preventable and happened in low-risk PCI groups.
Patient selection using Appropriate Utility Criteria needs to be widely implemented.
Pre-procedure patient preparation by optimising co-morbidities and heart failure could improve the outcomes.
Post-discharge monitoring of patients could improve the outcomes.
Hospital quality metrics need to include both in-hospital and 30-day mortality following PCI rather than in-hospital mortality alone.

References

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jscai.2022.100559.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297596

Salt substitutes, particularly those containing potassium chloride, can be effective tools in reducing sodium intake and promoting heart health. However, adopting salt substitutes should be done thoughtfully and in consultation with healthcare professionals, especially for those with specific medical conditions.

Heart Disease Risk in Children

Heart disease, once considered primarily an ailment that affected people in their 60s or 70s, is now becoming a significant concern in children. According to a report in the Times of India, there has been a disturbing increase in the number of children suffering from heart diseases and, tragically, even losing their lives to these conditions.

In this article, we will delve deeper into heart disease risk in kids and discuss a few useful tips to prevent a heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions from a young age.

The Rising Prevalence of Heart Disease in Children

Heart disease is increasingly becoming a significant health issue among children worldwide. While congenital heart defects have been recognized for years, there is a concerning rise in acquired heart diseases in children, including cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis.

Additionally, there have been several reports of individuals in their 20s and 30s succumbing to heart attacks. That, in turn, emphasizes the need to identify and address heart disease risk in young people. The sooner we parents recognize these risks and inculcate heart-healthy habits in their children, the lower their risk of developing chronic cardiac conditions.

Contributing Factors to Heart Disease Risk in Kids

In this section, we will take a closer look at a few factors that are increasing heart disease risk in kids.

Unhealthy Diet

The modern lifestyle has led to a surge in the consumption of processed and high-calorie foods, leading to childhood obesity and related cardiovascular issues. Such diets are low in essential nutrients and high in unhealthy fats and sugars, contributing to elevated cholesterol levels and other heart disease risk factors in kids. Childhood obesity can also make children more vulnerable to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary Lifestyle

With the advent of technology, children are spending more time on screens and less time engaging in physical activities. This sedentary lifestyle has adverse effects on their cardiovascular health, leading to weakened heart muscles and poor circulation.

Genetics and Family History

Family history plays a crucial role in determining a child’s susceptibility to heart disease. If there is a history of heart problems in the family, the child may be at a higher risk. Several studies also suggest that prenatal factors, such as maternal nutrition during pregnancy, smoking, or exposure to environmental toxins, can influence the child’s heart health in later life.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress and mental health issues have been associated with heart disease risk in kids. Stress can trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms like emotional eating and contribute to high blood pressure and inflammation.

Identifying Early Warning Signs

Heart disease in children may present differently than in adults, making it essential for parents and healthcare providers to be vigilant about early warning signs. Common symptoms that could indicate a heart problem in children include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting spells.

Routine health check-ups play a critical role in identifying potential heart issues in children. Through regular examinations and tests, healthcare professionals can spot risk factors early and offer appropriate interventions.

Preventive Measures and Management

While heart disease is becoming more prevalent in kids, there are ways to minimize its risk. Here are a few tips to prevent a heart attack and other conditions in children:

Promoting a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Prevention is always better than cure, and instilling heart-healthy habits in children is the first step toward reducing heart disease risk. Start by encouraging your child to be more active. Regular physical activity is crucial not only for maintaining a healthy weight but also for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Nutrition also plays a vital role in preventing heart disease in children. Incorporating more heart healthy foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your kid’s diet is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The rising incidence of heart disease risk in kids is a concerning global health issue. Understanding the contributing factors and implementing preventive measures are crucial steps in addressing this problem effectively. By promoting healthy lifestyles, conducting regular health check-ups, and raising awareness among parents, healthcare providers, and communities, we can work towards safeguarding the heart health of the younger generation. Together, we can ensure a healthier future for our children.

Dr. C Raghu is an eminent interventional cardiologist who is often regarded as the best heart specialist in Hyderabad. If your child has been diagnosed with a heart condition, reach out to Dr. Raghu today to discuss the right treatment options.