DON’T SKIP A HEART-BEAT

drkmh DON’T SKIP A HEART-BEAT

 

Heart Stenting is not a cure for heart disease. The doctor is sure to suggest certain life-style changes such as maintaining healthy Cholesterol Levels, quit smoking and regular exercise to prevent further complications.

No matter how one flexes his biceps or shows-off wash-board abs, the most important muscle in the human body is the HEART. Keep the heart healthy and stay fit for life!

 

A healthy mix of exercise and nutrition rich food is generally the best way to keep the heart pumping with glee but watching out for warning signals such as chest pain, can save lives. The term Heart Attack is used often yet not many people understand what could cause the condition. Generally a person has a heart attack when there is a block in at least one of the coronary arteries, restricting the flow of blood in and out of the heart – which incapacitates the heart leading to a heart attack, which could prove fatal if not treated with urgency. If there is a block or the coronary arteries are constricted, a doctor will have to set it right, in order to let the heart, resume its job. Fortunately, medical procedures have advanced enough to facilitate this process.

 

HOW DOES A BLOCK OCCUR IN THE CORONARY ARTERY?

 

Normally a plaque is what starts the problem. Plaque is the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the bloodstream. Plaque sticks to the walls of the artery, and over time, grows big enough to constrict the artery – restricting the flow of blood. When this plaque ruptures, platelets immediately collect at the rupture spot in an attempt to repair the damaged artery. However, when platelets collect in the artery, a blood clot is formed, and this blocks the artery leading to a heart attack.

 

ANGIOPLASTY

 

Coronary Angioplasty is a minimal invasive procedure used to unclog arteries cramped with plaque build-up or a blood clot that is hampering healthy movement of blood. People with restricted arteries will have symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. If detected earlier on, a heart attack might be avoided.

 

STENTING

 

A STENT is a small mesh tube that is used to widen blocked/restricted arteries or ducts in the body in order to restore the free flow of bodily fluids. In the case of a Coronary Angioplasty the Stent is required to open up constricted arteries of the heart.

 

There are two types of stenting: Permanent & Temporary. If the doctor determines that the constricted artery is weak and might collapse again, in spite of widening it with the help of a catheter, a stent is put in place to support the weakened arterial walls. In such cases STENTING is permanent. However there are cases when the doctor might see stenting as a temporary solution, in which case the stent is coated with a medicinal substance that breaks down the plaque gently – and the stent itself dissolves over a period of time

 

A thorough physical exam is usually sufficient to help the doctor diagnose Psoriasis. In some cases a lab test might be required to confirm the diagnosis, which includes taking a small sample of the skin from the affected area.

 

THE PROCEDURE

 

During an Angioplasty procedure, the cardiologist usually makes a very small incision in the groin and threads a thin tube, called a catheter through the artery. The catheter injects a special contrast dye into the bloodstream and through imaging technology, the doctor is able to see this dye flowing through the arteries. This helps the doctor identify the part(s) of the artery with plaque build-up or a clot. At the plaque site, with the help of the catheter a tiny balloon is inflated to widen the restricted artery – hence the term Balloon Angioplasty. A STENT is put in place to hold the artery open. The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is gently withdrawn. The doctor then closes up the incision site. The procedure is complete.

 

POST-SURGERY PRECAUTIONS

 

The duration of the Angioplasty with Stenting surgery depends on the number of affected arteries and how bad the plaque build-up is. Do note that Heart Stenting is not a cure for heart disease. Besides pain meds and anticoagulant pills (clotting at the stent site is possible), the doctor is sure to suggest certain life-style changes to prevent further complications and to keep your heart healthy. Some of the changes include:

 

  • Maintaining healthy Cholesterol Levels
  • Eating food with low saturated fats
  • Quit smoking
  • Exercising for 30 minutes at least thrice a week
  • Keeping Blood Pressure under check
  • If diabetic, controlling blood sugar levels.

 

Heart disease is not something to be taken lightly. It requires timely intervention and treatment. Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospital is one of the best cardiology hospitals in Chennai, equipped with state-of-the art facilities and a team of expert cardiologists capable of handling any emergency with prowess and efficiency.