Best Hospital in Thane - Horizon Prime Hospital

Heart Blockage In India Accounts For 60 Percent Of World’s Heart Disease Burden

Minutes Matter In Heart Attack, Fast Action Can Save Lives

Heart attack incidents which used to affect mainly older adults now appear with increasing frequency among people under 40 years of age. The disturbing increase of heart attacks among young adults requires detailed investigation of both risk factors and protective strategies especially in the Indian context where this demographic appears to face rising heart attack rates. Heart attacks among people younger than 40 years old constitute between 6-10% of all myocardial infarctions worldwide. The incidence of cardiovascular diseases among younger populations continues to rise according to research findings. Heart attack incidents among adults under 40 years old in India exceed Western rates creating a serious health concern. Genetic factors along with urban life choices create an exceptional risk environment for Indian youth.

Heart blockage, also known as coronary artery disease, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including a significant number of people in India as well. It occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, heart attack.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “In India, heart blockage is a major health concern, and accounts for approximately 60 percent of the world’s heart disease burden. Heart blockage is also one of the leading causes of death in the country. The incidence of heart blockage is increasing due to various factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, smoking and stress. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further damage to the heart and improve outcomes.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque build-up narrows or blocks the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This build-up can be caused by a variety of factors, including High cholesterol, High blood pressure, Smoking, Diabetes and Family history of heart disease. When the arteries become blocked, the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If you experience any of the Heart Blockage Symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Heart blockage occurs when there is a partial or complete obstruction in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscles with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks and heart failure. Hence, heart blockage can be a life-threatening condition, and early treatment is key to preventing complications. Pregnancy and the hormonal life cycle can have significant impacts on women’s cardiovascular health and life expectancy. When you are having a heart attack, minutes matter. Fast action can save lives. Women often experience symptoms other than the crushing chest pain and left arm pain that typically afflict men having heart attacks. For example, women are more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, abdominal pain, and nausea. In some situations, a failure to identify the unique symptoms women experience can lead to delays in seeking treatment. For both women and men alike, the keys to improving your heart health are simple which is take all symptoms seriously, ask questions about your heart health, and get screened yearly for heart disease risk factors.”

Types of Heart Blockage

The different types of heart blockage are listed below:

• First-degree Heart Block: This is the mildest form where the electrical signals between the two chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) are delayed but still reach their destination.
• Second-degree Heart Block: In this type, some electrical signals fail to reach the ventricles, causing skipped beats or irregular rhythms.
• Third-degree Heart Block: Also known as complete heart block, this is the most severe form where none of the electrical signals pass through, resulting in a very slow heartbeat

Recognizing Heart Blockage Symptoms

The symptoms of heart blockage can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, there are several warning signs to watch out for, including:

• Chest Pain : Some people may experience chest pain or discomfort, which can range from mild to severe, often resembling angina. Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of heart blockage. It may feel like a squeezing or pressure in the chest, and it can last for several minutes or come and go. The pain may also radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion, may develop as the heart struggles to pump efficiently. Shortness of breath is another common symptom of heart blockage. It may occur during physical activity or at rest and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.
• Fatigue : Fatigue or weakness can be a symptom of heart blockage, especially if it’s persistent and doesn’t improve with rest. This may be due to a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Individuals with heart block may experience generalized fatigue and weakness due to inadequate blood flow to the organs and muscles.
• Dizziness or light-headedness : Dizziness or light-headedness may be a symptom of heart blockage, especially if it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Fainting spells or dizziness can occur, especially during physical activity or when standing up quickly, due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Nausea or vomiting : Nausea or vomiting may be a symptom of heart blockage, especially in women. These symptoms may occur during physical activity or at rest and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Palpitations : Sensations of irregular or skipped heartbeats can occur as a result of the disrupted electrical signals in the heart.
• Bradycardia : A slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute, is a common feature of heart block, especially in advanced cases.
• Heart Failure Symptoms:In severe cases, symptoms of heart failure such as swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, and difficulty lying flat due to shortness of breath (orthopnoea), may develop.

What Is Angioplasty And When Angioplasty is Needed?

Angioplasty is an interventional procedure to treat atherosclerosis, a condition that develops when fatty plaque builds up in the blood vessels of your heart. Angioplasty opens blocked arteries that carry blood away from your heart. The goal is to restore blood flow. Our cardiologists can treat one or multiple blockages during the same procedure. During an angioplasty, a sedative medication is injected to keep you relaxed but awake. Then a thin tube called catheter with a small balloon attached into an artery is inserted in your groin, wrist, or arm and guides it toward your heart and the blockage. Once in place, the cardiologist injects a contrast dye through the catheter to highlight areas of plaque build-up. To widen your artery and improve blood flow, your provider inflates the attached balloon. They may also place a small mesh stent in the area to keep the vessel open and prevent additional blockages. While angioplasty isn’t appropriate for everyone, Cardiology team at Horizon Prime Hospital will determine if you’re a candidate during a comprehensive health evaluation.

Reasons You Can Be A Candidate For Angioplasty

1. Hard-to-treat atherosclerosis : If you have blockages in your coronary arteries, you likely need to make diet and lifestyle changes and take medications to treat them. However, if these strategies aren’t working well enough and your condition isn’t improving, we might recommend an angioplasty to prevent additional complications.
2. Chest pain : If you have worsening chest pain because of atherosclerosis, you might need an angioplasty. Our team may first recommend medications or other treatments to lessen your pain, but if your chest pain continues, it may be time to consider angioplasty and stenting.
3. Heart attack : After a heart attack, an angioplasty procedure can quickly remove plaque from your arteries to restore blood flow. Fast action is necessary because the longer blood flow to your heart is blocked, the more you risk heart muscle damage.

The Final Takeaway

A break in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat is commonly referred to as a heart block and also known as an atrioventricular block. Different levels of disturbance may result in various levels of seriousness. It is essential to understand heart block’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy to manage the condition effectively and avoid consequences. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as tiredness, light-headedness, chest discomfort, and fainting. Many things, such as age-related changes, cardiac disease, drugs and genetic factors, can cause it. To restore normal heartbeat and function, medicines, pacemaker setup, or other therapies may be used in combination with other diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiography. A comprehensive strategy that is adapted to each patient’s needs is necessary for the management of heart block, with the goals of improving symptoms, problem prevention, and overall quality of life enhancement. Improving outcomes and lowering the chances of unfavourable events related to that illness requires early detection and care.

Horizon Prime Hospital has a team of highly experienced and skilled cardiologists who specialize in treating heart blockages. They use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Besides, Horizon Prime Hospital is also equipped with advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of heart blockages. The hospital has a well-equipped cardiac catheterization laboratory, which helps in performing complex procedures with ease. The hospital offers comprehensive care for patients with heart blockages, including medication management, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions, if necessary. The doctors work closely with the patients to create personalized treatment plans based on their individual needs. Overall, if you are looking for exceptional cardiology care hospital in Thane that provides comprehensive and high-quality care for heart blockages, Horizon Prime Hospital is an excellent choice.