Coronary Artery Disease Treatment in Gurgaon, India
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. The condition occurs as a result of obstruction or blockage due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
CAD, also known as coronary heart disease, is common in middle-aged men or individuals with a family history of heart disease. Prolonged obstruction due to coronary artery disease can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks and heart failure. Therefore, it is important to address symptoms associated with heart health for a healthy life. Artemis Hospitals has some of the best cardiologists in Gurgaon who offer comprehensive treatment for coronary vascular diseases for overall heart health.
What Are The Symptoms Of Coronary Artery Disease?
Most coronary artery disease symptoms are initially silent and develop gradually. In most cases, symptoms may mimic other heart-related issues due to blockage in the arteries. Therefore, it is important to identify the early symptoms associated with CAD for timely medical intervention. Common coronary artery disease symptoms include:
A sudden feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, especially during physical activities or stress.
Difficulty breathing due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
Feeling excessively tired due to inadequate blood flow.
Irregular or rapid heartbeats
- Pain in Other Parts of the Body
Discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back, or shoulders, especially during exertion.
Feeling lightheaded or experiencing vomiting, particularly during angina.
Causes & Risk Factors Associated With Coronary Artery Disease:
Coronary heart disease develops as a result of the build-up of plaque consisting of fats, cholesterol, waste products, calcium, fibrin, etc. in the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Similar to gunk in a clogged drainpipe, the buildup of plaque causes narrowing of the artery walls which prevents the blood from reaching the heart.
External factors that progress coronary artery disease include a combination of lifestyle, dietary habits, genetics, and certain medical conditions that contribute to the accumulation of plaque. Increased plaque buildup can be due to several risk factors such as -
- Age (being older than 45 years)
- Family History of heart disease
- Too much saturated fat in the diet
- Physical inactivity
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Too much stress
- Excessive smoking or tobacco use
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol Levels
- History of Diabetes
- Obesity
What Are The Different Types Of Coronary Artery Disease?
CAD has different types each with unique characteristics, causes, and risks.
Ischemic Coronary Artery Disease (ICAD)
- Characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart due to partial artery blockage.
- Leads to chronic angina and can progressively worsen over time.
- Symptoms often appear during exertion but improve with rest or medication
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
- A medical emergency occurs when there is a sudden blockage in a coronary artery.
- Can result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction) if the blood supply is completely cut off.
- Symptoms include severe chest pain, breathlessness, and fainting.
When Should I Consult The Doctor For Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary heart disease can cause a sudden heart attack which is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, or you have a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, or any medical condition associated with the heart, it is always advisable to get it checked by a cardiologist.
How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?
Coronary heart disease diagnosis involves a combination of examining your medical health history and analyzing your symptoms. The cardiologist will also enquire about any existing medical condition which can also cause symptoms similar to CAD. To check the blockage in the arteries due to plaque build-up, the cardiologist may recommend the following tests -
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
To detect abnormal heart rhythms and check for any signs indicating risk of a heart attack.
Uses ultrasound to evaluate heart function and detect areas of reduced blood flow.
To indicate how well your heart is working and what kind of treatment you may need.
To assess the heart functions under physical exertion.
Involves injecting contrast dye into the arteries to detect blockages.
A non-invasive imaging test to visualize coronary arteries.
To measure cholesterol, blood sugar, and markers of heart damage (e.g., troponin).
What Are The Different Treatment Options For CAD?
Coronary heart disease treatment aims to remove obstruction in the arteries due to plaque and prevent new build-up. Depending on the severity of conditions, type of CAD, and extent of plaque accumulation in the arteries. Cardiologists recommend a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatment options which include medications, lifestyle changes, managing risk factors, and in severe cases, surgery. Different methods for coronary heart disease treatment involve -
Non-surgical Treatment:
- Lifestyle changes play a vital role in CAD treatment and further prevent the plaque from obstructing the blood flow. The cardiologist generally advises risk management, which means eating heart-healthy foods that are low in sodium, trans fat, sugar, etc. Moreover, encouraging physical activities like exercising for 30 minutes daily can also improve health. Here are some lifestyle habits and risk management methods that can ensure a healthy heart -
- Quit smoking and consuming alcohol
- Control blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Sleep adequately
- Encourage a balanced diet
- Medications for the heart are crucial in managing coronary artery disease symptoms. Cardiologists may prescribe medicines like Statins for lower cholesterol levels, Beta-blockers to reduce heart workload and blood pressure, Antiplatelet Drugs (like Aspirin) to prevent clot formation, Nitrates for blood vessel dilation, and ACE Inhibitors to lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart. Medicines aim to manage symptoms in high-risk patients to prevent heart attacks and improve overall heart health.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery is recommended when the plaque formed in the arteries does not respond to medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is very effective in case of emergencies where patients experience heart attacks. Surgical procedures for coronary artery disease treatment include the following -
Angioplasty and Stent Placement (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - PCI):
It is a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates congestion in the blood vessels by using a tiny balloon to widen the narrowed arteries. The cardiac surgeon uses a thin tube called a catheter, fitted with a tiny balloon to improve blood flow. The surgeon subsequently places stents that keep the arteries open.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG):
CABG for coronary artery disease treatment involves creating a new path for the blood to flow around the blocked arteries. The surgeon takes a healthy artery vein from other parts of the body and grafts to bypass the congested artery to restore blood flow to the heart. CABG is effective for people with multiple or severe blockages.
When the heart function is severely compromised, and all other surgical methods are ineffective, the surgeon recommends a heart transplant to replace the damaged heart with a healthy heart from a donor.
Recovery Tips After Coronary Artery Disease Surgery:
Recovering from coronary artery disease (CAD) surgery, such as bypass surgery (CABG) or angioplasty, requires prompt care and lifestyle modification to ensure a smooth and successful healing process. Here are some tips that can help you recover after your coronary artery disease surgery:
- Take prescribed medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, etc. on time.
- Follow post-operative wound care tips to prevent infections.
- Watch for signs like chest pain, swelling, or fever, and stay in touch with the doctor in case of complications.
- Mild pain and soreness are normal and can be managed using prescribed pain-relieving medicines.
- Encourage a low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Avoid processed foods, red meat, and excessive sugar, and limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol that can impact heart health.
- Inculcate gradual mobility by starting with short walks and gradually increasing the distance.
- Do not lift any heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery.
- Some patients may experience post-surgery depression or anxiety which can be managed with support from family, friends, or a certified doctor.
- Manage stress through yoga, breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques.
- Maintain a healthy weight and keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control.
- It is crucial to visit the doctor for your scheduled check-ups to monitor recovery and report any unusual symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Choose Artemis Hospital for Advanced Coronary Artery Disease Treatment In Gurgaon:
Coronary Artery Disease is a serious yet manageable condition. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and prompt medical interventions can significantly improve heart health and prevent fatality. Encouraging regular health check-ups, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential for maintaining cardiovascular well-being.
Artemis Hospitals has a team of experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiovascular experts with 20+ years in treating medical conditions related to the heart with a very high success rate.
For expert care, call us today at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91-959-928-5476. You can also easily schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Your health is our priority—let us help you take the next step toward healing.
Reviewed by -Dr. Rahul Mehrotra
Chief - NIC & Clinical Cardiology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I prevent coronary vascular disease?
Preventing coronary vascular disease is all about taking care of heart health and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here is what you can do to reduce cardiac issues -
- Adopt a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart.
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Control underlying medical conditions that can impact heart
What are the side effects of coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease can cause:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in legs or feet (edema) due to poor circulation
- Increased risk of heart attack and heart failure
Whom should I consult for my coronary artery disease treatment?
Cardiologists specialize in treating conditions associated with heart health. Interventional cardiologists treat heart conditions and have expertise in performing procedures like angioplasty and stenting.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
Signs that you may have high blood pressure include -
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or nosebleeds (in severe cases)
How often should I see a cardiologist if I have CAD?
If you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of CAD, you must undergo a routine check-up after every 6 to 12 months. For moderate to severe CAD symptoms, you are advised toseek a doctor’s consultation every 3 to 6 months and every more frequent visit if you have a history of heart attacks.
Can CAD cause a heart attack?
Yes, severe obstruction in the arteries can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues including heart attacks. Warning signs of heart attack are -
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats and nausea
What foods should I avoid with CAD?
Avoid the following food if you have CAD symptoms -
- Fried & processed foods
- Red meat & high-fat dairy
- Sugary drinks & excessive salt
- Alcohol & smoking
