Which is the most common type of congenital heart defect in infants?

Pediatric Cardiology is a branch of medical science that deals with defects or diseases of the heart in children. With the population and birth rate of India in mind, it might not be shocking to know that the incidence of congenital diseases, or heart problems that children are born with, is increasing at an alarming rate.

What is even more alarming is the fact that there is little to no knowledge about these conditions in the populace, especially in urban India. The rural areas are still untouched by many miracles of modern science, which is why the mortality rate of children with congenital heart diseases makes complete sense. So what are these congenital heart diseases that are becoming the bane of young lives? Can they be treated after a timely diagnosis?

This blog discusses the most common congenital heart diseases and their treatment options in detail.

Common Congenital Heart Diseases with their Treatments

●       Ventricular Septal Defect

The lower chamber of the heart is called the ventricle, which is then divided into 2 parts, the right and left ventricles, by a wall of cardiac muscles. A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall of the ventricle. Diagnosed by a murmuring sound in the heartbeats, VSDs often put the babies at risk of congestive heart failure.

Treatment: For larger holes, the doctors treat the baby to close the defect within four to six months of birth. The surgeons sew a patch over the hole from the right ventricle, which is then integrated into the muscles of the heart. This resolves the problem with no need for any further treatment.

●       Atrial Septal Defect

The atrium is the upper chamber of the heart, divided into 2 parts, the right and left atriums. The Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is an abnormal hole in the wall of the atrium in the heart and is often asymptomatic, which means that they occur without any symptoms.

Treatment: About 80% of the cases of ASD close on their own as the infant progresses into childhood. In the Secundum of ASD, the hole is closed through catheterization, where the child only has to stay in the hospital for a night. The other 3 types of ASD require a one-time surgery with no further intervention required.

●       Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

A combination of 4 different heart conditions, Tetralogy of Fallot causes oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Diagnosed in the fetus, or immediately after birth, TOF is often accompanied by symptoms like bluish skin, rapid breathing, fainting, and a heart murmur.

Treatment: Surgery is important for children suffering from TOF, which is usually done at the age of 6 months. This involves placing a stent in the right ventricular outflow tract, alongside placing a tube between the aorta and the right pulmonary artery. Patients may need further surgeries as they age, which is mostly a pulmonary valve replacement.

●       Single Ventricle Defects

An abnormality of the heart where instead of 2 there is only 1 ventricle in the heart. In infants, this condition is often coupled by lower oxygen levels and blue skin, also known as cyanosis.

Treatment: Because of a missing ventricle, children have to go through a number of surgeries to reroute the oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. Even with an 85% success rate, these children will require a mechanical implant in the heart muscle or a transplant later in life because of having a single ventricle.

Apart from these common conditions, there are several others like Pulmonary Valve Stenosis, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Patent ductus arteriosus, and Dextro-transposition of the great arteries. For more information, you can consult Dr Himanshu Tyagi, the leading pediatric cardiologist doctor in Jodhpur. He is a consultant at the Pediatric Cardiology Department of Medipulse Hospital and has performed more than 250 surgeries on children suffering from Congenital Heart Diseases. Book an appointment, now.

Here’s What the Experts Say about the Link between Thyroid and Cholesterol

For people who have been suffering problems like obesity, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, etc., the terms "Thyroid" and "Cholesterol" may seem a little too familiar. Doctors often tell patients about the importance of keeping a check on both of these to stay healthy. Thyroid and cholesterol may be completely different from each other, but the deep connection between these 2 is often unexplored or underrated in its importance.

Before exploring the connection, one must know the basics of what thyroid is and what is the role of cholesterol in a person’s body.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is the fuel that is present in every cell of the body, which is used to produce the various enzymes and hormones that are essential for the body’s functioning. In the bloodstream, cholesterol can be divided into 2 categories:

●       HDL or High-Density Cholesterol is healthy for the heart as it helps in the removal of excess cholesterol.

●       LDL or Low-Density Cholesterol is unhealthy for the heart as it can clog the arteries through accumulation. This results in blockages, heart attacks, and strokes.

What is Thyroid?

A butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, the thyroid produces hormones that are essential in regularising the metabolism. Basically, it helps in the conversion of food and oxygen into useful energy, which is crucial to the functioning of organs, including brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. The pituitary gland controls the thyroid, which directs the release of thyroid hormones on sensing low levels of the same in the body.

Conditions of the Thyroid

The thyroid can be too little or too many hormones in some cases, both of which are harmful conditions for the body.

●       Hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid, or the condition of producing too little hormones makes a person feel sluggish, cold, tired, or in pain.

●       Hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, or the condition of producing more hormones than needed gives the person an elevated heart rate. This is often what makes a person shaky and nervous.

Connection Between Thyroid and Cholesterol

Thyroid hormones are an important part of the mechanism that makes the good cholesterol and gets rid of the bad cholesterol that the body doesn’t need. The reaction that the body gives under different conditions of Thyroid is different.

●       For hypothyroidism, the body becomes unable or incapable of removing the excess of LDL, which results in sudden weight gain and other problems related to obesity, including heart diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. It even results in a lowered heart rate and lethargy.

●       With hyperthyroidism, the effects are exactly the opposite. When there is too much breakdown of cholesterol, the levels get abnormally low, causing sudden weight loss. This increases heartbeat, causing sensitivity to heat, nervousness, incessant shaking, and trouble in sleep. Hyperthyroidism also increases the frequency of bowel movements.

If you have any of the symptoms that relate to an issue of the Thyroid, the better advice will be to get the levels of the Thyroid hormones, and cholesterol checked out through a lipid profile. This will help you gauge the condition better. For a full body checkup in Jodhpur, consider the best hospital in town, Medipulse, where you can have state of the art facilities and great service, alongside attractive packages for you and your family.

Hole In The Heart: Know The Diagnosis and Right Treatment

The heart is the powerhouse of the entire body, pumping blood into every cell of the body. Even the slightest problem in the heart can lead to significant repercussions resonating throughout the body. But what if a person is born with a defect in their heart, like a hole in the heart?

A Septal defect is a congenital condition, present in the person at the time of his birth. A hole in the heart is known to impede the natural working of a human heart by altering the blood flow inside the heart. How does it function and what treatments are available for filling up the hole? Here is an article that addresses the congenital condition of septal defects or hole in the heart.

The Heart and The Hole

A human heart has two chambers where the right chamber receives oxygen-deficient blood, which is then transferred to the lungs. The lungs transport oxygen-rich to the left chamber, which then sends it out to the rest of the body. The wall that divides these two chambers is called the septum, which prevents the mixing of blood between the two sides of the heart.

The chambers are then further divided into two parts each, where the upper one is called the atrium, and the lower one is called ventricle. This information is essential to understand the complications a hole in the heart can create.

 A small number of babies are born with a hole in the septum wall of their heart which allows the mixing of oxygen-poor and oxygen rich blood, sending oxygen-rich blood to the lungs, and oxygen-deficient blood to the body. As a result, children, and sometimes adults can develop dangerous conditions like shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, feet, and abdomen, skipped beats, and stroke.

 When this hole happens in the upper septum wall, it is called an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), while when the hole is present in the lower septum wall, it is called a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).

 Symptoms of a Hole in the Heart

In several cases of an Atrial Septal Defect, the symptoms are either not very evident or are physically absent. However, when they do occur, a heart 'murmur' is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

●       Fatigue

●       Short Breath

●       Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen

●       A buildup of blood and fluid in the lungs, feet, ankles, and legs.

For Ventricular Septal Defect, a murmur is the only symptom of a hole in the heart.

 Diagnosis of Septal Defect

Symptoms, as mentioned above, are definite signs that there is something wrong with a person's heart. In many cases of ASD, the symptoms do not show up until the age of 30 as well. This delays the diagnosis process in most cases. In cases of a VSD, the heartbeat has a distinct murmur that is heard through the stethoscope but does not happen until the baby turns at least 6 to 8 weeks old. Here is how doctors diagnose a hole in the heart.

●       Echocardiography: A painless device that uses soundwaves to create an image of the heart.

●       EKG: A device that records the heart’s electrical activity.

●       Chest X-Ray: X-rays take pictures of the inside of a person’s body, revealing any kind of discrepancy.

●       Pulse Oximetry: It is a device that calculates the amount of oxygen in the blood.

●       Cardiac Catheterization: A small flexible tube is inserted into the veins through an arm, groin, or neck, and is then threaded to the heart. A dye is then added to the blood flow, which is monitored by the doctors for any abnormal flow.

 Treating the Hole in The Heart

Most of the septal defects do not actually require treatment as they heal on their own in childhood or well into adulthood. However, medium-sized and large holes do require treatment as they can be the cause of heart failure and other cardiac conditions. There are two kinds of treatments available:

Open Heart Surgery: The cardiologist opens up the chest cavity and repairs the cavity with a special patch. The child is kept on a heart and lung bypass surgery during the operation to allow cutting into their heart. The patient is discharged 3 to 4 days after the surgery.

Catheter Procedure: A catheter is entered through a vein in the groin and threaded up to the heart. Inside the catheter is an umbrella-like device which is placed onto the hole to block it up. The tissues grow over the device within 6 months, with no need to remove it as the child grows.

These procedures have a high rate of success and ensure that a child goes on to live a happy, active, and comfortable life. As far as the cause is concerned, doctors are not really sure what causes congenital heart defects. However, if there is any question that you need, then visit the best Dr. Himanshu Tyagi overlooking the Department of Paediatric Cardiology at Medipulse Hospital, Jodhpur.

Trans-Radial and Trans-Femoral Approach for Angioplasty

Medicine and healthcare are the sectors that have largely benefitted with the advancement in technology. Technology has not only improved the quality of results in the field but has also accelerated the growth. There are millions of research and development programs undergoing to discover a breakthrough technology that would improve the quality of people’s life. One such discovery that has become a frontier in treatment is Angioplasty.

In Angioplasty, a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel to the site of the blockage, which leaves the blood vessel open. The catheter has a balloon attached which expands once inside, pushing the material away. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter is removed. This procedure requires small incision either in the groin or wrist, causing minimal invasion.

There are two approaches to perform Angioplasty: Radial Angioplasty and Femoral Angioplasty. Let's study them in detail:

1. Femoral Angioplasty

Traditionally, Angioplasty was performed by making a small incision in the groin area. The catheter is inserted in the femoral artery, i.e., the artery supplying the leg.

1. Radio Angioplasty

A recent development, wherein the incision is made in the wrist. The catheter is inserted in the artery supplying the hand. It has become one of the most frequently used routes.

Even though angiography is performed to determine the most suitable treatment option for the patient, Radial angioplasty is preferred widely as it has proved to be a safer and more convenient option in most cases.

Trans Radial Angioplasty over Trans Femoral Angioplasty?

Femoral Angioplasty has a long history of success, and as it is a traditional method of performing the surgery, more doctors are trained in this procedure. Moreover, this procedure is highly suggested to patients with extensive peripheral artery disease. However, the process entails the following:

1. The patient is required to stay flat for 4-6 hours.

2. There are high chances of bleeding and blood collection at the local site.

3. Chances of backache and difficulty in passing urine.

 Advantages of Radial Angioplasty:

1. Less discomfort and reduced risk of bleeding.

2. The patient can move around as soon as the effect of anesthesia vanishes.

3. The patient is allowed to eat and drink after the procedure.

4. Reduced hospital stay.

With numerous benefits to offer, the trans-radial approach has become a first-choice approach for many doctors and patients alike.

With the advent of hardware and technology in the coming years, the medical industry is going to witness and welcome simpler and safer interventions. Incorporating the latest technology and medical equipment to provide quality treatment and care to the patients, Medipulse has been ranked as the top private hospital in Jodhpur. Headed by one of the best cardiologists in Jodhpur, Dr. Vineet Jain, the cardiology department ensures the best possible treatment of the patient.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetic Patients

Inside the human body, the various systems that keep a person alive are interdependent on each other to carry out their functions. But quite often, we witness situations that cause the failure or shortcoming of one of these organs, causing the other to fail as well. This concept sits at the very core of Diabetes, a condition in which the body’s ability to maintain glucose levels (or blood sugar levels) fails.

Diabetes is caused when the body cannot make enough insulin or does not make optimal use of available insulin, a hormone that turns glucose into usable energy for the cells of the human body. As dangerous as diabetes may seem for the body, it opens the doors of a patient’s body to something much worse; cardiovascular diseases.

Are Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases Related?

Yes, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases are related in more profound ways. Heart diseases are caused by narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in essential regions of the heart and chest cavity. If it gets delayed, it leads to heart attacks, chest pains, and strokes. With blood glucose levels rising due to diabetes, the damage to blood vessels and nerves goes into hyperdrive. The longer a person has had diabetes, the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases increase rapidly.

Consider these stats from around the world:

●       68% of diabetic patients above the age of 65 die because of some form of heart disease, out of which, about 16% die of stroke.

●       Diabetic adults are 200% to 400% more likely to contract heart diseases than non-diabetic adults.

●       A premier world organization for cardiac health considers diabetes as one of the top 7 causes or factors of Cardiovascular diseases.

Why People With Diabetes Have Higher Risk of Heart Diseases?

Diabetes is a condition that can significantly affect the overall health of a person's heart and circulatory system if it’s in full swing. Even though it can be controlled to the limit that it can become almost dormant, however, its very nature is quite dangerous for other vital organs of our body. Excessive blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes accelerate the damage to the heart in the following way.

●       High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes, collaboratively, provide severe damage to the heart. This is simply because hypertension puts abnormally high pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, and diabetes works to damage the walls of the vessels.

●       Bad Lipid Profile: Diabetes instantly causes the level of bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides shoot up, while the good cholesterol (HDL) levels take a sudden dip. These conditions perfectly replicate the early symptoms of heart diseases.

●       Obesity: Insulin resistance has a strong link to obesity in humans, which in turn also is one of the major contributing factors in the development of heart diseases.

●       Sedentary Lifestyle: One of the major risk factors for both diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, is physical inactivity. With proper and timely exercising, a person can reduce the chances, delay, and even prevent conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

●       Abnormal (High) Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes increases blood sugar level to dangerous levels, which in turn, harm the heart and kidneys to irreparable extents.

●       Smoking: Smoking, in general, is a risk factor for the human body, especially to diabetic patients. It makes our body resistant to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar level. Such dangerous sugar level in our body warrants extreme problems for many organs, including the heart.

How to Stop Diabetes From Giving You a Heart Attack?

The simplest way is to manage the ABCSs in a person.

●       A for A1C test: the A1C test shows the average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months, which is a different measure than the daily sugar level checks. The goal is to keep this level below 7 percent.

●       B for Blood Pressure: A high blood pressure makes the person’s heart work harder to keep the blood pumping, which can harm a lot of other organs, alongside the blood vessels.

●       C for Cholesterol: Reducing bad cholesterol levels and getting more good cholesterol in the system will keep the blood vessels healthy.

●       S for Stress and Smoking: Smoking and Stress are the two biggest risk and contributing factors in taking a person’s diabetes to cardiovascular disease levels.

Diabetes is definitely a condition that can escalate even the simplest of problems to catastrophic levels. That is why, for even the simplest of symptoms, make sure that you take care of your cardiac health by visiting the best heart specialist hospital in Jodhpur, Medipulse. With the team of expert doctors always monitoring the situations, Medipulse is where you can get the best care for your heart. Visit now for a consultation and to secure your heart better.

Why should you opt for Off-pump bypass surgery?

In the last couple of decades, Coronary-Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) or bypass surgery was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass or “on-pump.” A desire to improve the outcomes of surgery led to technological advances. These technological advances have made surgery on a beating heart possible and techniques to perform CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump), were developed. The surgical instruments used in these kinds of surgery limit the motion only to the areas where the heart is being operated.

According to a study, approximately every 10 minutes, someone is undergoing off-pass bypass surgery somewhere. In this process, the surgeon removes a section of healthy artery from the healthy area of the body. The removed section, called graft, is then attached to the area of the heart above and below the blockage, restoring the normal blood flow. But, why one should opt for off-pump bypass surgery over on-pump surgery? 

Improved Outcomes

A research study proved that off-pump bypass surgery improves outcome in high-risk patients compared to on-pump coronary artery bypass. The surgery has been found associated with a reduction in the odds of cerebral stroke and other related issues.

Excellent for High-Risk Patients

In high-risk patients, off-pump surgery must be strongly considered. Research studies have proved that certain people, for instance, with advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta, chronic lung disease, or kidney problems, are likely to receive more benefits. The surgeons mostly prefer off-pump for reduced risks for infection and lesser postoperative inflammation.

Improved Quality of Life

The off-pump surgery improves the physical and mental health components notably. While the metabolic needs of various organs and muscle tissues are higher in on-pump than in off-pump. The depression and anxiety scores also decrease significantly in off-pump techniques.

Lower Complications

As the off-pump technique is comparatively new, the complications are quite less. The complications like accelerated fibrinolysis, renal impairment, coagulopathies associated with platelet dysfunction, etc., can be avoided or at least reduced largely.  Besides, the surgery also has reduced morbidity or mortality rate.

Indeed, off-pump surgery is more beneficial than the conventional bypass surgery. However, an expert healthcare provider must be considered for undergoing such surgeries to avoid risks. Medipulse houses experienced doctors and have a world-class infrastructure for performing these surgeries. Dr. Rajeev Gehlot , the most renowned heart specialist in Jodhpur, heads the department of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. His expertise and precision have made numerous heart surgeries successful in Rajasthan.