Post-COVID impact on heart

Some of the most commonly diagnosed post-COVID symptoms are shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and chest pain. These symptoms can be caused due to suffering from a deadly illness such as COVID-19, or it could be related to your cardiac system as an after-effect of your initial COVID infection. You must differentiate between the two symptoms and call for required medical assistance if these problems are related to your heart. Let's learn more about the impact of post-COVID recovery on your heart.

Impact of post-COVID recovery on your heart

It is important to understand that the COVID-19 illness can cause serious and, in some cases, permanent damage to the muscles of your heart. This damage to the muscles of your heart can lead to serious health issues in the future, as damage to the heart leads to problems in the normal functioning of the heart. The damage to your heart can be caused due to the inflammatory actions taken by your body's immune system to protect itself from the COVID-19 virus. The inflammation affects healthy tissues and muscles in every part of your body, which also includes the tissues and muscles of your heart.

The common symptoms of post-COVID recovery such as lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain can be caused due to heart damage caused due to the COVID-19 infection or due to the effect of being very sick for a prolonged period. It is not possible to determine just by the symptoms what are causing them. Proper medical diagnosis and medical testing are required to determine the cause of these symptoms and decide the line of treatment required to cure these symptoms.

As COVID-19 drastically reduces the blood oxygen levels in the body, this can create another problem for patients as they become at high risk for type 2 heart attacks which can be induced by the low blood oxygen levels caused due to COVID-19. People suffering from cardiac diseases or patients at high risk for cardiac diseases are most at risk for type 2 heart attacks during and after a COVID-19 infection. This condition is mostly found in patients suffering from active COVID-19 infection and less in patients that are currently recovering from COVID-19. However, the risk factors and the severity of this risk are high enough to regularly be on a doctor's watch.

Here is a list of symptoms and how you should react to them when you are recovering from COVID-19.

Symptoms	When to call for emergency help	When to call for medical help
Shortness of Breath	● Blood oxygen levels go down to less than 92% ● Shortness of breath starts suddenly without any particular cause or trigger ● Your face or lips start turning pale and bluish	● When your shortness of breath worsens while lying down. ● Shortness of breath leads to you having to exert pressure for breathing normally ● You feel exhausted and fatigued and your ankles start swelling.
Chest Pain	● When the chest pain becomes unbearable ● When the chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath and lasts more than five minutes ● When chest pain also causes nausea, lightheadedness, and sweating.	● When the chest pain remains persistent but is not very high ● When the chest pain is increasing gradually while being persistent ● Sudden chest pain that comes and goes within 15 mins

Conclusion

Your heart is one of the important organs in your body. Any risk to your heart can be fatal and should be taken seriously. COVID is a dangerous disease that has a high risk for cardiac health. You should be under sound and intensive medical care if you are suffering from any of the symptoms as mentioned above. If you or your loved ones are suffering from COVID please be sure to visit Medipulse hospital for the best COVID care with expert doctors that can help you recover and eliminate any risk to your heart during and post-COVID infection. You can trust the quality of care provided at Medipulse hospital as it is the best private hospital in Jodhpur and one of the best private hospitals in the country.

10 Signs which indicate it’s high time to see a cardiologist

For proper functioning of a human body, regular supply of blood as well as oxygen is of utmost importance, and for that, heart is the biggest role player in the whole picture. However, one can experience some warning signs which indicate that his/her heart is not functioning to the fullest.

Following are some of the major signs which signal that it’s high time you need to pay a visit to a cardiologist:-

• If you experience chest pain – At the time of heart attack, the first and foremost sign one gets as an early symptom is chest pain, for the fact that the heart lies just behind the chest of a human. There are a number of reasons for the occurrence of chest pain, however, the biggest reason is one when your heart is not getting enough blood for circulation, possibly caused due to a blocked artery or valve.

• If you have high blood pressure – The force with which blood pushes against the wall of artery levels, commonly known as blood pressure, should be optimum for regular flow of both blood as well as oxygen. If the blood pressure rises abruptly, there are chances that the heart might not be able to regulate the pumping action, which might result in heart attack.

• If you have shortness of breath or dizziness – While there are a multiple number of reasons behind dizziness and is a common phenomenon among humans, the lack of breath is not a mainstream thing to happen. If any one of these, either shortness of breath or dizziness, happens in a severe amount, it signals that the optimum amount of oxygen is not circulated by heart, thus finally resulting in abnormal heart beat.

• If you have diabetes – While the major cause of occurrence of diabetes is lack of insulin in your body causing sugar levels in your blood, this particular disease also affects the smooth operation of the heart. If blood sugar levels are not optimum, the functioning of blood vessels is affected, which can lead to coronary artery disease.

• If you are a constant smoker – There is a strong reason behind your daily packet of cigarettes carrying the phrase ‘smoking is injurious to health’. Regular smoking affects the functioning of lungs, which in turns restricts the flow of oxygen in blood. This eventually disturbs the pumping function of blood from your heart, and can gradually become a major reason behind high blood pressure.

• If you have high cholesterol level in your body – The major sources of cholesterol are the foods you consume and residues from your liver. If there is a sudden increase in the levels of cholesterol in one’s body, primarily due to irregular or unhealthy eating habits, it can lead to formation of plaque in arteries, thereby causing blockage and eventually, flow of blood from heart as well.

• If you have chronic kidney disease – After your heart, your kidneys are the major organ sources which can lead to a potential heart failure, since the major root cause of diabetes mentioned above lies in the ill-functioning of kidneys. Improper functioning of kidneys can result in increase in blood pressure and sugar levels, which over the time can lead to heart failure, if not suddenly.

• If you have a family history of heart disease – Genetics do play a major role in a healthy being of a human. If the previous generation members of a person have had a history of a heart disease, primarily who are in their late years of age, there is a strong possibility of transfer of their genes in their successor, i.e. the concerned person.

• If you have peripheral heart disease – Apart from the major disease directly linked to your heart, if you are suffering from other peripheral ailments linked via other arteries, like leg or arm arteries, and are constantly suffering from pains and aches in those linked body parts, chances are that you might be suffering from a coronary artery disease.

• If you have an inactive lifestyle – If you are someone who has been avoiding the words like ‘exercise’ or ‘workout’ in your life, and lead a pretty inactive lifestyle, it can lead to weak functioning of the heart in the longer run. Regular physical activities on a daily basis, including your exercise regime, results in proper and smooth functioning of heart as well as flow of blood.

In all the aforementioned circumstances, if any one particular cause is something you can relate with, proper consultation and advice from a trained cardiologist will serve good results in a longer run to avoid heart related ailments.

Heart Attack – Signs, symptoms and emergency treatment

Medically known as myocardial infarction, the condition of heart attack is one of the most common ailments, prevalent among the current generation adults, and even many teenagers. While the condition of heart attack among adults occurs prominently in those adults who suffer other medical complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels or simply high age, among children and teenagers, it might happen due to bad cholesterol levels and obesity, caused by improper eating habits or even smoking and alcohol consumption.

Following are the most common symptoms and early signs of a heart attack which usually occurs among people of all age groups:-

• Pressure in chest – If one feels immediate and abrupt pain in the areas surrounding his/her heart, and that prominently includes upper chest, it is considered to be one of the clearest early signs of a heart attack.

• Pain in other parts of the upper body – Apart from the chest, there are other parts of the upper body where pain can happen in the circumstance of a heart attack. These parts of the upper body include upper back, chest and shoulders, and this kind of pain occurs more prominently in women as compared to men.

• Lack of breath – If someone is suddenly feeling shortness while breathing, chances are that it happens due to an incoming condition of heart attack, as the flow of blood and eventually oxygen gets disrupted.

• Sweating – The lack of flow of oxygen and blood can also be determined if someone suddenly starts sweating abruptly, without any heavy physical activity. This kind of heavy sweating is followed by chest pain, which is a clear indication of a heart attack.

• Nausea – While there are many reasons why common nausea occurs to a human, if someone is feeling nausea on a sudden basis, without any major physical activity or body movement, it can lead to heart attack in a couple of minutes.

• Vomiting – In the condition of a heart attack, a person might start vomiting, which is usually followed by nausea or severe pain in the chest, and this condition might occur hours after eating something as well.

• Anxiety – While anxiety is a common phenomenon among individuals who usually take stress, if a person suddenly starts feeling anxious, which can lead to nausea or chest pain, it is also considered to be an oncoming sign of a heart attack.

• Dizziness – Dizziness is usually confused with headache or nausea, but it actually differs from both of them. A person might undergo dizziness followed by nausea or vomiting if he/she is facing the consequences of a blocked artery, obstructing the flow of oxygen.

• Sudden increase in heart rate – While a sudden increase in the pace of heartbeat is a common phenomenon while doing a cardiovascular exercise like running or cycling, if someone is sitting or lying idle and his heartbeat increases suddenly, it is considered to be an early sign of a heart attack.

  While the condition of heart attack is a serious ailment, if treated with immediate effect and time, it can be treated perfectly. Here are the following kinds of treatments usually followed after a person suffers from heart attack:-

• Angioplasty – In this operation, the blocked artery is treated by removing the plaque built up inside it with the help of a balloon.

• Heart bypass surgery – It is one of the most complex treatments when it comes to cardiovascular operations, and requires a lot of time and careful inspection. In this, the flow of blood is rerouted around the area/artery where the blockage of flow of blood has occurred.

• Heart valve surgery – If the blockage of flow of blood happens inside the valves of heart and not arteries, the heart valve surgery is conducted to replace the leaky valves, in order to facilitate the pumping action of heart.

• Heart transplant – If the heart of the person suffered from a heart attack has damaged beyond the boundaries of repairing or operation, his/her heart needs to be replaced completely. This condition usually occurs when heart attack permanently damages the tissues of the heart of the concerned person.

• Pacemaker – A pacemaker is a device which is planted beneath the skin of the affected person. This is done in order to regain the regular rhythm of the heart-beat of the affected person.

In case of a heart attack, the affected person has to be immediately rushed to a hospital, seeking proper medication and further possibilities of operation by a trained cardiologist.

Heart attack – symptoms, factors affecting and possible treatments

One of the most common ailments among the people of the modern world, heart attack or heartburn occurs when there is a chance of obstruction of blood flow towards the heart muscle, caused by a possible blood clot in a particular artery or vein. This reduces the supply of oxygen to the heart as well, which can result in immediate loss of breath and deterioration of the health of your heart, and in severe conditions, it can result in death as well.

Following is a thorough description of the various symptoms and factors related to the condition of heart attack, and what all possible treatments and care which one needs to undergo in this health condition:-

Symptoms of a heart attack:-

1. Chest pain – This is the most common symptom which one faces during the oncoming of a heart attack. When the attack actually happens, one might experience unbearable pain in the center of the chest, which may or may not go after a few minutes.

2. Pain in other parts of the upper body – While chest pain is the most obvious symptom of a heart attack, one must not ignore the pain which can happen in other parts of the upper body, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, or stomach. If the pain persists for longer than required followed by chest pain, it can lead to a heart attack.

3. Breathlessness – This is more common in cases of people suffering from chronic asthma-related issues. Before the heart attack, one might experience breathlessness which may or may not be followed by pain in the chest or other parts of the upper body.

4. Lightheadedness – If one is facing a situation when he/she is about to faint or feel that his body is feeling heavier than his head, chances are that he/she might be having a little circulation of blood towards the brain. This is basically called lightheadedness and is one of the clear symptoms of a heart attack.

5. Cold sweating – If one experiences sweating even under normal room or cold temperature conditions from the face or palms, this is usually one of the rare symptoms of a possible heart attack. In such conditions, it is followed by chest pain or lightheadedness.

Factors affecting heart attack:-

1. Age – People who are usually aged above 60-65 years are more prone to the possibilities of a heart attack. In such age groups, the flow of blood is affected if one is suffering from other ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure.

2. Hereditary chronic ailment – Even if someone is aged below 60-65 years, and is still is in his/her adolescence or youth if one is suffering from a chronic ailment hereditary from his/her ancestors like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, it increases the chances of a possible heart attack.

3. Lack of exercise – If one is practicing regular exercise and workout, he/she will be lesser prone to the possibility of a heart attack, as it ensures the regularity of the flow of blood and healthy practice of clean eating.

4. Gender – Studies have shown that men are more susceptible to the conditions of a heart attack more than women.

Treatments of a heart attack:-

1. Bypass surgery – As the name suggests, bypass surgery involves rerouting the flow of blood around the exact spot where the particular blockage which has led to a heart attack is spotted.

2. Valve surgery – In this operation, the doctor replaces the valves leading to your heart which are leaking due to heart attack, which enables a smoother pumping operation of blood.

3. Angioplasty – This operation involves the process in which the blocked artery is opened up using a balloon, and a wired mesh is inserted into that particular artery, in order to facilitate the flow of blood through the required passage.

4. Heart transplant – In case the damage caused to most of the tissues of your heart is severe, then the heart transplant is considered to be the best and most optimum solution, in order to reduce the possibility of a greater fatality.

5. Medications – Some of the medicines which are usually prescribed by a doctor during the various treatments of heart attack are blood thinners (anti-platelets), nitroglycerin, pain killers and aspirin, apart from clot-breaker drugs and pain killers.

A heart attack is usually an ‘out of the blue’ phenomenon, which can happen suddenly. In such cases, the patient should be rushed to the hospital as nearby as possible. For ensuring optimum treatment of it, the doctors in the emergency ward in a hospital do attend the concerned patient for preliminary treatment, followed by a thorough treatment by a professional cardiologist.

How Does COVID-19 Affect The Heart?

Novel Coronavirus is not new anymore. The Pandemic has completed a year mark since its inception in Wuhan, China. Commonly known as COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 is known for its deadly infection in the nose, lungs, and upper throat. As the cases increased, there have been reports of the virus affecting different people in different ways, particularly in the lungs, kidneys, and heart. Most people develop mild to moderate illness and recover in time while others suffer calamitously.

Recent reports suggest vandalism of the heart has emerged as yet another serious outcome of the virus among other possible complications. COVID-19 is a disease that ranges from bare symptomatic to censorious illness. Many among those infected have been reported to develop cardiac diseases either unanticipated or as a complication of preceding cardiovascular illnesses. Besides, some reports point out clinical events, which suggests patients’ existing conditions were cardiovascular rather than respiratory.

How does the Novel Coronavirus affect the Heart?

Since the inception of the COVID, there have been different reports based on contrasting symptoms of the patients. Some have had breathing troubles while others were seen rattling cardiac illnesses. Even in the early stage of COVID-19, there were reports apprising the extent of heart diseases among patients hospitalized in Wuhan, China. Since then, many other reports have upheld that cardiac diseases can be a part of COVID-induced suffering.

Though the source and recency of the cardiac illness yet not well established but reports suggest it likely involves increased stress due to respiratory failure, lung diseases, hypoxemia, direct myocardial infarction, or any indirect injury due to inflammatory response. Many cases of myocardial infarction in COVID-19 patients suggest proof of cardiovascular infections but do not highlight the means.

Autopsies report inflammation consisting of macrophages and CD4+ T cells. About 7% of the cases with heart diseases are seen to have an acute cardiac injury(ACI) caused by a possible profusion of ACE type 2 receptor in the cardiovascular system that binds with spike protein of COVID-19.

Other reports suggest that there is a tenfold rise in the number of deaths due to high-sensitivity-Troponin. About 15% of the cases were reported to have different types of arrhythmia caused by irregular respiratory conditions.

Fever and inflammation drive the heart rate and increases metabolic demand on the heart, further diminishing oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Patients are also seen to develop tiny blood clots that clog the vessels in the heart and even in the other organs like kidneys, disposing them of oxygen and essential nutrients leading to multisystem failure. This can result in cytokinesis caused by the release of cytokines giving rise to tissue injury and organ damage.

Does COVID-19 affect the heart even after recovery?

Though there is yet no definitive mechanism that suggests a potential increase in heart failure due to COVID-19, there are growing numbers of studies that suggest that the pandemic survivors experience some type of cardiac disorder. Studies also suggest that patients with no early diagnosis of underlying heart diseases were also seen to have some type of infection in the heart after the recovery. These infections vary from person to person.

Infections like myocarditis could lead to heart failure. Reports based on MRIs of patients recovered from COVID-19 found unusualness in the heart and myocardial infections. Some studies have found high levels of hs-troponin, even in the patients who weren’t hospitalized.

Be mindful of emergencies

With little information and varying outcomes, it is difficult to identify who is at more risk. A lot of people end up feeling exhausted even after the recovery. The above data suggests the importance of good cardiovascular health among COVID-19 patients. Timely diagnosis and treatment play a significant role in recovery.

We know there is physical, economic, and social chaos around the world due to the virus. Even if you do not have it yourself, such times can put you through hardships and intensify the risk of all sorts of stress-related illnesses. For those with preexisting heart diseases, it is important to practice good heart health. Being watchful of sanitization, a proper exercise regimen, and eating well is the key to a healthy heart and body. Also, staying connected with family and friends through the Internet by maintaining social distancing, can also help you overcome emotional stress.

People with the underlying disease should confer with their health professionals concerning uncertain risks and circumstances to determine whether additional precautions are required.

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.

Heart Diseases and Health in Women: What You Should Know About It

Heart disease is a broad term, very commonly interchangeably used for cardiovascular diseases. Heart or cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, heart failure, arrhythmia, congenital heart diseases, peripheral artery diseases, and many other diseases.

In India and around the globe, heart diseases are commonly believed to affect men more in comparison to women. However, it is a misconception that many types of research have proved wrong. In India, statistics suggest that the number of women dying from heart diseases has increased exponentially, in comparison to men.

In women, unlike men, heart disease does not show serious symptoms. However, fatigue, nausea, chest discomfort, and short breath are some common signs that women experiencing heart disease observe. Since these symptoms are common and are ignored in most cases.

So in this blog, we bring you a few key facts that are related to female health and heart diseases. Go through them and prevent yourself or your loved ones from life-threatening diseases at the right time.

Risks Factor Leading To Heart Diseases among Women:

Heart diseases are sometimes an outcome of many other medical conditions affecting the overall health of females. While specialists have observed that heart diseases are not commonly caused due to any one of the risks given below, it is observed that a combination of multiple conditions may lead to it. So, here is a list of medical conditions that can lead to heart diseases among females.              

●       Diabetes

●       Smoking Habit

●       Pregnancy Complications

●       Depression

●       Stress

●       Menopause

●       Inflammatory Diseases

●       Sedentary Lifestyle

These medical conditions lead to hormonal imbalance in the body, exerting excessive pressure on the heart.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Heart Diseases In Women:

The risk of heart diseases mentioned above can be controlled by mitigating the risk factors given above. Some of the ways to delay or control heart diseases among females include:

●       Keep A Check On Blood Pressure

●       Keep Your Cholesterol Levels Under Control

●       Maintain A Healthy Weight

●       Limit Alcohol Consumption

●       Restrict Smoking

●       Manage Stress

●       Keep Diabetes Under Control

●       Sleep Well, Reduce Stress, Exercise Regularly

A healthy lifestyle is a solution to all medical conditions leading to major heart diseases. Eat healthily, exercise well and manage stress are among the top three solutions suggested by specialists to heart patients.

Just as it is commonly said for every medical problem, “Precaution is better than cure,” it is the case with heart diseases too. Early diagnosis of heart disease can prevent serious problems in the future.

A wise decision in such cases is to visit a cardiologist if one or a few symptoms of heart problems are visible. To provide the best consultation, the team of cardiologists in Jodhpur at Medipulse Hospital is available on appointment booking. The team of specialists at Medipulse Hospital includes experienced professionals like Dr Vineet Jain and Dr Bharat Rathi. Call today and book an appointment for a healthy heart for a lifetime! 

Why is effective rapid care In cardiac emergencies required?

7 Evidence-Based Ways To Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

For years, medical researchers have been stating that heart and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Not only that; but heart diseases have also been the leading cause of disability and paralysis in the world. With an open war front against heart diseases, the world is slowly moving towards living a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that issues like these do not become the cause of a person’s happiness disappearing into medical bills.

This is why one of the best ways to save someone’s life and save the money that goes into treatment costs and medicines is to prevent heart diseases from occurring in the first place. So here are 9 effective prevention and control factors for cardiovascular diseases that are based in research.

How to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases Through Lifestyle Changes?

● Avoid Smoking and Tobacco: Smoking tobacco or using smokeless tobacco is the worst thing that a heart can be put through. Even for people who do not smoke, secondhand smoke can be a pain point. The chemicals in tobacco can be a serious risk factor towards the heart and the blood vessels.

● Activity: Regular physical activity on a daily basis can significantly reduce the risk of not only cardiovascular diseases but also a number of other conditions that may result from or may be the cause of heart diseases as well. Aiming for at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity can go a long way in maintaining the health of the heart.

● Eating Healthy: The body requires a certain amount of nutrients every day which are transported through the bloodstream to different parts of the body. While some foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meats, fish, whole grain, and low-fat dairy and oils are proven to be great for the heart, an increased intake of salt, sugar, processed carbohydrates, alcohol, and saturated fat can deal huge damages to the heart and the body.

● Weight Management: Being overweight is the leading cause of heart diseases in the world. Obesity often comes with several other problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes; these are often the biggest cause of cardiovascular diseases.

● Sleep Management: Sleeping less than required has bigger problems than just making a person yawn through-out the day. Lack of sleep can cause a number of issues, which also includes heart attacks. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep every day to function properly. However, if a person who gets enough sleep and still feels tired through the day, he/she must immediately see a doctor for sleep apnea, which is also a cause of cardiovascular diseases, as it caused excessive pressure on the heart.

● Stress Management: Stress is when the body’s systems cannot cope up with the demands that are being put up against it, be it physical, mental, or emotional. And the easiest method people tend to cope up with stress is by developing harmful habits like overeating, drinking, or smoking, all of which are leading causes of heart diseases.

● Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the amount of force that the blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels in the body. A high blood pressure can put the person at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases as the heart has to work extra to pump the blood through the body.

With heart diseases becoming more common by the day, especially inflicting young individuals in their prime, the need of the hour has shifted towards creating a better and healthier lifestyle. For maintaining your health as you go about your life, consult an expert cardiologist in Jodhpur at Medipulse Hospital. Live your life to the fullest without letting the risk of heart diseases anywhere near you, as you make the choice about how you want to live with Medipulse.

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.

Common Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) is one of the most common birth anomalies in newborns. As per an estimate, every year, nearly 200,000 children are born with congenital heart disease in India. However, not all CHD are life-threatening, and with timely diagnosis and care, parents can ensure a healthy and normal life for their children.

Congenital heart diseases are primarily classified into two types i.e., Cyanotic and Acyanotic CHD. In Cyanotic CHD, the heart starts circulating oxygen-deficient blood to other parts of the body. Lower than normal oxygen levels in the blood turn the skin bluish or purplish. Contrary to this, Acyanotic CHD blocks blood flow from the left side to the right side of the heart. In the worst of cases, acyanotic CHD can damage atrial or ventricular walls, heart valves, or large blood vessels.

CHD symptoms may appear soon after birth or during the later stages of childhood. Though not all cases are life-threatening, CHD can lead to major complications in the heart walls, valves, and blood vessels during later stages of life. With timely diagnosis and effective lifestyle changes, children with CHD can easily lead a healthy normal life. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in timely CHD treatment and care. In this blog, we share some common symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants, children, and adults.

Congenital Heart Disease Symptoms

 They are no particular symptoms for heart-related problems from birth. In fact, at times, individuals find out about their heart-related anomalies much later during adulthood. Heart care specialists suggest that shortness of breath or fatigue during physical activity without any specific reason can be signs of congenital heart diseases. Usually, doctors suggest diagnosis like chest X-ray or ECG to confirm CHD. Other than sudden fatigue and breathlessness, few other symptoms can indicate heart anomalies in newborns and children. These include:

●       Trouble in breathing.

●       Loss of appetite or difficulty in feeding.

●       The bluish or pale gray color of lips, skin, fingers, and toes.

●       Lower than normal weight during birth or infancy.

●       Complaints of chest pain.

●       Slower or delayed growth.

In any of the above cases, parents must proactively consult a doctor as early diagnosis of CHD is essential for ensuring fewer complications in the long term. Further, for adults who are carrying congenital heart diseases, the following symptoms necessitate an immediate visit to the doctor.

●       Sudden abnormal heartbeats coupled difficulty in breathing.

●       Feeling dizzy or unsteady without any good reason.

●       Swelling of body tissue or organs (edema).

A Few Words For Parents

It is normal to be disheartened to find out that your child has congenital heart disease, but as a parent, you should know that proper care and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce CHD related complications. In critical cases, surgery has proved effective in ensuring a healthy and normal heartbeat for children with CHD. Medipulse has conducted several pediatric cardiac surgeries and intervention procedures with near 100% success rate. The department is led by highly renowned and reputed pediatric cardiologist Dr. Himanshu, along with other team of experts. Together with their expertise, they have helped children and adults with CHD live a happy and healthy life.