Advanced Centre for Cardiology Treatment at Fortis Hospitals Bangalore

Heart, the muscular and chief organ in the human body is all about you. Your wellness, happiness, emotions, swing between hope and despair and not to forget lack of fitness - the heart bears it all. A healthy heart means an awesome you as it performs a plethora of functions between every contraction and relaxation. It not only pumps oxygenated blood through the body, but also aids other organs in functioning at the optimum level even as it strikes a fine balance between physical and mental health. 

Unfortunately, uncertainties are a part of life, and many youngsters are falling prey to the heart ailments even before turning 30. With anxiety, stress, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity forming the epicentres of our lifestyle, heart is carrying the brunt. 

Caring for your heart needs not just making lifestyle changes but a great team of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, exceptionally trained paramedical staff, state-of-the-art invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Cardiology, being the chief branch of medicine is vast and at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, we offer a holistic treatment plan that suits each individual patient. Cardiac patients require round-the-clock monitoring till they recover fully, regular follow-ups for preventing any surprise the heart might sprung up.

Heart attacks, heart stroke, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, peripheral vascular disease are the most often reported conditions of this organ which requires utmost timely care and intervention for saving the life.  

Treatments & Procedures:         

Angiography: 
Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure to check the conditions related to heart and blood vessels. It is done to rule out an impending heart attack or if the patient complains about intense chest pain, left arm discomfort, abnormal results noticed in other diagnostic tests. The procedure is aided by an x-ray machine, even as the dye gets inserted into blood vessels. As the images get flashed, the interventional cardiologist would be able to diagnose clogged arteries. In case of blocked arteries, angioplasty will be done subsequently. 

Angioplasty:
Angioplasty also referred as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is a life-saving and crucial procedure, done on a war footing basis in case of heart attack or myocardial infarction. Angioplasty clears blocked arteries and restores immediate flow of blood to the heart. During this procedure, a balloon placed at the tip of a thin catheter is inserted into the main artery via arm or thigh in few cases, which later gets inflated for opening the clogged artery. Once the artery gets opened, a metal stent – the medicated one gets inserted for facilitating the flow of blood. Stent stays in the body and releases the medication even as it ensures uninterrupted blood flow, thus preventing further heart attacks. 

Echocardiography:
Echocardiography or 3Dimensional Echocardiography is recommended for completely evaluating the functioning of both left and right ventricles, ejection fraction with the help of images. In certain an advanced cardiograph might be required for better imaging in case of atrial and ventricular septal defects, blocked heart valves and other abnormalities. 

Cardiac Electrophysiology:
A minimally invasive study, an electrophysiology is performed for assessing the heart’s electrical system or activity for diagnosing abnormal heartbeats also known as arrhythmia. The expert cardiologist performs this test by inserting catheters and wire electrodes for measuring electrical activity, through blood vessels entering the heart. It is usually done through groin or neck region. 

Stress Tests:
A treadmill test or a stress test assesses how your heart functions during intense activity like exercise, work. This helps the doctor to assess if the blood supply is getting reduced or if the heart is overworking while running on the treadmill. This test also simultaneously measures heart rate, blood pressure, ECG for better assessment. 

Holter Monitoring:
A non-invasive technique, Holter monitoring of the heart is for assessing and evaluating the heart’s activity for a period of 24 hours to 48 hours. Holter monitors are portable devices, operated by battery and is attached to the skin with electrodes. It is recommended in case the patient complains irregular heart rate – fast or slow, dizziness. This test is also recommended evaluating the functioning of pacemaker. 

Pacemaker:
Pacemaker is recommended for regulating small electrical changes in heart and to prevent sudden slowdown of heart rate. It is done in case of tachycardia (faster heartrate) or bradycardia (slower heartrate). Done under local anaesthesia, it is implanted through a small incision near the shoulder, through which a wire is inserted via vein to the heart and a small electrode is then attached at the heart’s right ventricle. The other end is then connected with the pulse generator containing battery and electrical circuits. The battery lasts up to 8 to 9 years and the patient would require a new pacemaker, if it wears down.