Heart attack.
Heart disease continues to be one of India's biggest health challenges, with many people developing blocked heart arteries nearly a decade earlier than those in several Western countries. While a heart attack is often thought of as a sudden event, the blockage that causes it usually develops gradually over many years. The good news is that timely diagnosis, early treatment and advances in technology are helping doctors treat heart disease more effectively than ever before.
Don't Ignore the Early Warning Signs
Blocked heart arteries develop when fat, cholesterol and calcium gradually build up inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. As these arteries become narrower, blood flow to the heart reduces.
Early symptoms may seem mild and are often mistaken for acidity, stress or fatigue. Common warning signs include chest pain or heaviness, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, dizziness, or pain that spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck or jaw. Ignoring these symptoms can allow the disease to progress and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Seeking medical attention at the right time can help diagnose the problem early and prevent serious complications.
Every Minute Matters During a Heart Attack
If a heart attack occurs, restoring blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible is the most important step. Delays in treatment can permanently damage the heart muscle and affect its ability to function normally.
Dr. Bharat Shivdasani, Associate Director of Cardiac Interventions, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
says, "When someone suffers a heart attack, time is muscle. Every minute of delay results in irreversible damage to the heart. That's why it is essential to transport the patient to the nearest hospital equipped with a cardiac cath lab facility, where emergency angioplasty can be performed without delay. Our goal is to achieve what is known as the 'Door-to-Balloon' time, ideally within 90 minutes from the patient's arrival at the hospital. The sooner blood flow is restored, the greater the chance of saving heart muscle, preserving cardiac function and ultimately saving the patient's life."
Early treatment not only improves survival but also reduces long-term complications and helps patients recover faster.
Smarter Technology Is Improving Heart Care
Not every blocked artery is the same. Some blockages are soft, while others become hardened because of calcium deposits. Understanding the type of blockage helps doctors choose the safest and most effective treatment.
Today, advanced imaging technologies allow cardiologists to see inside the artery during the procedure instead of relying only on conventional X-ray images. This provides a much clearer understanding of the blockage, helping doctors plan treatment more accurately and ensure that the artery has been treated properly.
Dr. Ganesh Manudhane, Senior Consultant Cardiology, Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai
explains, "Advanced imaging has changed the way we treat blocked heart arteries. It allows us to understand what is happening within the artery and choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Depending on the clinical situation, IVUS or OCT may be used to guide the procedure, helping us make more informed treatment decisions. A significant advancement for Indian cath labs is the availability of a single imaging platform capable of performing both IVUS and OCT on a single console using two dedicated imaging catheters."
Better Treatment for Complex Blockages
Some patients have hard calcium deposits inside their arteries, making them more difficult to treat. Newer technologies can now safely modify these calcium deposits before the artery is opened, allowing treatment to be performed more effectively.
Dr. Chirag Parikh, Interventional Cardiologist, Smt S R Mehta & Sir K P Cardiac Institute, Mumbai
says, "Hard calcium build-up inside the artery remains one of the biggest challenges during angioplasty. In selected patients, technologies such as Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) use gentle sonic pressure waves to modify the calcium, making it easier to safely open the artery safely before treatment. The choice of technique always depends on the patient's condition and the characteristics of the blockage."
Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may also use specialized balloons or medicated stents to restore blood flow. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to the patient's needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Awareness and Timely Action Can Protect Your Heart
While technology has made heart treatment safer and more precise, the biggest difference still comes from acting early. Ignoring symptoms can lead to permanent heart damage, heart failure and other life-threatening complications.
Regular health check-ups, controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco are equally important in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Modern technology is helping doctors diagnose blocked arteries earlier and treat them with greater precision than ever before. But its benefits are greatest when patients seek medical help without delay. Recognizing the warning signs, getting timely treatment and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help protect the heart and allow people to live longer, healthier and more active lives.
Disclaimer: The view/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the brand concerned this should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details
