Is Heart Surgery the Last Recourse?

When people feel discomforts related to the heart the prognosis could be grim. But this is not always the case for a deadly heart attack could creep in silently and extinguish life. But the foreboding is not so grim in most cases as timely diagnosis and treatment can extend the life and provide immense relief.

Most of the serious ailments connected with the heart are congenital while those that afflict in later life are due to lifestyle factors or rarely due to some disease. A surgeon specializing in cardiac ailments has plenty of recourse available to treat maladies that afflict the vital organ, and the blood circulation that is crucial for its health.

When a specialist conducts an angiogram, he or she is looking for clogged arteries that impact the organ besides those prevailing elsewhere that could lead to long-term consequences. Angiography maps blood flow in the circulatory system and accords an accurate picture of cardiac health. This is the beginning of the investigation that enables an accurate diagnosis of the problem that afflicts the vital organ. Depending upon the problem the treatment comprises lifestyle changes, medicines, and minor or major surgeries. The latter is a serious approach to correcting anomalies and extending life.

Cardiac surgery like CABG or coronary artery bypass grafting is most common and is considered minimally invasive. Open heart surgery is deeply invasive where the organ is accessed by opening the chest and reaching deep. In the case of open-heart surgery, the organ may be stopped if required but in some cases, the procedure is conducted while the organ is still beating. This step enables the surgeon to cut, implant, and seal chambers or valves shaped by the involuntary muscles. The chambers and valves form a mechanism that enables the separation of impure blood and the smooth flow of oxygenated pure blood circulated by the arteries. Most of the anomalies in the chambers and valves are congenital while some may be due to lifestyle and aging.

The results of traditional surgeries relating to the cardiac muscle have become promising thanks to techniques and technology developed during the contemporary era. The benefits accrued are: • Better blood circulation• Reduced chest pain • Reduced chances of vascular complication• Reduction in occurrence of stroke• Reduction in occurrence of heart attack• Positive impact on cardiac failure.

Yes, if all the alternatives do not work invasive approach is the last recourse. Thankfully, the prognosis is becoming better and better. The concern after surgery is recommended is immediately that of life preservation, and the cost involved.

While life depends much upon the medical outcome, there are few recourses to managing the finances required. Insurance, Government funds or aid, health travel to destinations where the cost is less. Many countries provide free treatment for ailments to their citizens in public hospitals and clinics. But in spite of free treatment, these hospitals have a long waiting list. In such an instance the elective approach turns into a contingency.

Whether elective surgery or an emergency, people suffering find international health travel an apt solution. In many destinations with quality healthcare, the treatments are available at less cost, and the waiting time could be reduced or there is no waiting time at all.

In private hospitals in India, open-heart surgery may cost around two lakh rupees or more for an inpatient. The approach in the USA could cost around INR 2000000 upwards. As matter of fact, the cost of surgery in India is 1/10 to 1/15 the cost incurred in US and UK for the same procedure and expertise. The stupendous differences in the cost of treatments between the US and India and elsewhere are leading to inbound health travel to India for medical treatments.

International patients arrive in large numbers to countries offering treatments at a much lower cost without any failure in the results.

The medical tourism sector succeeds not only due to affordable treatments since much more is involved. The quality of services, specialized doctors, surgeons, and government policies all combine to make a destination attractive for wellness travel. The other factor that matters are the accredited hospitals that provide care and service. Niche clinics with specialized treatments are most wanted the World over.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.