When to Consult a Cardiologist?
Heart conditions can develop silently, catching many people completely unaware and unprepared. Don’t let that happen to you. Here are some of the scenarios in which you should consult a cardiologist:
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, especially during physical exertion or stress, must never be ignored, as it could be a symptom of angina or other heart-related issues such as coronary artery disease.
Shortness of Breath: Unexplained shortness of breath, particularly during everyday activities or when lying down, may indicate heart failure or other heart conditions. If you find yourself breathing heavily without any exertion, it’s time to consult a cardiologist.
Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): If you feel palpitations on a frequent basis, it could be a sign of an arrhythmia. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure and should be evaluated by a cardiologist.
Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting: Frequent or unexplained episodes of dizziness or fainting can indicate issues such as arrhythmia or heart valve problems. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they could be early signs of a serious condition.
Unexplained Fatigue or Weakness: Constant fatigue or weakness, especially after minimal exertion, could be a sign of heart disease. A cardiologist can help assess the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Swelling in Legs, Ankles, or Feet (Edema): Swelling in the lower extremities could indicate heart failure or poor circulation. If you notice persistent swelling, it's crucial to have it evaluated by a cardiologist.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Hypertension is often called the "silent killer" as it rarely has any noticeable symptoms but significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. If your blood pressure remains elevated, consult a cardiologist.
High Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you have high cholesterol levels, a cardiologist can guide you on how to lower it through lifestyle changes and medication.
Diabetes: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease. Cardiologists can work with diabetic patients to develop a plan to help them manage their blood sugar levels and prevent heart problems.
Family History of Heart Disease: Those who have a family history of heart disease could be at a higher risk of developing a heart problem, even if they don’t currently have symptoms. In such cases, it is advisable to a cardiologist periodically.
Conditions Treated by Cardiologist at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
At Artemis Hospitals, our team of highly experienced cardiologists is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and expertise to offer comprehensive care for all types of cardiovascular conditions. Here are some of the conditions commonly treated by our cardiologists in Gurgaon:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked due to buildup of plaque, causing chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and potentially a heart attack.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A medical emergency where the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. In such scenarios, immediate treatment is essential to minimise damage to heart muscles.
Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): Conditions where the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Common types include atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia.
Heart Failure (Congestive Heart Failure): A condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling, among other symptoms.
Valvular Heart Diseases: Disorders involving one or more of the heart's valves, where the valves do not open or close properly. Common valvular heart diseases include aortic stenosis, mitral valve prolapse, and regurgitation.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Chronic high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Our cardiologists work closely with you to help manage and treat hypertension, and prevent long-term damage.
Congenital Heart Disease: Heart defects present from birth, such as septal defects (holes in the heart), valve abnormalities, and others. Our team provides both medical management and surgical correction as needed.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs or arms get narrow or become blocked, reducing the flow of blood. Besides causing pain, it can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Atherosclerosis: A condition where plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) builds up in the arteries, hardening and narrowing them. If left untreated, it can lead to coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and even a stroke.
Cardiomyopathy: A group of diseases of the heart muscle, which make it harder for the heart to pump blood. This can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complications. Its types include dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A common arrhythmia where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Treatment may involve medication, ablation, or cardioversion.
Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can strain the right side of the heart. If left untreated, pulmonary hypertension can lead to arrhythmias, blood clots, bleeding in the lungs, low oxygen levels, and right-sided heart failure.
Congenital Heart Defects: Those with congenital heart defects, whether previously diagnosed or newly discovered, require specialised care. Congenital heart conditions such as atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale are regularly managed by our cardiologists.
Endocarditis: An infection of the heart's inner lining or valves, often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and attaching to the heart. It is a serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
Pericarditis: Characterised by inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), pericarditis can cause sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. In severe cases, it can lead to fluid accumulation around the heart.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. If untreated, these clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), posing a serious health risk.
These are just some of the conditions treated by our team of cardiologists in Gurgaon. If you have been experiencing any symptom that points towards the possibility of a heart disorder, waste no time in booking an appointment with one of our heart specialists in Gurgaon.
Get Comprehensive Heart Care Under One Roof
Artemis Hospitals offers a full gamut of cardiovascular services for every stage of your heart health journey. Here’s a quick overview of our cardiac services:
Cardiac Diagnostics
At Artemis Hospitals, we employ the latest diagnostic technologies to conduct a thorough assessment of your heart health. These include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): A non-invasive electromagnetic test used to record the heart’s activity to detect irregular heartbeats.
Echocardiography (Echo): An imaging technique that uses ultrasound to produce a picture of the heart, to assess its structure and function.
Stress Testing: Evaluates how well the heart works under stress, which can be induced through physical exercise or pharmacological stimulation.
Holter Monitoring: A type of portable ECG that tracks the heart’s rhythm for a period of 24 hours or more to identify any irregularities.
CT/MRI: Offers detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. Used to detect blockages, valve problems, or other heart conditions.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): An imaging technique that uses a tiny ultrasound probe on a catheter to provide detailed images of the inside of blood vessels.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): An advanced imaging technique that uses light waves to capture high-resolution, detailed images of the inside of blood vessels.
Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR): A diagnostic technique used to measure the pressure differences across a coronary artery blockage to assess its severity.
Electrophysiology Study (EPS): A diagnostic procedure used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and identify arrhythmias.
Interventional Cardiology
Our interventional cardiologists specialise in a spectrum of minimally invasive procedures for a wide range of heart conditions. These procedures offer quick recovery times and may eliminate the need for an open-heart surgery. Here are some of the procedures performed by our interventional cardiologists in Gurgaon:
Transcatheter Aortic/Pulmonary Valve Implantation: A minimally-invasive procedure to replace a diseased or malfunctioning heart valve with an artificial valve. It is generally ideal for patients who are at high risk for traditional surgery.
Mitra Clip: A minimally invasive procedure used to repair a leaking mitral valve (mitral regurgitation), by clipping the valve's leaflets together, offering a possible alternative to open-heart surgery, especially for high-risk patients.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapy: A minimally invasive procedure used to repair or replace a diseased or malfunctioning tricuspid valve, offering an alternative to open-heart surgery, particularly for high-risk patients.
TEVAR/EVAR: TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair) and EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair) are minimally-invasive procedures used to treat aortic aneurysms. TEVAR is used for thoracic aorta, while EVAR addresses the abdominal aorta.
Coronary Angiography (CAG): Coronary angiography is the process of injecting a contrast dye into the arteries using a catheter, after which X-ray images are taken to detect artery blockages and heart abnormalities.
Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting: Angioplasty involves the use of a balloon to open blocked arteries. It is often followed by stenting, which involves placing stents (a small, wire mesh tube) to keep the arteries open.
Pacemaker and ICD Implantation: These devices are implanted under the skin to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms. Pacemakers correct slow heartbeats, while ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) monitor and correct arrhythmias.
Bi-Ventricular Pacemaker Implant/CRT: A device used to improve the heart's efficiency by coordinating the contractions of both ventricles. Typically advised for patients with heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
Balloon Valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed heart valves by stretching them open with a catheter and balloon, to improve blood flow without requiring an open-heart surgery.
Peripheral Angiography and Angioplasty: This procedure is used to treat blocked arteries in the legs, arms or other extremities. It involves using a balloon to open narrowed arteries, and may also require stenting.
Rotablation, IVL: Rotablation involves using a high-speed, diamond-tipped burr to mechanically grind away calcified plaque, whereas Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) involves the use of sound waves. Both are used to treat heavily calcified arteries.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A treatment for arrhythmias, RFA involves using heat energy (delivered through a catheter) to destroy small areas of heart tissue, which are found to be producing abnormal electrical signals.
Lead Extraction: A procedure to remove wires (leads) implanted in the heart to connect a pacemaker or defibrillator. This is typically done when leads are infected, malfunctioning, or no longer needed.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure: A procedure to close small holes in the heart that can cause strokes or other complications by placing a small device via catheter.
Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure: A technique used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation by sealing off the left atrial appendage, a common source of blood clots.
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
When minimally invasive procedures are not enough, our expert cardiac surgeons are equipped to perform even the most complex heart surgeries with precision and care. Here are some of the surgeries commonly performed at Artemis Hospitals:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure to bypass blocked coronary arteries and restore normal blood flow to the heart.
Heart Valve Replacement/Repair: Surgical intervention to replace or repair damaged heart valves, ensuring they function properly.
Congenital Heart Defect Repairs: Corrective surgeries for heart defects present at birth, performed with a high success rate.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Surgical procedures to repair a weakened or bulging area in the aorta, the body’s main artery.
Heart Transplant: A surgical procedure where a failing heart is replaced with a donor heart to treat end-stage heart failure.
LVAD (Artificial Heart Pump): A mechanical device implanted to help the heart pump blood in patients with severe heart failure. Often used as a bridge to transplant.
Vascular/Varicose Vein Surgery: A procedure to remove or treat damaged veins, performed to alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance.
To learn more about the cardiac surgeries performed at Artemis Hospitals, please click here.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
When undergoing treatment for a cardiovascular disorder, it is important to understand that recovery doesn't end after the procedure - in many cases, it’s just half the battle won. Our comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to facilitate the best possible outcomes for patients, ensuring they regain strength, adopt heart-healthy habits, and are able to prevent future heart problems. Our rehabilitation services include:
Exercise Therapy: Supervised exercise programs specifically designed to build and sustain cardiovascular fitness.
Nutritional Guidance: Custom meal plans to promote heart health, manage weight, and prevent heart disorders.
Emotional Support: Counselling and support groups to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of recovering from a heart disease.
Book a Consultation with a Leading Cardiologist in Gurgaon
Health issues are never to be taken lightly, as timely intervention is of paramount importance. If you or someone you know has been experiencing any symptoms of a heart disease, waste no time in consulting a specialist. At Artemis Hospitals, our expert cardiologists are ready to provide personalised care for all your heart health needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our cardiologists in Gurgaon, and take the first step toward a healthier heart. To book an appointment, you can call our centralised customer care number: +91-124-4511111, WhatsApp us at +91-95992-85476, or register on our Online Patient Portal. You can also download and register on our Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.