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Cardiac Surgery | by Dr. Ratan Kumar Das | Published on 31/05/2022
Heart blockage is a term commonly used for patients with coronary artery disease. As the name suggests, it means that there is a block restricting the free flow of blood toward the heart, which in turn affects the flow of blood toward other parts of the body as well. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common heart diseases, and that is becoming a reason for grave concern worldwide.
Heart blockages occur when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged with fatty deposits, which can cause a range of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If left untreated, heart blockages can lead to serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to remove heart blockages and improve heart health. This blog contains information about the different methods to remove heart blockages.
As life has become more convenient with private transport, lifts, escalators, online shopping, etc, people are finding more and more reasons to stay indoors and follow a stagnant lifestyle. Not only this, but unhealthy eating habits are also one of the major reasons responsible for coronary artery disease.
You think ordering food from outside or eating out every now and then is not going to do you any harm. However, experts specialising in coronary angioplasty suggest that these foods contain fats, cholesterol and other unhealthy substances that can get accumulated in your arteries resulting in plaque formation. Luckily, there are effective methods that can help to manage symptoms of heart blockages. In mild to moderate cases, these non-surgical options can also prevent further blockages and prevent the chances of complications. Non-surgical methods to manage heart blockage include -
Lifestyle Changes - One of the most effective ways to remove heart blockages is by making lifestyle changes. By making these changes, you can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart blockages. This can include:
Medications - In some cases, medications may be used to remove heart blockages or prevent them from worsening. These may include -
Surgical methods to remove heart blockages aim to eliminate plaque buildup by using several medical instruments for long-term health benefits. Here are some of the surgical techniques to remove heart blockages -
Angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to remove heart blockages. During an angioplasty, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the blocked artery in the heart. A tiny balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to open the artery and improve blood flow. In some cases, a small mesh tube called a stent may be inserted to help keep the artery open.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a more invasive procedure used to remove heart blockages. During this procedure, a surgeon will take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and use it to bypass the blocked artery, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart.
Laser ablation is a newer treatment option for heart blockages that uses a special laser to dissolve plaque buildup in the arteries. During the procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the blocked artery, and a laser is used to break down the plaque. The debris is then removed through the catheter.
Heart blockages can be a serious condition that requires treatment to prevent further damage to the heart. By making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing minimally invasive or surgical procedures, you can remove heart blockages and improve your heart health. It is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor and follow their recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome.
EECP therapy is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment which uses pressure to improve blood flow. The treatment usually lasts for over seven weeks. While the 100% successful outcome of the procedure is still debatable, this therapy can reduce your need for medications can keep you active without experiencing major symptoms.
Effective procedures for heart blockages include the following surgical techniques -
Depending on the extent of the heart blockage, age, medical health of the individual, and the existence of any other medical condition, the doctor often prescribes medications to eliminate the blockage. However, the effectiveness of medications can vary. Doctors also recommend lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, physical activity, etc. to increase the effectiveness of medications.
Mild to moderate cases of heart blockages can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. However, depending on the age, medical health of the patient, the extent of blockage, etc. the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment may vary.
ECG can detect arrhythmia (irregular beating of the heartbeat) which is a common symptom of heart blockage. Discuss your symptoms with the doctor to know about the effective treatment options for you.
