Latest news with #Cathlab
News18
07-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Keep Your Cholesterol In Check: Here's What Doctors Wish You Knew About High LDL Cholesterol
Last Updated: Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities Across the country, episodes of heart-related conditions like heart attacks are becoming increasingly common. But doctors are raising an alarm: high LDL cholesterol (also known as 'bad cholesterol") is showing up more frequently in India's younger population and it's a silent threat. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities. Behind many of these cases lies high LDL cholesterol, which plays a critical role in blocking arteries and triggering conditions like atherosclerosis and strokes. Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Cathlab, Apollo Hospital, Indore, says, 'The role of LDL cholesterol (LDLC) in the development of atherosclerosis is well documented, where LDLC tends to accumulate and form plaque, creating blockages in the arteries and restricting blood flow. What makes it even more concerning is that high LDLC, like most heart conditions, doesn't show any symptoms. By the time there is chest pain or any warning sign, a cardiac event could already be underway and it may be too late. So, bringing high LDL cholesterol down to target levels is the primary objective for preventing serious heart conditions." Why Indians Need to Be Extra Cautious When compared to Western populations, Indians have been found to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the 'good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream). This is why doctors recommend that cholesterol screening begin as early as 18 years of age. Early testing helps in detecting silent threats and allows one to take action before things escalate. People who may appear fit can still have high LDL cholesterol. 'I'm in my 30s, I work out regularly and eat clean," shares Delhi-based Ajay. 'I was confused and surprised when a routine test showed that I had high LDLC. My cardiologist explained that elevated LDL cholesterol could have various reasons and encouraged me to continue medical therapy alongside my healthy routine." It's Not Just About Eating Right We know that lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are essential but they're not always enough. Doctors emphasize that medical therapy should not be delayed or skipped, especially if your LDLC numbers are beyond the target range. Each patient's treatment journey is unique. Factors such as age, family history, diabetes status, or previous cardiac events all influence an individual's LDLC targets. This is why personalized treatment plans are crucial. It's important to seek professional medical advice and actively participate in treatment. However, in India, it's observed that only about 60% of patients adhere to their prescribed medication, a worrying trend. Misconceptions often lead people to stop their medication, which causes a rebound in LDL levels and heightens cardiovascular risk. Moreover, stress, poor sleep, and metabolic imbalances can also elevate LDLC levels. These factors contribute to chronic inflammation, prompting the body to produce more LDL cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. When Lifestyle Isn't Enough – Advanced Therapy Is Key For patients who don't respond well to conventional statins, advanced therapies are increasingly being prescribed. Targeted treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors, siRNA therapy, or inclisiran show great promise in helping patients reach their target LDLC levels when standard options fall short. Always remember: high LDL cholesterol may not show symptoms but its consequences can be fatal. Whether you're a gym regular or someone who's never thought twice about your cholesterol, it's time to get screened, stay informed, and stick to your treatment plan for a healthier heart.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kol records eastern India's first heart rhythm device implant op
Kolkata: Eastern India's first-ever case of Bachmann's Bundle (BB) Pacing and Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP), a dual strategy that mimics the heart's natural electrical rhythm and supplements the pacemaker, was performed at a city private hospital. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This process helps to prevent arrhythmia by maintaining the heart's 'electro-physiological functioning' more efficiently. This pioneering heart rhythm management was applied to a 33-year-old male patient, Ravi (name changed), a car driver by profession from Tripura, Agartala. He was admitted to Medica Superspecialty Hospital last week. Ravi was suffering from sick sinus syndrome and intermittent atrioventricular block, a type of heart block where the electrical signals between the heart's upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) are intermittently delayed or blocked, compounded by episodes of irregular heartbeat. The condition caused Ravi's heart rate to drop dangerously to 25 beats per minute, leaving him dizzy, breathless, and vulnerable to permanent arrhythmias. Recognising the need for a long-term solution, a medical team led by Cathlab director and interventional cardiologist Dilip Kumar opted for the revolutionary combination of BB Pacing and LBBAP. "This approach prevents complications associated with conventional pacemakers, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, a heart condition where the atria beat irregularly and rapidly, as well as a condition where the heart muscle weakens and its ability to pump blood effectively is reduced as a result of prolonged right ventricular pacing from a pacemaker. The procedure was performed using a specialised catheter," said Kumar. Kumar added, "We are proud to be at the forefront of next-generation cardiac care. This first case of complete physiological pacing marks a transformative step in our journey. It not only offers a more natural and safer solution for young patients with complex rhythm disorders but also sets the stage for broader adoption of physiological pacing across India." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The patient has recovered and is ready to resume normal activities. "I was struggling with breathlessness and other health issues that made it difficult for me to work and live normally. It was a worrying time for me. But just a day after the surgery, I felt a big difference. I am now living a normal life again," he said. The procedure cost an additional Rs 10,000 over and above the cost of a pacemaker.
Muscat Daily
12-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
First ever complex TEVAR surgery in private hospital saves life of road accident victim
Muscat – A seat belt is always a lifesaving mechanism. With the experience of a complex life threating operation, doctors from Muscat Private Hospital (MPH) urged all, even at back seats, to sport seat belts. This ensures the impact due to an accident to be less and thus have less sudden effect on the heart and lungs. Mumtaz Ahmed (a Pakistani national) critically injured in a severe car crash on April 25 in Kalba, Musandam, was initially treated at a government hospital. Despite stabilising efforts, a serious tear in the aorta near his heart, coupled with rib and spine fractures and liver damage, made his condition life-threatening. Due to overcrowded emergency cases in the government sector, he was shifted to Muscat Private Hospital. A 12-member team of experts from Muscat Private Hospital performed a highly complex and life-saving vascular procedure for hours called TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair)—on a 38-year-old road accident victim recently. The complex operation involved teamwork involving the Cathlab, ICU, OT nurses and multiple departments including anesthesia, radiology and administration. This marks the first time the procedure has been performed in a private hospital in the country, showcasing advanced medical capabilities and swift emergency response. Dr Ahmed Salim Mohammed al Aufi, Consultant Vascular and Trauma Surgeon, led the multidisciplinary team in performing the TEVAR procedure on May 3. He said, 'The operation was delicate and critical, but successful. The patient is stable, conscious, and responding well to physiotherapy. This case also highlights the importance of wearing seatbelts in both front and back seats. He had to put stem of 12mm to stop the blood clotting.' He has severe complications including high blood pressure but we had all our resources to help him out of the danger. Dr Raymond Elias, Medical Director, added, 'This is a significant moment for Oman's private healthcare. The TEVAR case demonstrates not just medical innovation but commitment to saving lives.' He also called for people to wear always seat belts so that the impact gets less. Dr Zahra Ghanim Ahmed, Dr Amr Hassan, and CEO Hassan al Lawati also played key roles in the operation and coordination. Lawait said, 'This is a perfect example of Public-Private Partnership in healthcare, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. We don't compete—we complete each other in service of the nation. Behind every success are unsung heroes—our nurses, technicians, ambulance and lab teams.'
