Which Diseases Require Heart Surgery?

·        Congenital

·        Adult Heart Diseases

·        Miscellaneous Procedures.

Congenital diseases are the ones which are present at the time of birth. These can range from holes in the heart, blue baby, incorrect formation of blood vessels, etc. However, all congenital heart diseases are surgically correctable.

Diseases affecting Adults:

Coronary heart disease due to obstruction of coronary arteries leading to heart-attacks, angina and sudden death.

Valve related disorders are also fairly common in India. This is mainly due to rheumatic diseases. Isolated valve malfunctioning or in association with coronary heart disease or aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms or obstruction of aorta- where the aorta is surgically replaced with tube grafts. In cases where the patient is symptomatic or has developed heart failure; immediate cardiac transplant or insertion of a LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) is required.

Quick tips to keep your heart healthy:

Exercise regularly or go for walks for half an hour, 2-4 times a week. Instead of getting into a lift, you could try walking to the vegetable market to buy some fresh vegetables.

Say no to tobacco and smoking.

Keep your blood sugar in control by exercising, yoga etc.

Go for less fatty, low sugar and high protein foods. Also, maintain your blood pressure by reducing salt intake.
If the patient has rheumatic fever, take the child for an echo to check for valve malfunctioning.