5 Questions to ask your Cardiologist
Reviewed by: Manipal Hospitals
Posted on
3 Min Read
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Get in touch with our representatives for help!
Contact UsIf you are planning for your first heart checkup then the first thing which will come to your mind is to ask the cardiologist so that you can get detailed information about your heart condition and that too without any confusion. Here are the five important questions which you’ll expect your cardiologist to answer about.
How long do I have to wait for my treatment?
Once you are diagnosed with a disease which needs hospital treatment, you will definitely want to get it over as soon as possible and that too with perfect treatment. Usually, the heart stenting procedure takes two days. But treatment duration basically depends upon the kind of treatment you have to go through and which the cardiologist will recommend to you after the diagnosis. So ask the cardiologist about the detailed duration of the treatment.
How much it will cost and the procedure for the payment?
The very important thing which you will want to know is exactly how much the heart procedure and the hospital treatment will cost you so that from the very beginning you can set up your budget and make plans according to that; Claiming health insurance etc. You can also ask about the procedure of the payment like how much you have to pay before and after the procedure and if you can pay it by check, cash, debit or credit.
How many heart treatments you have done to date and do you have advanced technology?
It is very important to know in detail who is going to carry out your heart procedure and if they have access to the latest technologies for the treatment or not. And even after they have access, are they capable of using those technologies or not?
How long will I have to stay at the hospital and how long will it take me to recover completely?
You may be able to go home after the coronary angiogram the same day or the other day after a long rest. For a heart bypass operation you may expect to stay at the hospital for a week and recovery time will be six to nine months of full bed rest. Again staying and recovery time depends upon the procedure under which you will go. So ask in detail about the recovery and staying duration after the procedure and the precautions which you should follow while recovering.
What are the hospital facilities for the patients and the visitors?
Ask in detail about the facilities which you will get from the hospital; nurse call-bell, air-conditioner control system, visiting hours, lighting switch, meal facilities. For visitors, you can ask about the TV, internet facilities etc.
Share this Article
Similar Blogs
Angiogram and Angioplasty: Types, Procedures, Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
1 Min Read
Angiography is a diagnostic procedure (only for testing purposes) in which doctors use X-rays or other types of imaging (CT angiogram) to get a clear picture of your blood vessels. Also known as arteriology, it is most commonly done to check for coronary artery blockage. However, doctors can do an angiography on different parts of the body, like the brain to help diagnose a stroke or the risk of a stroke, and on the kidney to detect blockages in a blood vessel. An angiogram is an image produced by angiography. It shows blood vessels and their junctions in the body, similar to a road map and reveals the blockages if any. Refer to the image below. Angioplasty, on the other hand, is a medical treatment procedure for narrowed or blocked arteries. With angioplasty, doctors open up (stretch or widen) a blocked or narrowed artery. Moreover, a stent or tube is often placed inside the opened arteries to keep them open. Angiography used to determine the presence and extent of blockage in the arteries in and around the heart is called coronary angiography or coronary angiogram test. Similarly, the angioplasty performed to open up the arteries around the heart is called coronary angioplasty. Let’s understand what is angiography and angioplasty, angiogram procedure, angiogram cost, and angioplasty surgery. Visit Manipal Hospitals for Angioplasty surgery treatment in Bangalore. Types of Angiography and Angioplasty Depending on the body part on which the test is being performed, angiography can be of different types. Some common types are: (i) Coronary angiography for the heart (most commonly performed angiogram) (ii) Cerebral angiography (Brain) (iii) Pulmonary angiography for the lungs (now more commonly done using CT angiogram) (iv) Renal angiography (Kidney) Similarly, angioplasty can be of different types depending on the organ involved. Coronary angioplasty is the most commonly performed angioplasty surgery. Angiogram and Angioplasty Procedure Before you understand the process of how angiograms and angioplasty are done, you should know why doctors perform these procedures. An angiogram is done for patients showing signs and symptoms of blocked, damaged or abnormal blood vessels. Angioplasty is a treatment procedure implemented for patients whose angiogram showed narrow or blocked arteries due to the formation of plaque. With the help of angioplasty, doctors create more space inside plaque-filled arteries, thus allowing more blood to get through them. This treatment can be done as an emergency procedure in a serious patient or as an elective procedure to reduce the risk of organ failure. Angiogram and angioplasty may also be recommended in patients with congenital heart diseases, chest injuries, or valve problems. Moreover, the test is often performed to evaluate the success of coronary bypass surgery. Consult with our Interventional cardiologist in Bangalore to know more about the treatment procedures. How is an Angiogram Done? Angiography is done in the catheterisation lab of the cardiology department of a hospital. It is performed using a technology similar to X-ray. The detailed procedure is provided below: The patient lies on the scanning table on their back, and the staff fastens the safety strips. After that, the doctor positions the camera over the patient to take the images from several angles. Sedatives are administered through IV lines to reduce the pain and discomfort. A small puncture is made in the wrist, arm, or groin area. The doctor inserts a thin flexible tube known as a catheter through the puncture. The catheter is then taken to the area of interest and a selective injection is given. As the dye moves along the blood vessels, the scan captures a clear image of blood flow through the arteries. This helps in identifying the site and extent of the blockage. The complete procedure takes around 20-30 minutes. Angioplasty Procedure Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure and the initial process is almost similar to the angiogram. In this operation, the blocked blood vessel is opened using a wire and a balloon through a radial or ephemeral approach. Since the procedure involves a balloon, angioplasty is also known as balloon angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The detailed procedure is provided below: An angioplasty procedure starts with the area where the catheter enters the body, being cleaned and numbed by a medical expert. This area is typically the groin, although it can also be the wrist. Next, the doctor inserts the catheter with a balloon attached to one end, into the artery and guides it to the place of blockage, while watching the whole thing on a monitor screen. Once the balloon reaches the blockage, it is inflated to open up the artery by pushing the fatty deposits (plaque) buildup away from the arterial wall. So the clot is dissolved and the blockage is opened. Usually, a stent (metal mesh) may be permanently placed inside the blocked artery after balloon angioplasty to keep the arteries open for a long time. Often, drug-coated stents are placed that slowly release the medicine in the artery to prevent blockage in the future. Dr (Prof) Ranjan Shetty, HOD & Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, in the following video talks about angioplasty procedures done in the hospital including coronary angioplasty and radial angioplasty. Watch the video to know more about how the surgery is done and the facilities available in the hospital. Recovery After Angiogram and Angioplasty? After the angiogram test, the patient will be transferred to a recovery room where they will be instructed to lie still on the bed for a few hours to prevent bleeding. Usually, patients are discharged from the hospital the same day although sometimes they may need to stay overnight. The angiography test results along with the angiogram image will be made available after a few days. If the angiogram test result shows narrow or blocked arteries, doctors will prescribe angioplasty to remove the plaque and open up the arteries. After a patient undergoes angioplasty, the doctor will take out the catheters and use a bandage to cover the place where the catheters went into the skin. Then they will be transferred to a recovery room for a few hours. They might be instructed to remain in the hospital overnight. To avoid blood clots, the doctor will likely prescribe some medication. Most people tend to resume their normal activities after one week. However, in case of an emergency angioplasty for a heart attack, the patient might need to stay in the hospital for a few more days. Advantages of Angiogram and Angioplasty The treatment of blocked arteries with angiography and angioplasty has many advantages compared to traditional methods like open-heart surgery. Major benefits are: It has fewer risks and incurs less cost. It can reduce the risk of stroke. Renal angioplasty can help improve the functioning of kidneys. It helps provide immediate relief from the symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. This is a minimally invasive surgery and requires only one puncture to insert the catheter. Since there is only one wound in angioplasty, patients recover quickly, meaning less time in the hospital and returning to their regular activities more quickly. Risks and Complications of Angioplasty Angioplasty is a relatively safe surgery. Before assessing the risks, the risks and benefits of this procedure have to be weighed. Most of the time, the benefits of doing an angioplasty far outweigh the risks. However, these could be potential risks and complications: (i) Bleeding, blood clots, abnormal heart rhythm, and narrowing of the artery again (ii) Radiation-induced burns (iii) Allergic reaction to the dye or to the stent (iv) Bleeding or damage to the blood vessel (v) Formation of blood clots and growth of scar tissues inside the stent (vi) Heart attack, chest pain, stroke, or death (vii) Embolization (launching of debris into the bloodstream) Angiogram Cost Based on the clinical condition of the patient and the type of stent used, the cost of angioplasty varies. Patients are advised to contact the hospital for the exact cost of the procedure. Alternatives to Angiography and Angioplasty CT angiography and treadmill test are some alternatives to angiography. Depending on the patient’s health condition, the doctor will suggest the process that would be the best. Angioplasty is not suitable for all patients and all types of heart conditions. Not all blocks need angioplasty and stents. Some can be managed with medicines, some need angioplasty while some need surgery. Depending on the overall health and the extent or severity of the heart disease, the doctor can recommend coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as an alternative to angioplasty. In certain conditions such as weak heart muscle, multiple severe arteries blockage, diabetes, and the main artery being narrow, doctors may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery. It is better and more effective than angiography and stents in some situations but involves open heart surgery, post-operative pain, scarring, and a longer recovery time. Book an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, the Angioplasty hospital in Bangalore for the best treatment. FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions on angiography and angioplasty. Q.1: What is the difference between angiography and angioplasty? A: The main difference between angiography and angioplasty is that angiography is a diagnostic test used to detect blocked arteries around the heart and other organs, while angioplasty is a treatment procedure which is used to remove the detected blockages. Q.2: What is the difference between an angiogram and an angiography? A: Angiography is a diagnostic test that is used to detect blockage in the arteries using X-rays. The resulting image produced by the test is called an angiogram. Q.3: Is angioplasty necessary after angiography? A: Depending on the test results produced by angiography, if there are blocked arteries, the doctor may recommend angioplasty to remove blockages from arteries. Q.4: Can an angiogram and angioplasty be done at the same time? A: Yes, it’s possible to do both angiogram and angioplasty at the same time. For patients with stable heart disease, it’s preferable to do both procedures at the same time because technically it's easy to do it, both for the patient and the doctor, since 50% of the procedure is the same. But medically, the patient can wait. However, if the patient had a heart attack, angioplasty must be done at the same time as angiography since the time is less and any delay can be fatal. Q.5: What is the age limit for angioplasty? A: Angioplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure which can be performed in patients over 80 years old. Q.6: Is it possible to live a normal life after angioplasty? A: Angioplasty is a relatively safe surgery with less recovery time. In the case of non-emergency coronary angioplasty, patients are able to return to work after a week. They can resume their normal life within a month. However, in the case of emergency angioplasty procedures, it takes a little longer to recover and patients can return to work after a month or two. Q.7: What is the success rate of angioplasty? A: According to various studies, the success rate of angioplasty is around 98%. For patients whose angioplasty is unsuccessful, they are treated through bypass surgery. Q.8: Is angioplasty a major surgery? A: Angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that requires only one puncture to put a catheter tube. Hence, it is not considered major surgery. Q.9: Which hospital is best for angioplasty? A: Manipal Hospital is one of the best hospitals for angioplasty and angiography. The success rate of angioplasty depends on many factors including the training and experience level of the cardiologist, system functionality (should be functional 24x7), training of nurses and helpers, availability of lab technicians (should be available at all times), and quick initiation of surgery. Manipal Hospital has got state-of-the-art technology and round-the-clock service so that patients can get treatment as soon as possible. Department of Cardiology Manipal Hospitals
Read NowFluttering in Chest: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
A sudden, strange tapping, flipping or thumping inside your chest can be highly unsettling. This feeling can match the sensation of a brief skipped beat or a sudden twitch. This sensation is commonly known as a fluttering chest. While a fluttering feeling in the chest can be alarming and cause your anxiety to spike, it is actually a very common experience. In many cases, it is harmless. However, in some cases, it points to an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Read NowAortic Aneurysm: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment Options
05 Jun 20267 Min Read
An aortic aneurysm is a swelling or bulge in the aorta, the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It happens when a part of the aorta becomes weak and stretches outward. The most common cause is the buildup of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, but injuries, infections, inherited conditions, and other health problems can also lead to an aortic aneurysm. Understanding what this condition is can help with getting the treatment required to avoid them from rupturing or forming clots.
Read NowThird Degree Heart Block: Symptoms & Treatment
13 May 20265 Min Read
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day quietly, reliably, and without asking for attention. But what if that steady rhythm suddenly lost its coordination? What if the signals that keep your heart in sync simply stopped communicating? Conditions like Third Degree Heart Block (complete heart block) may sound rare, but they can have serious consequences if ignored. Understanding how your heart works, and what happens when it doesn’t can make all the difference.
Read NowCan Low Blood Pressure Trigger a Heart Attack? What You Need to Know
29 Apr 20268 Min Read
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is often seen as a sign of good health, but can it actually pose a danger to your heart? While high blood pressure gets most of the attention, unusually low blood pressure can sometimes reduce blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. This raises an important question: can low blood pressure contribute to a heart attack, or is it simply misunderstood? In some cases, a sudden or severe drop in blood pressure may limit the oxygen supply reaching the heart muscle, potentially leading to complications, especially in people with existing heart conditions. Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or blurred vision may seem mild at first, but they can signal that your body isn’t getting enough circulation. Understanding how low blood pressure affects the cardiovascular system is essential to recognising when it’s harmless and when it might require medical attention.
Read NowSudden Cardiac Arrest: Symptoms, Causes & Key Warning Signs
02 Feb 20265 Min Read
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most critical medical emergencies, often occurring without warning and leading to collapse within seconds. While many people confuse it with a heart attack, the two are very different conditions. Understanding ‘what is cardiac arrest’, recognising early cardiac arrest symptoms, and knowing what causes cardiac arrest can make the difference between life and death. Timely medical intervention and awareness of heart attack symptoms can significantly improve survival rates. At Manipal Hospitals, our Cardiologists in Delhi-NCR treat patients with advanced cardiac monitoring systems, emergency response units, and evidence-based treatment to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and long-term complications.
Read NowRewiring the Heart: Evolution in Pacemaker Innovation
20 Feb 20255 Min Read
Discover expert insights on rewiring the heart: evolution in pacemaker innovation from Manipal Hospitals' specialists.
Read NowCatching Heart Attacks Before They Strike
18 Dec 20245 Min Read
Discover expert insights on catching heart attacks before they strike from Manipal Hospitals' specialists.
Read NowWorld Heart Day, 2024: USE HEART FOR ACTION
26 Sept 20243 Min Read
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global cause of death, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise heart health. World Heart Day, an international initiative by the World Heart Federation, encourages individuals to take proactive steps to care for their hearts and prioritise early detection. This year World Heart Day falls on 29th September.
Read NowCoronary Artery Disease: Recognising The Early Warning Signs To Prevent Heart Attack
01 Dec 20233 Min Read
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease, is a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. This buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, this can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. In severe cases, CAD can cause a heart attack.
Read NowRecent Blogs
Test blog - oct 1
01 Oct 20267 Min Read
Understanding Insulin Resistance: A Core Concept Insulin is a vital hormone In the intricate landscape of women's health, certain conditions often go unnoticed until they manifest into more significant concerns. One such silent yet powerful player is insulin resistance. It's a condition where your body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. For many women, understanding the early insulin resistance symptoms in females can be a game-changer, enabling timely intervention and preventing a cascade of health issues. In this blog, an experienced gynaecologist in Mysuru explains in detail the nuances of insulin resistance in women, highlighting the crucial early signs you should be aware of. Recognising these signs of insulin resistance in females is the first step towards taking control of your health journey. it. For women, the prevalence can be even higher, particularly in certain life stages or conditions. Causes of Insulin Resistance in Women While insulin resistance can affect anyone, women face unique physiological factors that can increase their susceptibility: Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Liver Health The table below lists straightforward lifestyle tips to support lasting liver health and avoid extra damage. ljfslsdjksnfs3333333TestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTestingTesting uiuiiuhghhjTip Description Avoid processed and fried foods Reduces excess fat intake and supports better liver function Include antioxidant-rich foods Fruits and vegetables help protect liver cells from damage Stay physically active Regular exercise improves metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in the liver Monitor weight regularly Helps in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing fat buildup Schedule routine health check-ups Enables early detection and management of liver-related issues These habits support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of future fatty liver problems.
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
24 Sept 20260 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.
Read Nowtesting admin blogs
20 Sept 20262 Min Read
dislocated-hip-symptoms test https://manipaltest.cosmicnet.xyz/referral-program/
Read NowDislocated Hip: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
26 Aug 20265 Min Read
A dislocated hip is a severe injury that occurs when the head of the thigh bone (femur) is forced out of the hip socket (acetabulum). This traumatic event can be incredibly painful and immediately incapacitating, requiring urgent medical attention. This blog explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hip dislocation with expert insights from specialists at Manipal Hospitals, a top orthopaedic hospital in Vijayawada, offering comprehensive hip dislocation treatment in Vijayawada to help patients achieve the best possible recovery. Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment options is crucial for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced this injury. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a successful recovery.
Read NowFluttering in Chest: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
A sudden, strange tapping, flipping or thumping inside your chest can be highly unsettling. This feeling can match the sensation of a brief skipped beat or a sudden twitch. This sensation is commonly known as a fluttering chest. While a fluttering feeling in the chest can be alarming and cause your anxiety to spike, it is actually a very common experience. In many cases, it is harmless. However, in some cases, it points to an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
Read Now10 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Gut You Must Not Ignore
26 Jun 20266 Min Read
Your gut does much more than digest food. It plays a key role in your energy levels, immune system, mood, and overall well-being. When your gut is healthy, your body works smoothly. But when something is wrong, your body often sends warning signals. Unfortunately, many people ignore these signs or assume they are caused by stress, lack of sleep, or a busy lifestyle. Recognising the early signs of poor gut health can help you make changes before the problem becomes worse. Here are 10 signs of an unhealthy gut that you should never ignore.
Read NowWhat Creatinine Level Indicates Kidney Failure? Doctors Explain
22 Jun 20266 Min Read
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles every day. Healthy kidneys remove it from the blood and pass it out through urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. Seeing a high creatinine level in your blood test report can be working. Many people immediately think it's kidney failure. However, creatinine levels alone do not tell the whole story. Doctors look at several factors, including your age, overall health, and kidney function tests, before determining how well your kidneys are working.
Read NowStomach Cancer Lump: What It Feels Like & When to See a Doctor
22 Jun 20267 Min Read
Finding an unusual bump or swelling on your body can be alarming. If you notice a change in your tummy, it is completely natural to feel a wave of anxiety and wonder what it might mean. One thought that might cross your mind is whether it could be a stomach cancer lump. Feeling concerned is completely valid, but it helps to know that most abdominal changes may have very simple explanations. Understanding what to look for can help quiet some of that worry.
Read NowUnderstanding CT scan and its role in cancer detection.
15 Jun 20268 Min Read
When doctors suspect a serious health condition, imaging tests often play a crucial role in diagnosis. One of the most used imaging tools is a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body`s organs, tissues, and blood vessels. These images can reveal abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. However, understanding what a CT scan can and cannot do is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, can a CT scan detect cancer? A CT scan is extremely important in detecting cancer, but it is not always definitive on its own
Read NowTypes of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide
15 Jun 20266 Min Read
Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. Nerves are cords that carry electrical signals from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body and vice versa. These signals allow you to move your muscles and feel sensations like touch and temperature. When a nerve is damaged, these signals are disrupted.
Read Now