Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiologists are adept at treating a wide range of heart-related conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that cardiologists are involved with, alongside the typical treatments they may administer or recommend for each: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): - Health Conditions: Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries causing reduced blood flow to the heart. - Treatments: Lifestyle changes, medications (like aspirin, beta-blockers, or statins), angioplasty with stent placement, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): - Health Conditions: Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, causing tissue damage. - Treatments: Emergency intervention with angioplasty and stenting, use of clot-dissolving medications, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and long-term lifestyle modification. Heart Failure: - Health Conditions: The heart’s inability to pump blood effectively. - Treatments: Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, diuretics, and in advanced cases, devices like pacemakers or ventricular assist devices (VADs), and possibly heart transplantation. Arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation): - Health Conditions: Abnormal heart rhythms. - Treatments: Medication, electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: - Health Conditions: Thickened heart muscle that can impair the heart's ability to pump blood. - Treatments: Lifestyle changes, medications, surgical myectomy, alcohol septal ablation, and use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for preventing sudden cardiac death. Congenital Heart Disease: - Health Conditions: Malformations of the heart present since birth. - Treatments: Depends on the specific anomaly; may include medication, catheter-based procedures, or heart surgery. Valvular Heart Disease: - Health Conditions: Malfunction of one or more of the heart valves that may involve stenosis or regurgitation. - Treatments: Medication, balloon valvuloplasty, valve repair, or valve replacement surgery. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): - Health Conditions: Chronic condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high. - Treatments: Lifestyle interventions, medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers.

A cardiologist can help manage sidе effects during trеatmеnt. Side effects can be caused by the mеdication or the procedure itsеlf. If you reside in Kochi, thе cardiologist will work with you to dеtеrminе thе bеst way to manage thе side effects and minimisе thеir impact on your quality of lifе.

A Cardiologist determines a treatment plan by conducting a thorough assessment of a patient's health, which typically includes medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, or stress tests. Basеd on the results, the Cardiologist may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery. A Cardiologist would follow similar protocols but also take into account regional factors, the prevalence of specific heart conditions, and the patient's individual health circumstances. If you live in Kochi, for personalised advice and treatment plan, it is important to consult with a qualified cardiologist.

Bariatric surgery is done in the hospital using general anesthesia. This means you're unconscious during the procedure. The specifics of your surgery depend on your situation, the type of weight-loss surgery you have. Today, bariatric surgery      is performed laparoscopically or Robotic without making the traditional large cuts. Laparoscopic / Robotic surgery can make recovery faster and shorter. Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay a few days in the hospital.  

As with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks, both in the short term and the long term such as: Excessive bleeding. Infection. Reactions to anesthesia. Blood clots. Lung or breathing problems. Leaks in your gastrointestinal system.

In general, bariatric surgery could be an option for you if: Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more, called extreme obesity. Your BMI is 35 called obesity, and have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.  

Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose extra weight and reduce your risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: •    Certain cancers, including breast, endometrial and prostate cancer. •    Heart disease and stroke. •    Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure. •    High cholesterol levels. •    Non Alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). •    Sleep apnea.  

A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specialises in using radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer. They work closely with other members of the healthcare team to develop and implement radiation treatment plans for cancer patients.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and your treatment plan includes radiation therapy, it is essential to consider seeing a radiation oncologist. They specialise in utilising radiation to treat cancer and can provide valuable insights into the most effective treatment approach for your specific case. Radiation oncologists possess advanced knowledge and expertise in delivering radiation therapy. By consulting with a radiation oncologist, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care and benefit from their specialised skills in administering radiation treatment suited to your individual needs.

For how many weeks will I receive radiation? Will I be able to continue my normal activities? How often do I need to return for checkups? Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment? Will I experience side effects from radiation therapy? How do I prepare for radiation therapy?