A hole in the heart is treated through medication or surgery, depending on its size and severity. The best cardiologists in Delhi, like those at Apollo Hospital Delhi, offer advanced treatments, including catheter-based procedures and open-heart surgery, for effective care.
A hole in the heart or septal defect is a congenital disease that means that there is an opening in the septum, which divides the heart into chambers. This defect can be in the atrial septum (atrial septal defect or ASD) or the ventricular septum (ventricular septal defect or VSD). Both conditions can cause shunt, which means that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood will mix and this will lead to various health complications. The treatment plan usually depends on the size, location, and the degree of the defect. Here is an insight on how this condition is handled by the best cardiologists in Delhi especially at Apollo Hospital Delhi.
Diagnosis of a Hole in the Heart
In order to treat the septal defect, it is crucial to diagnose it correctly before the commencement of the treatment. Some of the best hospitals in the country such as Apollo Hospital Delhi have the best diagnostic equipment to determine the state of the patient. Cardiologists typically use the following methods:
- Echocardiogram: An initial technique that employs the use of sound waves to generate pictures of the heart and thus enable the cardiologists to determine the size and position of the septal defect.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can identify any changes that are brought by the defect.
- Cardiac MRI or CT scan: These imaging techniques give better images of the structure of the heart than the conventional methods.
Treatment for Hole in the Heart
After the diagnosis is made, the treatment plan is made depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the symptoms, and the size of the defect.
1. Watchful Waiting
In some instances, especially when the septal defect is small, no intervention is necessary at the time of diagnosis. Small holes that are many in number can also heal on their own as the child develops. It is therefore important to have a cardiologist checkup periodically or at least once every few months.
This is the time when the patient is monitored for any signs of changes in the symptoms or the heart. The best cardiologists in Delhi adopt this strategy for the condition that does not threaten the patient’s life in any way.
2. Medications
Although drugs cannot seal the hole in the heart, they control the symptoms and other issues that are related to the defect. Medications prescribed by cardiologists at Apollo Hospital Delhi may include:
- Diuretics: These assist in the elimination of excess fluid in the body thus decreasing the burden on the heart.
- Beta-blockers: These drugs assist in controlling the rate of heartbeat and the amount of pressure that is exerted on the heart.
- Anticoagulants: To avoid formation of blood clots, particularly in patients with atrial septal defects, the doctor may recommend anticoagulants or blood thinning drugs.
Medications are usually prescribed where surgery is not urgent or where it is required in the near future.
3. Catheter-Based Procedures
Patients with moderate-sized holes can opt for catheter-based procedures instead of open-heart surgery. This technique is mainly applied for ASD and sometimes for VSD depending on the size and location of the defect. The most qualified cardiologists in Delhi, especially in Apollo Hospital, are familiar with this modern procedure.
In this process, a catheter, which is a thin and flexible tube, is passed through the vein in the groin and then directed to the heart. A small device is then used to plug the hole that has been created. The advantages of this approach include early return to work, minimal discomfort and no requirement for a large chest incision.
4. Surgical Treatment
If the hole is large or causing symptoms, then the child may require surgery to correct the defect. Apollo Hospital Delhi has some of the best Cardiologists in Delhi to guarantee that the patients get the best treatment.
5. Post-Treatment Care and Monitoring
After treatment, the patient should continue to visit a cardiologist for check-ups to ensure that he or she is recovering well. The expert team at Apollo Hospital Delhi ensures patients receive comprehensive care, including:
- Echocardiograms to check on the heart function.
- Addressing any issues that may arise after surgery or any side effects of the medications that the patient is taking.
- Advising on the need to adopt certain behaviours that are good for the heart such as exercising and taking a healthy diet.
- In children who have been operated on or have been treated through catheterization, follow up is required as the child grows to check whether the heart is functioning properly.
Why is Apollo Hospital Delhi Best Place for Heart Treatment?
In the case of a hole in the heart, it is all about the doctor and the equipment used. Apollo Hospital Delhi is one of the leading medical facilities in India and it provides an opportunity to get in touch with some of the best cardiologists in Delhi. Here’s why this hospital is a leading choice for cardiac care:
- Experienced Cardiologists and Surgeons: The hospital employs some of the most qualified personnel in the field hence proper diagnosis and treatment is provided.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Apollo has the best diagnostic and treatment tools such as catheter-based systems and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
- Comprehensive Cardiac Care: Right from the time a patient is diagnosed to have a heart ailment to the time he or she is treated and recovers, Apollo has it all with the best Cardiologists in Delhi.
Conclusion
The management of a hole in the heart depends on the size, severity, and the symptoms of the defect. From watchful waiting, medications, catheter based interventions to surgery, patients can be assured of the best results when they choose to be treated by the best cardiologists in Delhi at Apollo Hospital Delhi. Today, with the help of modern equipment and qualified doctors, even severe congenital heart diseases can be treated, which will help people of all ages lead a healthier life.
