Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains Signs Your Heart Needs a Checkup
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

5 Signs Your Heart Needs a Checkup, says a Cardiologist

We all know that over whole body depends on the heart, but we might not know if it’s in trouble. Consider your heart as an engine of the body. If the engine slows down, has a short circuit or gets clogged, the engine fails. Don’t wait for heart disease or a heart attack to strike you. A cardiologist highly recommends to pay attention to the signs that your engine needs a checkup or tune-up for any heart issues like a blood clot.The best Cardiologist in Faridabad have gathered five symptoms of an unhealthy heart to watch out for.

#1 Climbing stairs leaves you huffing and puffing

If you have to catch your breath while climbing stairs, could it be that you are out of shape? Could be but again it could be your heart.

If you find you can no longer tolerate exercises that once you did it easily (like climbing stairs), that’s a clue that your heart needs a checkup. So leave out any assumptions and get it checked.

#2 You feel anxious several times

OK, there’s been a lot to be anxious in 2020, but this can often be a symptom of underlying heart problems.

Stress, anxiety and panic attacks can cause palpitations, and anxiety disorders are also associated with cardiovascular problems. So even if you think it’s regular anxiety, you should still get your heart checked.

#3 You feel dizziness upon standing

Feeling dizzy is a result of poor blood circulation into your brain and inner ear. If your heart can not pump enough blood where it needs to go, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy upon standing.

#4 You have pain/burning sensation in your chest area

Could it be a heartburn? Yes, but it might not be as well. Because when the heart pumping is clogged, it may present vague pain around chest, arm, neck and back. Please pay attention to this and consult cardiologist immediately. Dr. Sanjay Kumar is the best Cardiologist in Faridabad.

#5 Even your resting heart is higher than normal

If you have 60 to 100 bpm (and ideally below 90 bpm), it’s an indication that your heart muscle is working well. Anything higher than that (or much higher than normal for you) deserves a mention at your next checkup.

Bottom line…

Let us make a commitment that on noticing any of above mentioned symptoms, we get our heart checked. Timely checkup is what your heart love you for.

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains how too much belly fat increases the risks of heart disease
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

Excess Belly Fat increase the risk of heart disease

Researchers already know that stomach fat — known as abdominal obesity — increases the risk of having a first heart attack. But new research finds that having excessive fat in this specific area also increases risk of subsequent heart attacks. Here in this article Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best cardiologist in Faridabad explains how belly fat linked with higher heart disease risk.

Belly fay & other measures of obesity affect heart health

People with too much fat around their midsections and vital organs are at increased risk for heart disease, even if their body mass index falls within a healthy range, according to a new scientific report.

The excess fat in obesity was originally thought to be harmless (benign). However, we now know that excess fat causes chemical changes in your blood that increase your heart disease risk. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the The good news is that you may be able to control your belly fat. You won’t be surprised to hear it starts with a healthy lifestyle – a proper diet and regular exercise, says Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains when your fat cells become enlarged, they give off hormones that produce chronic inflammation.

Obesity also increases other heart disease risk factors, including:

  • Sleep disorders.
  • Type 2 diabetes.

Reason?

In other words, two people who weigh the same could have dramatically different risks of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, depending on where fat is deposited in their bodies.

We aren’t very sure why belly fat is increased, but what we know is people have become less active over the past several decades. Their food choices and portions have changed. People seem to have less free time and they are more depending on processed and fast food.

SEE ALSO: These Heart Tests Could Save Your Life

Worldwide, around 3 billion people are overweight or have obesity. The “obesity epidemic contributes significantly” to many chronic health conditions and cardiovascular disease cases around the world.

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains the ways to decrease belly fat or abdominal fat

The good news is that you may be able to control your belly fat. You won’t be surprised to hear it starts with a healthy lifestyle – a proper diet and regular exercise, says Dr. Sanjay Kumar.

More encouraging is that interventions that reduce belly fat lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Meeting federal guidelines for 150 minutes of physical activity per week may be sufficient to reduce abdominal fat, the analysis found, with no additional loss from longer activity times. Exercise alone or in combination with diet changes have been shown in some instances to reduce abdominal obesity even without weight loss. 

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad - Dr. Sanjay Kumar - Heart Failure Symptoms
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Disease

How do you recognize congestive heart failure symptoms?

Congestive heart failure is a relatively common condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. It is often a result of a long-term condition or of ageing. The body tries to compensate by increasing fluid retention and salt in the blood says, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad.

This can lead to swelling, weight gain, and shortness of breath. Congestive heart failure is also associated with diabetes and high blood pressure. The most common cause of congestive heart failure, however, is coronary artery disease (CAD). This is when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow and blocked.

In this article, the leading and best Cardiologist in Faridabad, Dr. Sanjay Kumar sheds light on important heart failure symptoms.

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure symptoms can be hard to recognize. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and take notice if they are worsening, says Dr. Sanjay Kumar.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of congestive heart failure:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Lack of appetite and nausea
  • Persistent cough, sometimes with blood-tinged mucous
  • Reduced alertness and ability to concentrate
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling in the feet and legs
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • A hard or bloated stomach

When to Contact a Heart Doctor?

If you can check most of the heart failure symptoms from the list above, contact a doctor immediately. Certain symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, severe weakness or fainting necessitate immediate medical attention. If you experience any of that, don’t wait to seek help, don’t self-diagnose, and don’t self-medicate.

Some of these symptoms can also be indicative of other life-threatening lung or heart conditions, if not heart failure. Emergency doctors work to determine what’s causing your symptoms and stabilise your condition.

Also, if you have already been diagnosed with heart failure, and you notice that your symptoms have worsened or a new symptom has developed, call your doctor immediately.

Who is at Risk of Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure is a very serious condition that can lead to death. There are many risk factors for developing congestive heart failure. They include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a history of a heart attack.

It can also be caused due to a genetic disorder such as cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle can become enlarged and abnormally thick, which can lead to heart failure, the best cardiologist in Faridabad explains.

Lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption as well as smoking can contribute to congestive heart failure.

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing any of the abovementioned heart failure symptoms, book an appointment and consult Dr. Sanjay Kumar immediately. To do so, call +91 9818391954. For any queries related to heart health, you may drop an email at [email protected]

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains What is a Complete Heart Block
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Disease

What happens when you have a complete heart block?

The heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals (impulses), which instruct your heart to contract. Normally, a heartbeat occurs when the SA node (sinoatrial node) generates an electrical signal in the atria (upper chamber of the heart) which then moves to the ventricles (lower chamber of the heart) via the atrioventricular (AV) node. The ventricles thus contract and pump blood to the rest of your body. A heart block occurs when there is an interference in allowing the electric signals to move from the atria to the ventricles.

Complete heart block or third degree heart AV block occurs when the electrical signal cannot move from the atria to the ventricles i.e. it stops completely. This causes the heartbeat to drop to as low as 40 beats per minute as against the normal beat which is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), for an adult. Often, this condition is found to be very common for people suffering from heart diseases.

In such cases, a natural back-up system in the ventricles takes over, but the heart rhythm is much slower and more irregular than normal.

Signs and Symptoms

You may experience the following:

  • Irregular heartbeats, or palpitations
  • Trouble in breathing or shortness of breath
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Light-headedness and fainting
  • Angina or discomfort in the chest
  • Cardiac arrest

If a heart block is ignored and not treated will lead to internal organ injury or cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you having irregular heartbeats, then:

  • Your overall health condition and medical history will be reviewed.
  • Your family history of heart disease will be checked.
  • Your current medication will be reviewed, to check for any medicine induced heart block.
  • Your lifestyle will be discussed (like alcohol, smoking, drugs etc.)
  • An ECG (electrocardiogram) will be done to determine the pattern of heart’s electrical impulses and to diagnose arrhythmias and heart damage.
  • Holter monitor, a portable device that you will wear for around 24 hours will record the ECG as you carry out your daily routine. Holter monitor detects arrhythmias which is often missed by ECG due to resting position.
  • A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test is recommended to measure the heart’s ability to respond under stress but in a controlled clinical environment.
  • Head up tilt table test, is performed to monitor and record your blood pressure, heart rate (on beat-by-beat basis) and heart rhythm as the table is tilted in different angles.
  • Cardiac MRI, is a non-invasive technique recommended to capture images inside your heart. It helps your doctor to detect heart diseases like blockage, structural problem, damage to heart muscles etc.
  • An electrophysiology study is performed to know more accurate and detailed information about your heart’s electrical system like, nature of abnormal heart rhythms, to know from where the abnormal heartbeat is coming from etc.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with a third degree heart block, your cardiologist will recommend a pacemaker, unless the problem can be managed by stopping the medication that may have caused the heart block.

A Pacemaker is a small device which is implanted under the skin in your chest. The pacemaker is like an electrical system which uses electrical pulses to keep your heart beating normally.

Life after heart block

Life after heart block with a pacemaker is definitely better than before. You can lead an active life by following the measures listed below:

  • After some types of pacemaker implantation, you cannot undergo MRI scan.
  • During your visit to any doctor due to some other health condition, please mention about your pacemaker implantation.
  • Always carry a card that has the details of pacemaker implanted.
  • Stay active, eat healthy and follow your doctor’s advice.
  • Get your pacemaker checked on routine basis.

Conclusion

Heart block is not always avoidable and complete heart block is the most severe form of heart block. They can worsen your pre-existing health conditions, due to insufficient supply of oxygen. Third degree heart AV block can be congenital or acquired. In case of acquired heart blocks, the risk increases with age, due to existing heart diseases etc. Prevention of heart blocks mainly focuses on the management of risk factors i.e. knowing your medication (to avoid medicine induced heart block), by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating appropriately, regular exercise and consulting your doctor at the onset of first sign of heart block.

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains how to prevent Cardiac Death
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Disease

Know the Warning signs to Prevent Suddent Cardiac Death

Sudden Cardiac Death or SCD is a sudden, unexpected, natural death caused by a sudden loss of heart function heralded by abrupt Loss of Consciousness within 1 hour of the onset of an acute change in cardiovascular status. It can affect any individual with or without pre-existing heart disease, says Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad.

What are the causes of SCD?

Most SCDs are caused by an erratic, disorganized firing of impulses from the ventricles (the lower chamber of the heart which pumps the blood for circulation). When this occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood resulting in death within minutes, if not intervened.

Although SCD accounts for only 1-2 per 1000 natural deaths, its incidence is >20 times higher in patients with advanced cardiovascular disease. Worldwide SCD occurs most commonly between 45 to 75 years of age, affecting men thrice as often as women. It is rare in children and adolescents. However, in our country, the proportion of SCD cases in the younger age are relatively high, which is directly attributable to the higher prevalence of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease(CAD) among the young in India.

How is SCD different from Myocardial Infarction (MI)?

Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as Heart Attack, occurs as a result of the blockade in one or more of the coronary arteries, thereby preventing the heart from receiving oxygen-rich blood. As a result, the heart muscle starts to die because of lack of oxygen and the left ventricle starts becoming weak and may acutely fail.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad says in Sudden Cardiac Death the electrical system of the heart malfunctions and suddenly becomes very irregular. The heart starts beating dangerously fast. The ventricles may flutter or quiver (known as Ventricular Fibrillation or VF) and the blood is not delivered to the body. Death results within 4-6 minutes if circulation is not restored.

Although heart attack is a very common cause of SCD (perhaps the most common cause) there are a lot of other diseases which can result in SCD.

What are the causes and risk factors for SCD?

Worldwide, up to 80% of SCDs are related to Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD). It causes heart attacks and is probably the most common cause of SCD among adults. Of this, 70% of males with SCD have evidence of an old healed Myocardial Infarction (MI) in their heart.

Cardiomyopathies (heart muscle diseases) account for another 10-15 % of SCDs which involves:

  1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy – characterized by the dilatation of the ventricles
  2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – characterized by the enlargement of the ventricles
  3. Hypertrophy – increased wall thickness of the ventricles

All the remaining 5-10% of SCDs are caused by a long list of rare diseases. These causes are more common in young individuals and many of these are the cause of SCD among athletes. These include certain inherited disorders like Long QT, Brugada’s Syndrome and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasias. Anomalies of Coronary Artery origin and course can rarely affect young individuals and present as SCD. Sarcoidosis, Severe Aortic Stenosis and Acute Myocarditis can also cause SCD.

How does Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD) cause SCD?

Coronary Atherosclerosis is characterized by deposition of cholesterol and inflammatory cells in the vessel walls (Plaques) of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Due to acute changes in the plaques, there is clotting and abrupt occlusion of the artery, thereby, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This event may, in some patients, cause electrical instability in the heart causing Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and SCD. Although the treatment of heart attack has reduced the risk of death in hospital, the one-month death rate after Myocardial Infarction (MI) is still as high as 30%. More than half of these patients die before reaching the hospital due to SCD or out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The first hour following a heart attack has the highest incidence of SCD and is the most lethal because these patients are not able to reach the hospital in time. SCD is the first manifestation of CAD in many of these patients, but the majority have a past history of CAD. Therefore, both primary and secondary prevention of CAD is important to reduce SCD.

What is the treatment for SCD?

When it comes to treatment, time is critical and the key factor when we consider the chances of survival of an SCD victim. Defibrillation (delivering shock or electrical energy by placing external paddles on the patient’s chest) reverts the heart rhythm to normal and should be performed within 3-5 min of SCA. Considering the fact that even people living in urban India cannot reach the hospital within this time frame, it is evident that the bystander stands the best chance of helping out these victims. However, most of us do not know how to respond when someone collapses suddenly. The knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR techniques should not remain confined to the medics and paramedics. The basics of CPR should be a part of all Senior Secondary and Graduation/Training programs so that we are all better equipped to recognize and handle such an emergency situation.

The use of Automated External Defibrillators (or AEDs) in communities has been proven to nearly double the chances of survival after an out-of-the-hospital cardiac arrest. Though it involves cost issues the installation of AEDs at places with large population densities, such as railway stations, airports, large housing colonies, office complexes, and shopping malls can, over time, prove to be cost effective. Studies have shown that majority of SCDs occur at home and/or are witnessed. That is why the bystanders stand the best chance of improving the chances of survival of these victims and therefore educating everyone regarding this entity is crucial.

How can we prevent SCD?

Since our country has an alarmingly high prevalence of CAD, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Dyslipidemia, the incidence of SCD is on the rise.  The hospital treatment of heart attack incidences has improved and reduced the in-hospital death rates of this disease. However, the out-of-the-hospital SCD still remains a major killer. Community education about healthy lifestyle, prevention and adequate treatment of the above-mentioned diseases form the cornerstone for prevention of SCD. Regular medical checks are essential for all so as to detect and treat CAD and its risk factors. Patients who are high-risk candidates, especially those with a decreased Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) less than 35%, should be counseled and educated about the risk of SCD. Drug treatment and ICDs should be offered to all these patients.

To conclude, the treatment and prevention of SCD is akin to preventing fatal car accidents. Adopting a healthy lifestyle (like following road safety rules), getting regular health checkups to keep the risk factors under control (like the periodic car maintenance),  drug treatment for established CAD and ICDs for those at very high risk (like the presence of air-bags in case of fatal accidents) are the means to reduce SCD (like avoiding fatal accidents).

Mass education to empower the bystanders to recognize and respond early to this situation and government initiatives to install AEDs at high population density areas can achieve higher survival rates from this mounting threat to mankind.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a renowned and one of the best Cardiologists in Faridabad, Haryana to have expertise in Angiography and Angioplasty. He has over two decades of experience and is proficient in both interventional cardiology and electrophysiology.

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains which blood test can indicate your heart attack risk
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

Did you know there is a blood test that can indicate your heart attack risk?

Many celebrities whom we lost to heart attacks in the past two years, the paranoia around heart health is at its peak. Till some years ago we believed that someone who was physically fit and exercised regularly would have good cardiac health but the line seems to be blurring. Most celebrities who made headlines with their untimely deaths were fit, healthy and worked out regularly, says, Dr. Sanjay Kumar – the best Cardiologist in Faridabad.

So then is there a way to determine one’s risk of heart attack? Well, there seems to be a blood test that can indicate one’s heart issues. The test is called Cardio – C reactive protein (hs CRP). Please note that a one off reading may not fully give a clear picture of the heart risk but persistent high readings can tell you that it’s time to consult a doctor and follow necessary action.

What is the cardio C-reactive (hs CRP) protein test?

Cardio C-reactive protein also known as high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs CRP) is a simple blood test. According to Dr. Sanjay says, CRP is an inflammatory marker which means whenever there is an infection anywhere in the body, the CRP level in the blood is raised, hs CRP is more sensitive than the standard CRP. In an otherwise healthy human being, if the hs CRP level is high, it is an indicator or an alarm that the individual has got more possibilities to have blockages in the heart arteries, heart attack, sudden heart arrest, stroke or arterial blockages of arms and legs in the future.


Dr. Sanjay Kumar – the best Cardiologist in Faridabad says hsCRP is a test that has recently come into prominence, and is available as part of various investigation packages. It is a marker of low level chronic or long-standing inflammation. Inflammation is a reaction of our body against infection, stress, certain auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis etc. When after an insect bite we see red spots develop on our skin, that is due to inflammation. Inflammation is appropriate in the short term, but can be harmful for our bodies, when present for longer duration. A low level of long-standing inflammation in the heart has been linked to increased problems of heart attack, sudden death, and requirement of angioplasty or bypass etc. People who have persistently high hsCRP have been found to be at higher risk for heart disease as compared to those who do not have elevated hsCRP.

He further states, “Cardio C Reactive Protein or hsCRP is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle which is heart health. It should not be considered in isolation. Some studies have found that high levels of hsCRP increase the risk even in absence of other heart disease risk factors, but this is still controversial. However, we are quite confident that the risk due to other heart disease risk factors (like high BP, diabetes) increases even more in presence of increased hsCRP. It is very important to remember that any recent infections can cause CRP & hsCRP to become elevated for several weeks. So, it cannot be interpreted if you had a recent infection or if you have some other autoimmune diseases which can cause CRP to become elevated. Several healthy people have approached me for consultation after getting anxious due to a bold hsCRP value that was a part of the so called ‘whole body tests’, that have become so common since the Covid pandemic! It definitely doesn’t mean that you are going to have a heart attack! Always, the results of hsCRP, just like any other test, should be interpreted in a clinical context.”

What do the numbers say?

High numbers indicate an otherwise healthy human is more prone for heart diseases like arterial blockages, heart attack, sudden heart arrest, stroke and peripheral arterial diseases in the future.

According to Dr. Sanjay Kumar – the best Cardiologist in Faridabad, “Along with other risk factors and lipid panels, high Hs-CRP could be a marker for high CVD risk even in apparently healthy individuals and could be the indication of one’s heart health. When hs CPR is high, it should be repeated twice, optimally two weeks apart (in patient’s free of infection or acute illness) to confirm that person has persistent low levels of inflammation. High hs CRP is a marker of inflammation only and not specific for predicting heart disease. These values are only a part of total evaluation for heart disease and need to be considered with high cholesterol, sugar, hypertension, smoking and other CVD risk factors.”

Elevated CRP levels are almost always associated with other risk factors for heart disease including smoking, obesity, inactive lifestyle, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar abnormal lipid levels, and excess fat).

Regular screening is important post 40

People above the age of 40 should get their regular yearly heart checkup which includes blood tests for every system (kidney, liver, sugar and cholesterol), chest x-ray, ECG, EchoCardiography and treadmill test if required. If the individual falls in the high risk category for heart diseases which means if they have a family history of heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, history of chronic smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or obesity and especially if the individual has symptoms of heart ailments like chest pain or discomfort and breathlessness etc, they should go for these tests even before the age of 40 and consult a cardiologist.

Dthe best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains, “There are a lot of controversies regarding executive checkups and routine tests to look after your heart health. People panic because every day we hear about people collapsing in the gym, while cycling etc. What is definitely recommended for everyone starting at the age of 30 years is regular BP check, weight measure, sugar and cholesterol measurements. The frequency can be decided on an individual basis depending on the underlying heart risk. Even 2-3 yearly tests for glucose and cholesterol, and yearly check of blood pressure is quite reasonable in healthy fit people. People who are at higher risk for heart disease e.g., strong family history of heart disease, people with diabetes, obesity, those recovering from serious COVID etc, should be screened more frequently and also more extensively with added tests. These may include specialized kidney and urine tests, echocardiogram, etc. In sedentary patients at high risk of heart disease a treadmill test or a coronary calcium score may also be reasonable. In very few selected cases with high disease risk and atypical heart symptoms, a CT coronary angiogram is also ordered.”

How to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle?

Having a heart healthy lifestyle has also been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease hsCRP. This includes total avoidance of active and passive exposure to smoking and tobacco; a healthy diet of mostly unprocessed food with high fiber content, maintaining ideal body weight, and regular physical activity.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar – the best Cardiologist in Faridabad shares, “The different preventive measures that can be taken to keep the heart healthy can be categorized as lifestyle modifications and drug-based treatments. Lifestyle modifications that can be done are eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy body weight, cessation of smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption. These lifestyle modifications also contribute to lowering the blood glucose level as well as the blood pressure that affects the heart. Drug-based treatments include the treatments for CVD in addition to the treatment for high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and high glucose level in blood.”

Pulmonary Heart Disease or Pulmonary Hypertension
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Disease

What are the symptoms of pulmonary heart disease?

Pulmonary heart disease, also known as pulmonary hypertension is the enlargement and failure of the right ventricle of the heart due to increased vascular resistance. PHD causes the right ventricle to enlarge and pump blood less effectively than normal, due to which the ventricle is then pushed to its limit and ultimately fails.

Pulmonary heart disease is a complication of lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary embolism (PE), says Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best cardiologist in Faridabad.

What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary heart disease?

The early symptoms may go unnoticed, as they are quite similar to the feeling we get after hard work such as shortness of breath, tiredness, an increased heart rate etc. Over the time, these symptoms get worse. Visit your doctor immediately, if you have:

  • Swelling in the legs or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Wheezing and coughing
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Enlarged neck veins
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Cyanosis (bluish or purplish colour on the skin, lips or gums)

Pulmonary heart disease can be chronic or acute. It is usually caused by a lung disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common cause for pulmonary heart disease, however there are other factors also. The condition becomes more severe if you have a pre-existing heart disease like arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or a history of heart attack.

How does pulmonary heart disease arise?

Pulmonary heart disease is the adaptive response of your heart’s right ventricle to the increased afterload caused by the pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is caused due to increased pressure in the lungs’ arteries and your heart’s right ventricle that carries oxygenated blood to the heart while returning oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs. An untreated pulmonary hypertension is the most common cause of PHD. Other conditions that can cause pulmonary heart disease include:

  • Cystic fibrosis, inherited disorder that damages your lungs and digestive tract
  • Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted
  • Blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
  • Lung tissue damage
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where luid builds up in the air sac of lungs
  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD), scarring of lungs
  • Lung cancer

How it is diagnosed?

Apart from clinical examination, whereby your doctor will look for abnormal heart rhythms, fluid retention, and protruding neck veins, you will be undergoing following investigations:

  • Blood tests to detect antibody levels and brain natriuretic peptide.
  • Arterial blood gases (ABGs), for measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide level in blood.
  • Chest X-ray or CT Scan.
  • Echocardiogram which uses sound waves to produce heart images.
  • Pulmonary function tests, to check how well your lungs are functioning.
  • Right heart catheterization, to check pumping of your heart. It also measures the blood pressure in your heart and the main blood vessels in your lungs.
  • In rare cases, lung biopsy may also be performed.

How pulmonary heart disease is treated?

Treatment is mainly focused with treating the underlying causes of pulmonary diseases.

  • Medicines
    • Diuretics: To reduce excess fluid collection in parts of your body.
    • Heart medicine: To strengthen and regulate your heartbeat.
    • Vasodilators: To improve blood flow by dilating the blood vessels.
    • Antibiotics: To treat any lung infections.
    • Blood thinners: To prevent blood clots.
    • Bronchodilators: To relax the airways in the lungs and helps you breathe better.
  • Oxygen therapy is given to reduce the pressure in the lungs.
  • Heart or Lung transplant may be needed in case of advanced disease.

Conclusion

PHD is a serious heart condition that develops due to advanced lung disease. Strategies for prevention of some of the conditions causing pulmonary heart disease would be leading a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding exposure to airborne pollution. A careful management of your lung disease is also important because pulmonary heart disease stems from lung issues. It is important to monitor for any lung complications and pay close attention to any worsening signs and symptoms. It is a progressive disease that can rapidly worsen. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.

Dr.-Sanjay-Kumar-Best-Cardiologist-in-Faridabad
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

Better Heart Health with Cardiologist in Faridabad

Your heart is what keeps you alive. Its health, therefore, should hold utmost importance for you. While most people know that regular exercise and a nutritious diet are open secrets to keeping their heart healthy, they don’t know how and why they can achieve better cardiac health with a cardiologist. Dr Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad can help you.

Whether or not you have symptoms related to any heart disease, regular checkups, screening, and tests are necessary for preventing them in the first place, according to the best heart doctor in India.

And if you do have heart disease like arrhythmias, heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc., you need a precise diagnosis and the best treatment available, says the top cardiologist in Faridabad. Besides, to attain and maintain better heart health as you age, scheduled visits with an expert cardiologist become necessary.

While regular checkups help reveal conditions before they become worse, certain symptoms indicate that you might need a heart specialist without more delay. These include chest pain, heart flutter, irregular beats, shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness, etc., the best heart doctor in Faridabad strongly advises.

Apart from that, if you have other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of smoking, you might need frequent consultations with a cardiologist than others. Also, if you are reasonably healthy but have a family history of cardiac illnesses, it’s crucial to visit a heart doctor for better health.

Your cardiologist will guide you through key lifestyle changes to prevent or manage a cardiac disease. As per the leading heart specialist in India, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress are other major causes of heart problems in the 21st century. Therefore, whether or not you have a family or medical history, you must make active efforts to stay away from a stressful, inactive lifestyle.

Ensure that your diet is packed with essential minerals and vitamins and limit fast food as much as possible.

Consult Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a noted cardiologist and electrophysiologist in the country. She is known for using the latest and innovative diagnostic and treatment alternatives.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a renowned and one of the best Cardiologists in Faridabad, Haryana to have expertise in Angiography and Angioplasty. He has over two decades of experience and is proficient in both interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He is committed to working for the well-being of patients at any point in time and have performed more than 15000 Angiographies and 5000 cardiac interventions including simple and complex coronary angioplasty at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad itself. Currently, he is serving at Fortis Hospital, Faridabad as the Director (Cardiology Department).

Contact Dr. Sanjay to book an appointment. Call +91 9818403954, 0129-7116000, fill out a form, or drop an email at [email protected]

How to identify the best Heart specialist in Faridabad
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

How to Identify the Best Heart Specialist for Your Heart

People may need a cardiologist for an assortment of reasons. It could be for managing known heart disease, diagnosing the symptoms, or exploring different surgical procedures. Others may seek the services of a heart specialist to simply prevent any heart-related illness in the future.

But choosing an experienced, trustworthy heart specialist is not that easy. You need someone who is an expert at treating your specific condition, gears you towards permanent lifestyle changes, and helps you take better health decisions in the long term.

Listed below are the criteria required to identify the best heart specialist in Faridabad:

  1. Research the Experience

When it comes to treating cardiac illnesses and especially performing surgeries, you need someone who has an extensive experience in the field. The more the experience, the better the outcome of a procedure is likely to be. In several subspecialty areas, fellowship training is also desired.

Don’t hesitate to ask the number of procedures performed by an electrophysiologist or cardiologist for a specific condition. For instance, if you or your loved one requires pacemaker implantation, research the complication rates and the number of procedures performed by the expert. That’s the number one criterion to find a leading heart specialist doctor in Faridabad.

  • Consult Primary Care Doctor

Whether or not you need a cardiologist will likely be determined by your existing primary physician. And they might refer you to the best cardiologist in Faridabad like Dr. Sanjay Kumar who has two decades of experience treating cardiac ailments.

However, you need not rely on the primary physician alone for recommendations. You can also ask your close contacts and inquire about their experience with their heart specialists. Even so, it’s best to do your own research and determine the experience, qualifications, and reviews of a heart specialist doctor in Faridabad.

Make a list of recommendations from your physician, family, and friends. And then vet the list by conducting your own research.

  • Gauge the Communication Style

This is something you can tell only after meeting the doctor. But it’s a crucial factor. Do they patiently listen to your concerns? Do they answer your questions in ways that you comprehend? Does the cardiologist show genuine interest in understanding you and your condition as well as suggest the best treatment path for you?

If they seem to brush off your queries or don’t properly explain the reason behind your symptoms or why you may need a particular medication, therapy, or surgery, those are signs that the cardiologist isn’t the right choice for you or your loved one.

Recap

Thus, to identify the best heart doctor in India, you need to discuss with your primary physician, family, and friends, do your research regarding their experience, success rate, and expertise, and evaluate their communication style.

By doing so, you can find a heart specialist that you can trust in the long term.

Book an Appointment with Leading Heart Specialist

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a path-breaker electrophysiologist and cardiologist known for using the most innovative treatment methods.

One of the best heart doctors in Faridabad, Dr. Sanjay has multiple specialties including arrhythmia treatment, pacemaker implantation, coronary interventions, ablation surgery, and more. To consult the doctor, schedule an appointment on his website. Alternatively, you can do so using email ([email protected]) or phone call (+91 9818193954, 0129-7116000).

Best Cardiologist in Faridabad explains the Heart tests That Could Save Your Life
Dr Sanjay KumarHeart Health

These Heart Tests Could Save Your Life

You may already have a basic understanding of your risk for cardiovascular disease. Maybe heart disease runs in your family, you used to smoke or your cholesterol levels are slightly higher than your doctor would like — all factors that put you at higher risk for heart attacks and strokes says Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Best Cardiologist in Faridabad.

But when it comes to heart disease, having the most comprehensive information about your personal risk can help your healthcare team put the most effective plan in place for preventing these conditions.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the best Cardiologist in Faridabad uses innovative technologies and imaging to detect heart disease. The following are some of the tests our physicians use to get the most accurate pictures of your personal risk.

Top Heart Tests for Heart Disease Risk

Genetic Testing for Heart Attack Risk

Certain genetic variations in a person’s DNA are linked with an increased risk of heart attacks. Using a sample of your blood, doctors can look for these variations to determine if you’re at an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Vascular Ultrasound Screening

During this non-invasive test, doctors use the same technology used for sonograms performed on pregnant women. Vascular ultrasound screenings assess your arteries for signs of atherosclerosis, or blocked arteries, by either the accumulation of plaque or thickening of the blood vessel walls.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scanning

Another non-invasive method for determining your risk for having a heart attack. A “heart scan,” or computed tomography CT scan of the heart, evaluates the coronary arteries for a buildup of calcium. Calcium is a marker for atherosclerotic plaque, which causes blocked arteries. Higher coronary artery calcium scores are associated with a higher risk for heart attack.

Advanced Lipid Laboratory Testing

These tests go beyond basic cholesterol testing to provide more information about your blood lipid levels. Analysis of lipids including apolipoproteins A and B, lipoprotein (a), lipoprotein sub-fractions can be used by physicians to diagnose lipid diseases and refine your cardiovascular risk assessment. These tests can help your healthcare team provide the most appropriate treatment options for you.

Ambulatory 24-hour Blood Pressure Monitoring

This test is a valuable tool for diagnosing hypertension because it gives physicians a more accurate look at your blood pressure numbers. The small, portable and automated cuff and monitor device will measure your blood pressure for 24 hours, giving doctors a comprehensive assessment of your blood pressure throughout the day and night.

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