Heart Bypass Surgery(CABG)

India has become a leading destination for medical tourism, offering heart bypass surgery at competitive prices ranging from USD 2,700 to 7,000 (INR 2,00,000 to 5,18,000). Factors affecting the cost include the choice of hospital, duration of stay, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and additional procedures. Despite the lower cost, India provides high-quality medical care with advanced technology and skilled professionals, making it an attractive option for patients seeking affordable treatment.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), commonly referred to as heart bypass surgery, is a procedure to enhance blood flow to the heart, primarily in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). By grafting blood vessels from elsewhere onto the heart, CABG bypasses clogged or damaged arteries, improving blood and oxygen supply. Although it doesn't cure the underlying heart condition, CABG effectively alleviates symptoms like angina and can enhance heart health, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure-related mortality. Post-surgery, patients are advised to rest and adopt a healthy lifestyle for optimal recovery.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a prevalent heart condition marked by plaque buildup in arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeats, swelling, poor digestion, palpitations, and angina. Other nonspecific signs may include discomfort, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, and nausea. Angina, characterized by chest heaviness or tightness, often indicates arterial blockage.

These are various diagnostic tests used to assess heart function and detect cardiovascular conditions:

• Cardiac Catheterization: Involves inserting tiny tubes into the heart's blood vessels to assess heart function and detect coronary artery disease.
• Electrocardiograph (EKG): Records the heart's electrical activity to identify heart attacks, ischemia, and irregular heartbeats.
• Exercise Stress Test: A treadmill test to evaluate how the heart performs under strain, helping to identify coronary blockages and angina.
• Pharmacologic Stress Test: Medication is administered to raise the heart rate and simulate activity instead of exercise. It helps detect angina and coronary blockages.
• Coronary Calcium Scan: Analyzes the level of calcium in coronary artery walls to indicate the presence of atherosclerosis.
• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to examine the heart's architecture and overall performance.
• Blood Testing: Various blood tests, including those for triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, glucose, and HbA1c, are ordered to assess factors impacting arteries and heart health.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common heart surgery to remove blockages in the coronary arteries. There are three types:

• Off-pump CABG: Surgery without a heart-lung machine, using only a closed chest incision.
• On-pump CABG: Surgery using a heart-lung machine to circulate blood during the procedure.
• Hybrid CABG: A combination of off-pump and on-pump techniques.

• Despite careful planning, complications such as bleeding, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, infections, memory loss, kidney problems, and stroke can occur.
• Patients should avoid high-risk foods, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight post-surgery.

• Recovery typically involves staying in the hospital for at least a week and practicing deep breathing and coughing techniques to prevent pneumonia.
• Patients may experience weakness and fatigue initially but should gradually regain muscle strength through prescribed exercises.
• Any allergic reactions, fever, chills, or unusual drainage from the incision site should be reported to the doctor promptly.

• Hospitals may offer free medical opinions, assistance with medical visas, airport pickup/drop-off, and provision of local SIM cards.
• Translation services, hotel bookings, and pre-scheduled surgery arrangements can be provided to streamline the patient's experience.
• Payment assistance and 24/7 executive support are available to address patient needs even after departure