Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and heart-related deaths worldwide. It occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. When medications and lifestyle changes are no longer enough to manage the condition, doctors often recommend procedures to restore blood flow. The two most common treatment options are angioplasty and bypass surgery . But which one is better? The answer depends on the severity of the blockage, your overall health, age, and other medical conditions. Understanding the differences between these treatments can help patients make informed decisions with their cardiologist. What Is Coronary Artery Disease? Coronary artery disease develops when fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate inside the coronary arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, restricts blood flow to the heart. As a result, patients may experience chest...
Mitral Valve is the one which is tucked between the upper left atrium and lower left ventricle and when it gets narrowed, this becomes a major heart health issue which is called Mitral Valve Stenosis . Under this condition, the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle is restricted and the blood starts to flow back into the left atrium, blood vessels of the lungs and to the right side of the heart too. Though stenosis occurs, symptoms don’t appear for a major part of one’s life, say 8 to 10 years. But in India, research suggests that the progression is quicker than in the rest of the world and symptoms surface within 8 to 10 years. As for the severity, such can be mild or severe. What are the possible reasons for mitral valve stenosis that we know? Rheumatic fever can be a discrepancy due to streptococcus infection. Calcium reserves due to old age. The congenital shortcoming in the mitral valve. Autoimmune diseases like lupus, can also contribute to...