Atherosclerosis Treatment

Who Needs Atherosclerosis Treatment?

Atherosclerosis treatment is required for any individual diagnosed with a high risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of Atherosclerosis

People usually suffer from:

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Leg pain while walking
• Weakness or numbness of the limbs
• High-level cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Unhealthy lifestyle

Types of Atherosclerosis Treatment

Based on the gravity of the condition and the patient's risk factors, this treatment is regulated through certain procedures.

Modification of the lifestyle

• A healthy diet that consists of low saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium
• Extensive consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like Omega-3

Regular exercise

• Proper weight management minimizes strain on the heart and blood vessels
• Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption

Medications

It helps to control risk factors and minimize the buildup of plaque

• Proper maintenance of low levels of cholesterol through atorvastatin and rosuvastatin.
• Antiplatelet drugs help to minimize the risk of blood clots through Aspirin or Clopidogrel.
• Blood pressure medications like lisinopril, metoprolol, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics are essential.
• Your doctor will prescribe some medications for diabetes, like insulin or metformin, and PCSK9 inhibitors for lowering advanced cholesterol in high-risk patients.

Coronary endarterectomy and peripheral artery bypass surgery are also recommended.

Pre-Atherosclerosis Treatment Evaluation and Diagnostics

A thorough assessment and diagnostic process is necessary before beginning the treatment for atherosclerosis. It is important to confirm the existence and the seriousness of the condition.  It identifies the location of the blockages in arteries, assesses risk factors and complications, and also develops customized treatment plants.

Medical History and Physical Examination

• Symptoms like chest pain, cramps in legs, breathlessness
• Individual or family history of heart disease, diabetes a stroke
• Lifestyle scenarios like the habit of smoking, drinking, dieting, exercising and stress
• Current conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes
• Physical examination includes
• Listening to the abnormal sounds of the heart and arteries
• Checking blood pressure in arms and legs
• Looking for any kind of sign, like weak pulse or slow healing injuries

Blood Tests

• Checking lipid panel like LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides
• Blood glucose
• C-reactive protein
• Testing of the kidney function

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

• Non-invasive tests like an electrocardiogram, Echocardiogram, ankle-brachial index, carotid ultrasound, CT Angiography and MRI angiography, and coronary artery calcium score through CT scan are conducted.
• Invasive tests, including cardiac catheterization, are conducted.

Atherosclerosis Treatment Planning

Proper procedure planning for this treatment ensures a secure and effective approach based on the condition, symptoms, risk level, and diagnostic outcome of the patient.

Diagnosis and Severity Confirmation

Diagnostic tests need to be done for the identification of plaque or blockage of water if any other symptoms are complications.

Determination of the Treatment Goals

• Stabilizing the plaque
• Improves blood flow
• Minimize the symptoms
• Prevent complications 

Development of a Customised Treatment Plan

Based on the seriousness and location of atherosclerosis:

• Medication, routine monitoring, and lifestyle changes for mild to moderate conditions
• Angioplasty, endarterectomy, and stenting for moderate to severe conditions
• Surgical interventions like peripheral artery bypass surgery and coronary artery bypass graft for severe conditions

Preparation Before Starting the Procedure Planning

• Clearance of the medical situation of the patient by evaluating the condition of the heart, kidney, and lungs
• Review of the medication
• Checking for allergies, if any
• Required to be fasting
• The signing of the informed consent form by the patient and their family

Risks and Potential Complications of Atherosclerosis Treatment

Medications

• Statins (cholesterol-minimizing drugs) are prescribed for reducing muscle pain. However, it also elevates liver enzymes responsible for Rhabdomyolysis, creating digestive issues.
• Antibiotics like Aspirin or Clopidogrel pose risks of bleeding and bruising in the gastrointestinal areas. These can be allergic and are also responsible for hemorrhagic stroke.
• Pressure medications have side effects of dizziness, fainting, and imbalance of electrolytes.
• Diabetes medications can be responsible for hypoglycemia.

Surgical intervention

• Coronary artery bypass graft can lead to infection, clotting of blood, problems with heart rhythm, and cognitive issues as well.
• Carotid endarterectomy is responsible for the occurrence of stroke even during and after surgery. Nerve injury and infection, or bleeding of the surgical area, are also common.
• Peripheral artery and bypass surgery can lead to swelling or infection of the limb, occlusion of the graft, and amputation risk.

Recovery After Atherosclerosis Treatment and Long-Term Care

Post Recovery

• After the initiation of the medication, there should be proper monitoring to identify any kind of side effects.
• Prescribing blood tests to check the function of the liver, monitor cholesterol levels, and make adjustments to the medication dosages are also significant.
• Recovery times can vary. For angioplasty, patients can go home the same day or after staying for a short period of time. For CABG, patients need to stay in the hospital for several days.
• Alongside this, dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended and monitoring is continued for minute observation of any instance of the occurrence of bleeding or injury.
• After carotid endarterectomy surgery, the patient needs to stay in the hospital for around 7 days based on the procedure with a full recovery of 12 weeks along with cardiac or vascular rehabilitation.

Long-Term Care

Long-term care is important to manage atherosclerosis, which is a chronic progressive disease. Even after proper, successful treatment through medications or angioplasty, ongoing care is important. It will help to prevent the recurrence of this condition and reduce the probability of a heart attack or stroke.

For long-term care, dosages of cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure medicines are monitored. Patients are recommended to follow up every 3 to 6 months.

Success Rate of Atherosclerosis Treatment in India

In India, there has been a significant improvement in Atherosclerosis treatment over recent years. Various advancements in medical technology have been made. The success rate ranges between 90% and 99%, depending on factors like the seriousness of the arterial blockage, the health conditions of the patient, and the expertise of the medical facility.

Cost of Atherosclerosis Treatment in India

The cost of atherosclerosis treatment in India can vary significantly based on the type of treatment required, the hospital, and the city. It's important to consider that insurance coverage may help mitigate some of these expenses. Additionally, follow-up care and rehabilitation can also accrue extra costs, but overall, India offers a more affordable option compared to many Western countries. 

For a comprehensive treatment plan, consult EdhaCare to understand all associated costs.

Why Choose India for Atherosclerosis Treatment?

The reasons that people choose India for atherosclerosis treatment are listed below.

• Indian hospitals are well-versed with interventional cardiologists. They are capable of performing stenting and angioplasty, which are minimally invasive procedures. All of this process helps to restore blood flow and minimize symptoms.
• There is availability of advanced treatments like coronary artery bypass grafting, rotablation, and intravascular imaging, and robotic or beating heart surgery.
• In India, medical treatment is less expensive than in other regions. It has made an attractive option for patients who are seeking quality and cost efficiency as well.
• In India, there is an opportunity for Ayurveda approaches. It offers an alternative approach to managing atherosclerosis, potentially complementing traditional treatments.
• Many hospitals in India offer a total package of cardiovascular care that begins from diagnosis, surgical procedures, and also provides lifestyle counseling for long-term follow-up.

Documents Required for Patients Traveling to India for Atherosclerosis Treatment

For international patients contemplating atherosclerosis treatment in India, it is necessary to present certain documentation to have a smooth medical journey. These include:

• Valid Passport: Valid for a minimum of six months after the date you travel.
• Medical Visa (M Visa): Granted by the Indian Embassy/Consulate on medical grounds.
• Invitation Letter from Indian Hospital: A formal letter explaining the course of treatment and how long it will last.
• Recent Medical Records: X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and a referral note by a doctor in the home country.
• Completed Visa Application Form: With passport-size photographs according to specifications.
• Proof of Means: Bank statements dated in the past few months or health insurance.
• Medical Attendant Visa: Needed for a companion or caregiver traveling with the patient.

It is advisable to refer to the Indian consulate or your medical facilitator for the latest information and help in documentation.

Top Atherosclerosis Treatment Doctors in India

Some of the top specialists in India providing atherosclerosis treatment are:

1. Dr. Badri Narayan, Apollo Health City Hospital, Hyderabad
2. Dr. Ajay Kaul, Fortis Hospital, Noida
3. Dr. K Subramanyan, SIMS Hospital, Chennai
4. Dr. (Col.) Manjinder Singh Sandhu, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gurgaon
5. Dr. Subhendu Mandal, BM Birla Hospital, Kolkata

Best Hospitals for Atherosclerosis Treatment in India

The hospitals where the medical experts that we have mentioned in the previous section are available are listed below

1. Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
2. Apollo Super Specialty Hospital, Ahmedabad
3. Manipal Hospital, Delhi
4. Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre Hospital, Chennai
5. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the alerting symptoms of atherosclerosis?

Some of the altering symptoms of atherosclerosis are pressure or pain in the chest, leg pain while walking, fatigue, weakness or numbness, breathlessness, and high blood pressure.

What is the recovery period from the treatment?

For medication, there is no specific recovery time. Results can improve over weeks and can continue for months. For angioplasty, the recovery period ranges from 1 to 3 days, and for CABG, the recovery period ranges from 4 to 12 weeks.

Does lifestyle change help in treating atherosclerosis?

Yes, in early or moderate cases, lifestyle changes alone can treat this disease. However, some patients mostly benefit from a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. However, in advanced stages, patients require surgical intervention.

Will a patient require lifelong treatment?

Yes, atherosclerosis is a chronic condition, and a patient can likely require long-term medication along with adherence to exercises and diet with regular check-ups so that he or she can remain healthy.

Can this disease come back after treatment?

If lifestyle and medications are not properly followed, then it can come back.