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Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA)

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  Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect that affects the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body. It occurs when a part of the aorta is narrowed or constricted, which can cause decreased blood flow to the body and increased pressure in the heart. CoA can range from mild to severe and can be detected at birth or later in life. Causes of CoA According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra , who is one of the best cardiac surgeons in India, the exact cause of CoA is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by abnormal development of the aorta during foetal development. It can also be associated with other congenital heart defects or genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome. Symptoms Symptoms of CoA can vary depending on the severity of the narrowing and the age at which it is detected. Infants with severe CoA may present with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or a weak pulse in the legs. Older children and adults may expe...

Dr Ramji Mehrotra | Why do you need a stent in your heart?

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A stent is a tiny, expandable metal mesh tube that is used to prop open narrow or blocked arteries in the heart. Stents are commonly used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the build-up of plaque. When plaque builds up inside the arteries, it can restrict blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain or other symptoms. In some cases, the blockage can be so severe that it can cause a heart attack. A stent can be used to help restore blood flow and prevent these complications. During a stenting procedure, a small incision is made in the groin or arm, and a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. The catheter is then guided to the blocked artery in the heart using imaging technology. Once the catheter reaches the blockage, a small balloon is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. The stent is then placed over the balloon and expanded,...

Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?

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  Both panic attacks and heart attacks can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. These similarities can often lead people to confuse one with the other. However, it is important to understand that the two are very different conditions that require different treatments. Panic Attack A panic attack is a sudden and intense surge of fear or discomfort that typically lasts for a few minutes. The symptoms of a panic attack can be physical or psychological, and often come on suddenly without warning. Common physical symptoms of a panic attack may include chest pain, sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Psychological symptoms can include a feeling of impending doom or a sense of unreality. Leading cardiac surgeon Dr Ramji Mehrotra says that panic attacks are usually caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the body that triggers the "fight or flight" response. This respo...