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Heart Emergency & What to Do

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A heart emergency is a critical medical situation that requires immediate attention and response. The heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body, and any interruption to its normal functioning can lead to life-threatening consequences. Understanding how to recognize the signs of a heart emergency and knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference in saving lives. Recognizing the Signs Leading cardiac surgeon Dr. Ramji Mehrotra says that recognizing the signs of a heart emergency is crucial in initiating prompt action. The common symptoms of a heart attack are: Ø   Chest pain or discomfort: This could manifest as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest, which may last for a few minutes or come and go. Ø   Pain or discomfort in other areas: The pain may spread to the arms (usually the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Ø   Shortness of breath: Experiencing difficult...

Dr Ramji Mehrotra | CPR and How to perform it

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  CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving technique that can be performed in emergency situations when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It is crucial to know how to perform CPR as it can significantly increase the chances of survival until professional medical help arrives. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep the blood flow and oxygen circulation going in a person's body. The main goal of CPR is to maintain vital organ function until advanced medical support can be provided. Dr. Ramji Mehrotra , India’s leading cardiac surgeon, suggests that CPR can be performed following the steps below: 1.     Assess the situation: Ensure the environment is safe for both the victim and you. If the person is unresponsive, check if they are breathing or have a pulse. If not, it is time to start CPR. 2.     Call for help: Dial the emergency services number or ask someone nearby to do so. It is important to get pro...

Heart Function Stress Test

The heart function stress test, also known as cardiac stress test or exercise stress test, is a medical procedure designed to assess the performance of the heart during physical exertion. It is a commonly used diagnostic tool to evaluate cardiovascular health, detect abnormalities, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients with known or suspected heart conditions. This non-invasive test involves monitoring the heart's response to exercise-induced stress, allowing doctors to gather valuable information about the heart's functioning and overall cardiovascular fitness. India’s leading cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Ramji Mehrotra says that the purpose of a cardiac stress test is to mimic the stress placed on the heart during physical activity and observe how well the heart copes with increased demand. It helps to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to the heart muscle and identify potential limitations or abnormalities in cardiac function. During the test, the pa...

What is Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

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Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), also known as cardiac MRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that provides detailed information about the structure and function of the heart. It utilizes a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create high-resolution images of the heart, allowing healthcare professionals to evaluate cardiac anatomy, assess myocardial function, and detect various cardiovascular conditions. CMR works by aligning the hydrogen atoms in the body's tissues using a strong magnetic field. When radio waves are applied, the hydrogen atoms emit signals that are captured by specialized detectors, enabling the creation of detailed images. By manipulating different imaging parameters, such as magnetic field strength and timing, CMR can provide a wealth of information about the heart's structure and function. One of the main applications of CMR is the assessment of myocardial function. It can accurately measure the heart's pumping capacity...

(Dr Ramji Mehrotra) What are Inherited Cardiac Conditions?

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Inherited cardiac conditions are a group of cardiovascular disorders that are caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities passed down from parents to their children. These conditions can affect the structure or function of the heart and may occur at various stages of life, from infancy to adulthood. Understanding the nature of inherited cardiac conditions is crucial for early detection, proper management, and preventive measures. One prominent example of an inherited cardiac condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) . HCM is characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle. This abnormal thickening can disrupt the heart's pumping ability and lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. In some cases, HCM can cause sudden cardiac arrest, especially during intense physical activity. According to Dr. Ramji Mehrotra , leading cardiac surgeon in NCR region , genetic mutations in genes responsible for the str...