Dr Ramji Mehrotra | Best Cardiovascular Surgeon & Heart Specialist Doctor in India

  Pericarditis, an inflammatory condition affecting the pericardium - the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, can be a source of acute chest pain and discomfort. While it is often idiopathic or without a known cause, pericarditis can also be triggered by various factors. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of recurrence. Ø   Viral Infections: One of the primary causes of pericarditis is viral infections, particularly those caused by the coxsackievirus and echovirus. These viruses can directly invade the pericardium, triggering an inflammatory response. The immune system's reaction to the viral presence can lead to the release of inflammatory chemicals, causing the pericardium to become irritated and inflamed. Ø   Bacterial Infections: While less common, bacterial infections can also result in pericarditis. Bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculo...

  Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for maintaining bone health and regulating calcium levels. However, according to medical research it has significant impact on cardiovascular health also, specifically in protecting against heart failure. India’s leading cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Ramji Mehrotra says that Vitamin D's protective effect on the heart is due to several mechanisms. Firstly, it plays an important role in modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Adequate Vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased activation of this system, resulting in lowered blood pressure and reduced strain on the heart. Moreover, Vitamin D exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the development and progression of heart failure. Vitamin D helps to mitigate inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and promo...

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...

  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...

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...