Frequently Asked Questions

A general cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of heart conditions through medications, lifestyle recommendations, and non-invasive tests like ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests. In contrast, an interventional cardiologist is trained to perform invasive procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and catheter-based treatments to manage conditions like blocked arteries and structural heart diseases.

Angioplasty and stenting are recommended when a patient has narrowed or blocked coronary arteries that restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. This procedure is typically advised in cases of acute heart attack, chronic chest pain (angina), or after a stress test or angiogram shows significant blockage. It helps restore normal blood flow and prevent further cardiac events.

Common warning signs of a heart attack include:

•  Chest pain or pressure, often radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back
•  Shortness of breath
•  Nausea or vomiting
•  Cold sweats
•  Light-headedness or dizziness
•  Fatigue or unexplained weakness

If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Heart disease is diagnosed using tests like ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, blood tests, and coronary angiography. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition and may include:

•  Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
•  Medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood flow
•  Procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery in severe cases

After a cardiac procedure, patients are advised to:

•  Follow a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium
•  Engage in regular physical activity, as advised by the doctor
•  Take prescribed medications regularly
•  Avoid smoking and alcohol
•  Manage stress levels
•  Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly

Cardiac rehabilitation programs may also be recommended for recovery.

A cancer surgeon, also known as a surgical oncologist, plays a vital role in diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer. They perform surgical procedures to remove tumors, assess the extent of disease, and sometimes take tissue samples (biopsies) for further evaluation. In many cases, surgery forms the first line of treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Surgery is necessary when:

•  The tumor is localized and resectable
•  There is a need to remove cancerous tissue completely
•  It's essential to relieve symptoms, such as pain or obstruction
•  Diagnostic biopsies or staging evaluations are needed

In certain cancers, surgery is curative; in others, it forms part of a multimodal treatment approach.

Common types of cancer surgeries include:

•  Lumpectomy or mastectomy (for breast cancer)
•  Colectomy (for colon cancer)
•  Lobectomy or pneumonectomy (for lung cancer)
•  Prostatectomy (for prostate cancer)
•  Hysterectomy (for gynecological cancers)
•  Head and neck tumor resections

Surgical methods can vary based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery, patient’s overall health, and presence of complications. Minor surgeries may require only a few days to recover, while major surgeries could take several weeks to months. Postoperative care, physiotherapy, and follow-up treatment like chemotherapy or radiation can also influence recovery duration.

Yes, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries are increasingly being used in both cancer and cardiac treatments. These techniques involve smaller incisions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

•  In cardiology, procedures like robotic-assisted bypass surgery and valve repair are now options in selected patients.
•  In oncology, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are commonly used for prostate, gynecological, colorectal, and kidney cancers.