Non-invasive cardiology procedures have become increasingly important in India’s healthcare sector, especially with the rising cases of cardiovascular diseases among the population. With over 32 million Indians affected by heart-related issues, there is an urgent need for effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods that reduce patient discomfort and risk. Non-invasive procedures have emerged as the preferred choice, as they avoid interventional cardiology and the complications of invasive techniques. Read this article till the end to learn about 5 best non-invasive cardiology procedure types.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It is a widely accessible and cost-effective tool for detecting various cardiac abnormalities, especially those related to rhythm and conduction disturbances.
Types of ECG Machines
Single-channel machines are popular in price-sensitive areas like New Delhi and East Gujarat. Customers prefer 3-channel models, while more discerning buyers opt for 12-channel systems. India’s combined market share of 3-channel and high-end systems is 92.56% by value and 81% by quantity.
ECG Abnormalities
A community-based study in South India revealed that 39.9% of participants had ECG abnormalities, with men showing a significantly higher rate (47.24% compared to 34.9% in women). Conditions such as QRS axis deviation, first-degree AV block, fascicular blocks, incomplete right bundle branch block, sinus bradycardia, and ST elevation in the anterior chest leads were more common in men. The overall prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 0.32%, much lower than Western data.
Echocardiogram
Echocardiography is a crucial non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses ultrasound waves to create heart images. It is widely used in India and globally to assess cardiac structure and function, aiding cardiology hospitals in Delhi in diagnosing various heart conditions.
Overview of Echocardiography
Echocardiograms play a vital role in evaluating heart health and diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. They provide real-time images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow, helping doctors identify issues such as:
- Abnormal heart valves
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart murmurs
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiomyopathies
Types of Echocardiograms
Different types of echocardiograms serve specific diagnostic purposes:
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): The most common type, where a transducer placed on the chest captures images.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A probe is inserted into the oesophagus for closer views when TTE images are inconclusive.
- Stress Echocardiogram: This test assesses heart performance before and after physical exertion.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours. It is beneficial for detecting heart rhythm abnormalities that may not appear during a standard ECG due to their intermittent nature.
Key Features of Holter Monitors
- Continuous Monitoring: Unlike traditional ECGs that record heart activity for a short duration, Holter monitors capture heart rhythms throughout daily activities.
- Wearable Device: Electrodes are attached to the chest and connected to a small recording device worn on a belt or shoulder, allowing patients to carry on with their daily routines while data is collected.
- Symptom Correlation: Patients maintain a diary of their activities and symptoms like palpitations or dizziness, helping doctors correlate symptoms with heart activity.
Indications for Use
Doctors often recommend Holter monitors in cases of:
- Unexplained Symptoms: For symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting that are not captured during a routine ECG.
- Monitoring Heart Conditions: To evaluate the effectiveness of cardiology treatment for known arrhythmias or assess risk in patients with cardiomyopathy.
- Post-Surgical Evaluation: This monitors patients after heart surgery or those with implanted devices like pacemakers.
Benefits
- Non-Invasive and Painless: The procedure is non-invasive, and patients usually experience no discomfort besides mild irritation from the electrode adhesives.
- Rapid Diagnosis: Results are analysed within days, allowing for timely diagnosis and management of potential heart issues.
Cardiac CT Scan
A CT coronary angiogram uses advanced X-ray technology to produce detailed images of the heart’s blood vessels. It helps doctors detect blockages or narrowing of arteries caused by plaque buildup, which can lead to severe cardiovascular events like heart attacks.
Key Features
- Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional angiography, which involves catheter insertion, a cardiac CT scan is done externally, making it safer and more comfortable.
- Quick and Efficient: The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes, allowing for rapid diagnosis with minimal downtime.
- High Accuracy: Modern CT scanners, like 64-slice or 128-slice machines, deliver high-resolution images that improve diagnostic accuracy by detecting even minor artery blockages.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before undergoing a cardiac CT scan, doctors advise patients to:
- Fast for 3-4 hours to ensure more explicit images.
- Avoid caffeine for at least 12 hours, as it can increase heart rates.
- Take medication such as beta-blockers to slow the heart rate for better imaging.
- Bring medical records such as previous scans or reports for reference during the procedure.
Procedure Steps
- Check-in and Preparation: Patients arrive at the facility and may change into a hospital gown.
- IV Contrast Injection: A contrast dye is administered via an intravenous cannula to enhance the visibility of blood vessels.
- Scanning: Patients lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner and may be asked to hold their breath briefly while the images are taken.
- Post-Scan Monitoring: After the scan, patients are monitored for any allergic reactions to the contrast dye before discharge.
Nuclear Cardiology
Nuclear cardiology uses radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to visualise heart function and blood flow. The primary techniques include:
- Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS): Assesses blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): Provides detailed 3D images of the heart.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): An advanced imaging technique offering enhanced detail and accuracy.
Importance
India has approximately 250 centres capable of performing MPS, reflecting a growing infrastructure for nuclear cardiology. However, the field faces challenges:
- Limited Training: Cardiology fellowships often include minimal nuclear cardiology training. Many cardiologists need to gain extensive experience in nuclear imaging techniques.
- Regulatory Barriers: Only physicians trained in Nuclear Medicine can perform these procedures, restricting access.
- Underutilisation: Due to familiarity with other tests like stress echocardiography and coronary angiography, nuclear cardiology still needs to be used despite its benefits.
Non-invasive cardiology procedures in heart hospital in Delhi have revolutionised heart care by offering practical, safer, and more comfortable diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. As cardiovascular diseases continue to rise in India, these procedures play an essential role in ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis while minimising patient risk and discomfort. If you reside in Delhi and are experiencing a heart problem, consulting with a cardiologist in Delhi, like Kalra Hospital, is a good option for you.