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Chest Pain in General Practice: A Systematic Review of Prediction Rules

If ignored, chest pain can lead to life-threatening conditions. Most commonly, chest pain is associated with angina, where the heart muscle fails to receive oxygen. But, there can be other reasons that trigger sudden chest pain.

Thus, consult with a chest pain specialist to determine the predictive rules to understand the reasons behind chest pain. Even predictive tools can help assess the condition in patients suffering from severe chest pain. This helps in clinical decision making. 

Types of chest pain

Chest pain can be classified into various types, such as –

  • Cardiac – In the case of cardiac chest pain, there is a clear sign of blockage within the blood vessels.
  • Possible cardiac – In the case of possible cardiac chest pain, it is not clear whether the pain is due to heart-related ailments. Thus, tests are conducted to affirm the disease.
  • Non-cardiac – In non-cardiac chest pain, it occurs due to an anxiety attack or inflammation of pectoral tissue or pulmonary embolism.

So, it is very much essential to identify the accurate disease by undergoing a specific blood test or any other imaging or procedure base test. Let’s get to know them to help you detect any severe indications.

Test conducted to detect the reason behind chest pain

Often, a combination of all these tests is done to determine the cause of the chest pain. The latest advancement has brought in a high-sensitive serial assessment of cardiac troponin (cTn) blood tests. It assists in detecting the troponin T content in the blood. 

This protein determines whether the patient would suffer from a heart attack. This test can also reveal whether the patient has suffered from any heart attack recently or if there is any heart muscle damage.

Factors to predict chest pain severity

It is very much essential to determine the category of chest pain, and thus you must consider these factors:

  • Age (Cardiovascular risk can increase with time)
  • Family history of coronary artery disease
  • Overall condition of the health
  • Severe and persistent chest pain that fails to go away
  • Feeling extreme pressure on the chest

Symptoms of chest pain associated with heart ailments

Chest pain is the primary symptom of artery blockage, and heart attack and is an indicator of coronary artery disease. However, many patients report feeling vague pain and discomfort. 

Here is the level of chest pain that indicates a heart-related disease:

  • Tightness or pressure on your chest.
  • Crushing pain spreads from the chest to jaw, shoulders, neck and arm.
  • There is a slow rise in the intensity of the pain, and it keeps getting worse due to everyday activities.
  • Compression on the chest with shortness of breath.

Along with these cold sweats, dizziness, and vomiting are clear indications of heart-related disease that require immediate consultation with a chest pain specialist.

Symptoms of chest pain associated with other ailments

Chest pain has always been considered a symptom of heart-related disease, but there might be other underlying reasons that can lead to it. 

Digestive causes

Heartburn, gallbladder problems and swallowing disorder can also lead to chest pain. But, these have a clear association with the body’s digestive system.  

Lung disorders

A blood clot within the lungs, inflammation of the lungs, and high blood pressure can also be a reason behind severe chest pain.

Muscle & bone ailments

Injury in the ribs and sore chest muscles are the primary reason behind chest pain. 

Symptoms distinguish the chest pain associated with other conditions, rather than the heart, are – sour taste or a sensation of food in the mouth, trouble swallowing, the pain increases when coughing and deep breathing and the pain lasts for several hours.

Conclusion

Chest pain can also occur due to anxiety or smallpox. Thus, it is advised to seek immediate professional help without any delay. To lead a healthy life, it is necessary to incorporate specific lifestyle changes. You must maintain a nutritious diet, quit smoking, and exercise regularly. However, do not ignore the complications and book an appointment with an experienced and certified medical specialist at ILS Hospitals.

First Aid for Heart Attack Everyone Should Know

Heart attack is considered to be one of the common life-threatening medical emergencies. However, it is often confused with cardiac arrest, but both are quite different medical conditions. 

During a heart attack, blood flow is blocked, and the heart gets deprived of proper nutrition and oxygen. This situation typically arises due to blockage in arteries or a clogged artery due to deposition of plagues. Thus, a person suffering from a heart ailment is asked to take heart attack precautions.

Further, it is imperative to know that the heart does not stop beating during a heart attack, while in the case of cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating and occurs suddenly.

In India, the death rate due to cardiac diseases is relatively high. So, one must always be aware of the first aid for heart attack. Awareness can help save a life, be it yours or a family member or an acquaintance.

The symptoms of heart attack

Heart attacks have become quite common and can occur in between everyday activities such as relaxing on the balcony, shopping, hanging out with friends or after a peaceful sleep. It is essential to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack to provide first aid.

A heart attack occurs suddenly, and the warning side includes –

  • Discomfort around the chest area
  • Feeling excessive pressure or pain in the chest
  • Excessive pain in the peripheral areas of the body, including arms
  • Pain in the jaw and stomach
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweat 
  • Lightheadedness

In women, specific symptoms differ from men, and these are – extreme fatigue, fainting and pressure on the upper back. Thus, one must take note of the heart attack precautions.

First aids for heart attack

No, you do not need to be a specialist to provide first aid in case of a heart attack. If you have already detected the symptoms, it’s time to take action.

 1. Call an emergency number

It would bring help within minutes, and the patient could be shifted to the hospital at the earliest. Usually, ambulances have a life-saving kit and equipment that can assist the patient

until professional intervention is received at the hospital. This helps to increase the survival rate. Further, the paramedics are trained to revive a person’s heartbeat in severe conditions.

 2. Provide medication 

Aspirin is the standard medicine prescribed during a heart attack as it stops or even slows down the artery-clogging effect. You can either ask the patient to chew or swallow one tablet of aspirin (dose for an adult). Otherwise, if the patient is on heart medication, they can also take that, such as nitroglycerine.

 3. Do not panic 

In this situation, you must keep yourself calm, try to loosen the tight clothes of the patient, and help them sit down and rest. Further, assure them that it’s just a minor health issue. You must try to keep them awake. Do not provide water or food in this scenario, and it is part of heart attack precautions.

 4. Chest compression 

If the patient is about to lose consciousness, then you can provide chest compression. The process is quite simple – kneel next to the patient and lock your hands together. Now, place your hands on the middle of the chest. Next, using the pressure of your entire body, push downwards hard and fast. Try to cover at least two inches deep. 

Continue the compression until the person regains consciousness. You must continue for 100 beats per minute and switch every two minutes. This is also called hands-on CPR and is associated with a “chain of survival” technique. Technically, this helps to increase the chance of someone’s survival rate.

Conclusion

The most important part of dealing with a heart attack is to act quickly. It takes minutes for the heartbeat to stop, so do not wait for the symptoms to fade away. Even if the patient has regained consciousness, you must immediately take the patient to a cardiac hospital for a complete checkup. ILS Hospitals provide the best medical facility in terms of heart attack emergencies.

9 Deadly Sins of Neurological Misdiagnosis

It is imperative to diagnose any disease accurately for proper treatment to avoid any complications. However, neurological diagnosis have a lot of complications, and the most common hindrance the doctor usually faces is a diagnostic error. The consequences can be minor to major, according to the patient’s disease. And, the sole reason behind the misdiagnosis is the attribute of multiple conditions.

Through medical examination and conducting tests, it is possible to diagnose the medical issue. But, too many symptoms make the assessment challenging. Usually, neurological disorders require immediate treatment, and it has the possibility of damaging the condition of the body.

Here we have a compile of the common neural conditions that face misinterpretation. The list can help to prevent worse conditions. This would help you beware and opt for repetitive tests to get 100% confirmation of the medical condition.

Multiple Sclerosis

The body’s immune system attacks the protective layer of the nerve and slowly degrades it. The central nervous system is mostly affected by this disorder. And, the general scan report reveals that the patient has lesions around the spinal cord. Now, the problem is that all spinal cord lesions do not indicate multiple sclerosis leading to misdiagnosis. 

Vitamin B12 Disorder 

This disorder is a misinterpretation of  MS or Multiple sclerosis because of the general symptoms of fatigue, tingling sensation in the hands and feet and mental confusion. Furthermore, only a blood test can determine the deficiency of Vitamin B12 because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the myelin sheath of the nerve.

Stroke

This is a very sensitive issue and requires emergency treatment. It is often thought to be Bell’s Palsy as the symptoms are quite similar. Moreover, the symptoms include vision impairment, numbness of the face, trouble walking, headache, confusion, migraine, intoxication and vertigo.

Dementia

This is also a medical condition that faces misinterpretation and generally occurs in elderly patients. The symptoms are quite similar to the late-life depression condition, which leads to cognitive impairment.

Migraines 

These often face misinterpretation as sinus infections which leads to improper treatment. In this condition, the patient usually suffers from an intense headache and a throbbing effect on the

side of the head. The patient becomes too sensitive to sound, smell, and light, which can trigger a blur vision. Moreover, the symptoms also include vomiting, nausea, and fainting, which can occur in extreme cases.

Radiologically Isolated Syndrome

People with Radiologically Isolated Syndrome face a misinterpretation of suffering from MS or Multiple sclerosis. Moreover, the MRI report states that the patient has lesions on the brain nerves. Now, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become quite similar to MS. So, it is an early indicator of MS.

Spondylitis

It is a disorder of the vertebra where you will find inflammation of the vertebral column. The symptoms are quite similar to MS or Multiple sclerosis, and thus, it also faces misinterpretation. Further, the symptoms also include joint pain and fatigue. Moreover, proper neurological diagnosis is the need of the hour.

Neuropathy

It is a condition that indicates damage to the nerve. Moreover, it is also known as peripheral neuropathy. This medical condition affects the nervous system, excluding the brain and spinal. However, it is quite common in people with high blood glucose levels and thus it faces misinterpretation. The symptoms include loss of coordination of the muscles and difficulty in movement. Moreover, in extreme cases, it also gets mistaken as Multiple Sclerosis.

Lupus

It is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and it also goes through misinterpretation as MS or Multiple sclerosis. Most of the female population has to face this disorder more than the male. The symptoms are joint swelling, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache. On examination, the doctor can find butterfly-shaped rashes that cover the cheek and bridge of the nose. A single diagnostic test cannot interpret lupus, and several laboratory tests are run. This helps the doctor to confirm the condition of lupus.

Conclusion

Misinterpretation of any disease can prove to be deadly as the patient fails to receive the proper treatment, and that too at the right time. Thus, it is necessary to opt for a hospital that can provide high-end medical services and a premium diagnostic center. At ILS Hospitals, you meet a team of specialists whose primary responsibility is to give the best treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma Attack

Asthma can become life-threatening if you ignore treating the condition at the right time. More than 25 million people across the globe suffer from asthma. And, it is also familiar as bronchial asthma, which affects your lungs.

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways face constriction, disrupting the proper airflow. The lining of the airways also becomes swollen, and the body starts to secrete more mucus. This eventually blocks the airflow from the lungs and into the lungs.

Asthma usually gets triggered by certain environmental conditions, and based on the severity, it is of two types –

  • Intermittent – When the asthma symptoms come and go.
  • Persistent – When asthma stays for a more extended period, the symptom changes from mild to severe. This is also known as an asthma attack.

If chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlaps it, the condition becomes ACOS. And, this makes it quite challenging to treat the condition.

Now, you might have certain queries in your mind about asthma. We are about the answer some of the most frequently asked questions –

 1. Who is at risk of getting asthma?

Asthma can occur at any age, and it can start at the age of 5 or when you reach adulthood. Further, exposure to allergen or tobacco smoke can trigger asthma. Even passive smokers or third hand smokers also have the probability of getting asthma. According to recent data, a female child tends to develop asthma from birth more than a male child.

 2. What are the common elements that trigger asthma?

Asthma can occur due to allergic or non-allergic reasons or genetic conditions. It can get triggered due to air pollution, dust mite allergy, exercise, cockroaches or other pests, tobacco smoke, strong chemicals, occupational exposure, damp areas and pet dander.

 3. What are the signs of asthma?

Some obvious signs and symptoms can help you identify respiratory infections or asthma. Severe pressure on the chest while breathing, chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, etc. Especially at night, asthma tends to develop more severe symptoms. But, as asthma reaches its chronic stage, the signs and symptoms tend to change.

 4. How can you diagnose asthma?

A specialist would check your medical history and other information that you provide. This helps to identify the presence of asthma. The health care specialist may ask you about the symptoms and presence of any other lung disease. You need to go through a spirometer test, along with a blood test and skin test. The airflow through the lungs is diagnosed closely, and then there is a progression in treatment.

 5. How can medications help to control the symptoms of asthma?

The doctor may prescribe medications to aid you in controlling the signs and asthma. Children usually use an inhaler. Other than that –

  • Bronchodilators – This helps to relax the muscles around the airways and allows normal passage of air by removing the mucus.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines – The airways get swollen, and thus, the entry and exit of the air into the lungs face restriction. This medicine reduces the swelling and also restricts mucus production.
  • Biologic therapies – If inhaler therapy does not provide you with any benefit, biologic treatment is the only treatment.

Moreover, you cannot take asthma medicine directly. But instead, metered-dose inhalers or nebulizers are used.

 6. How can you control asthma?

At first, you need to understand the symptoms and then act accordingly. If your occupational area has any irritant substance, try to work from home. Try to use an inhaler whenever you face breathing problems. Moreover, stay conscious during weather changes and try not to catch a cold.

 7. Is it possible to monitor asthma at home? 

You can easily track asthma symptoms and manage it. The specialist recommends the peak flow meter to understand how fast you can blow out air from your lungs. Based on the results, you can understand whether the symptoms would get worse.

Conclusion

Thus, whenever you get an asthma attack, do not panic. Instead, reach out for your rescue inhaler and dial the emergency number. You need to keep asthma under check, especially at night, because asthma worsens at these odd hours. At ILS Hospitals, you will get prompt emergency services without any delay and the best treatment facilities to control asthma.

7 Symptoms of Kidney Infection & Disease You Must Know About

Infections are a clear sign that bacteria or virus has made their way into your body. Kidney infections are quite serious and require prompt treatment. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent damage. 

Kidney infection is also known as pyelonephritis, and it is an advanced stage of urinary tract infection. The bladder is affected, and then it tends to travel to one or both of your kidneys. 

You might need to intake antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading into the bloodstream. Eventually, this can become life straightening.

Now, UTI is not the only way through which your kidney infections occur. And, there could be other possible reasons as well. You can get a kidney infection during surgery, and in this case, the lower urinary tract remains affected.

In general, kidney infections are quite painful to bear, and it has a high possibility of leading to sepsis. And, this has the possibility of damaging the body’s vital organs.

So, how can you detect a kidney infection?

The clear signs and symptoms of kidney infections

It would help if you read the signs to understand the underlying problem:

  1. Fever
  2. Pain in the lower region of the back
  3. Nausea and vomiting
  4. Pelvic pain
  5. Smelly and cloudy urine 
  6. Blood traces in the urine
  7. Frequent and painful urination 

However, people above 65 years old might not experience all the symptoms, and rather they undergo – hallucinations, confusion and difficulty in speaking.

Causes of kidney infection

Bacteria have a 90% chance of leading to kidney infection through the intestine, skin surface, bladder or ureters. The kidney’s function is to eliminate all the potential bacteria from the body and all the toxic fluids. But, during this process, abnormalities can occur, and if the bacterial rate is quite high, it leads to infections.

Other than that, the kidney fails to flush out harmful bacteria due to kidney stones, enlarged prostate and urine reflux. If the infection is spreading from your bloodstream, you might have undergone surgery recently. In this case, the kidneys become a secondarily infected organ, and the primary infection lies somewhere else.

Factors responsible for increasing the kidney infection

Being pregnant 

In pregnancy, the uterus gets enlarged, which squeezes the uterus, reducing the flow of urine. Thus, it makes it easy for the bacteria to infect the kidney.

Urine flow

It is essential to clear the toxicity as it accumulates in your bladder from time to time. Now, if there is any barrier and the urine cannot flow at a regular rate, it can lead to infections. Usually, the blockage occurs due to enlarged prostate or kidney stones.

High medications

A high dosage of medications tends to weaken the immune system. Diseases such as diabetes and cancer require high doses of antibiotics, and thus, it increases the chances of infections.

Filtration rate 

As the filtration rate reduces, it increases the chances of bacterial multiplication within the body. Thus, infections become prominent. Further, kidney infections can lead to other problems, such as high blood pressure, kidney failure, blood infection etc.

Diagnosis of kidney infection

A physical examination is done as you report the symptoms and a blood test to understand the category of bacteria in the urinary tract. Image tests, such as ultrasound, follow this, and CT scan to detect the abnormalities in the kidney or blood. The patient is put under medications and antibiotics. Usually, a complex infection takes a month to resolve.

Conclusion

To prevent infections, you must change your lifestyle. Start by drinking water throughout the day. Take control measures to avoid the risk of UTI. Do not use any chemical products to clean the genitals and seek help advice from the doctors without any delay. At ILS Hospitals, you get to meet the best specialist for treatment.

What Are The Causes of Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can occur due to more than 80 different reasons. And, each reason has different symptoms and requires specific treatment. You might know that the nervous system is the core part of our body that decides our existence. 

Everything is under the supervision of the body’s nervous system, starting from controlling breathing to sensation and muscular movements.  

There are three types of nerves – Autonomic, Motor and Sensory and the level of damage can occur equally in all these three.

Various types of symptoms indicate chances of nerve damage, but the category and extent of nerve damage usually depend on the affected location. 

Moreover, the chances of peripheral nerve damage are quite higher than those in your brain and spinal cord.

The most common symptoms are 

  • Sweating too much or too little
  • Dry eyes and mouth 
  • Lightheadedness
  • Constipation 
  • Dysfunction in the bladder
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Sensitivity towards external stimuli
  • Severe pain

In certain situations, you can feel more than one symptom at a time. And, this is an indication that you have a damaged nerve which requires immediate treatment. 

The most common reasons for nerve damage are

Nerve damages are quite hard to detect, and thus, you must not ignore these reasons and opt for a prompt diagnosis.

Nutrition deficiency

Our body requires a well-balanced amount of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates etc. Nutritional deficiency can lead to affecting the internal organs of the body. Primarily, deficiency

of vitamin B6 and B12 can lead to weakness, burning, sensation, and even develop gastric problems.

Infection disease 

Ignoring the infections in their primary stage can affect the nerve cells of your body. The infections that occur due to HIV, Hepatitis C, and Lyme disease have quite a high rate of nerve-damaging tendency.

Diabetes

As the disease advances, people who have diabetes suffer from nerve damage. The most severe complication is diabetic neuropathy which affects all three types of neurons. In the initial stage, it can generate a burning sensation.

Side effects of drug

If you are on a high medication or tend to take drugs deliberately or unintentionally, then there is a high chance of nerve damage. Certain drugs that are used to treat HIV have the potential to cause neural damage. Even alcohol or intake of toxic materials such as arsenic can damage the nerves to a great extent.

Trauma

Any trauma or pressure on the nerve can lead to severe pain, which causes nerve damage if left without treatment. The nerve endings near your neck have a high chance of getting affected. Further, a crash injury has the chance to compress the nerves.

Cancer

Cancer can lead to a nutritional deficiency which later on affects the nervous functions. Further, several types of radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat cancer, which is quite harmful to the nerves.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis can attack the nerve cells causing permanent damage. Even inflammatory bowel disease has the possibility to cause severe nerve pain as well as damage.

Bone marrow disorder

If abnormal protein is present in the blood, such as monoclonal gammopathy, bone cancer, or lymphoma can affect peripheral neuropathy. Even though the chances are quite vain, the reasons can’t be put aside.

Treatment for nerve damage

Further, kidney diseases, liver disease, hypothyroidism, and disorder in the connective tissue can also risk damaging the nerves. If the nerve pain becomes unbearable, you must consult with a neurologist. Early diagnosis has the potential to reduce the chances of permanent damage.

At the basic level, tests are done, and nutritional level is checked. Along with that physical therapy, specialists recommend medications such as pain relievers. Even antidepressants, along with anti-anxiety drugs, are also given. At ILS Hospitals, you get the best treatment for nerve damage.

How Alcohol Can Affect The Kidneys

Drinking one or two glasses occasionally is not going to affect your kidney. But, if you are a regular drinker, it can lead to severe implications. Heavy drinkers can face acute kidney failure, which can advance to chronic kidney damage.

Basically, the function of the kidney is to filter out toxic elements from your body. Its job is to maintain the pH level, produce hormones, and keep the body hydrated. But, when drinking becomes an addiction, it generates kidney diseases.

The recent data helps reveal that after consuming any alcoholic beverage, the blood pressure remains high. People also report kidney pain in the backside, which slowly progresses towards the spine, under the rib. It can get intensified, thus hindering your daily work.

Chances of developing Kidney disease due to alcohol consumption

Having more than two to five glasses of alcohol every day is another way of abusing your kidney. It can lead to –

Acute kidney disease

Alcohol is considered a harmful substance by your kidney, and it has to work harder 2x to get it out of your blood. Along with that, the kidney’s normal function is disrupted, and the filtrate rate reduces. This indirectly affects the body’s hydration level and becomes extremely dehydrated, which further affects the normal function of the organs.

You may notice specific symptoms such as exhaustion, swollen legs and face, nausea, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc. It is essential to get the treatment at the right moment, or else it can lead to serious damage. Often, prolonged acute kidney disease can lead to a chronic kidney condition.

Chronic kidney disease

When talking about alcohol and its effect on kidneys, it is important to understand the amount of alcohol consumed daily. One drink of alcohol equals 12 ounces of beer and one glass of wine. So, if you are drinking heavily, it can block kidney function and lead to acute kidney failure. 

Treatment is possible nowadays, but it takes a long time, and often the damage is permanent. If you do not keep the alcohol amount in check, it can lead to chronic kidney damage. And, if you are also a smoker, then the damage level will become 3x. In this case, it can become life-threatening, and the only treatment is either dialysis or a kidney transplant.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

If you tend to develop a UTI, then alcohol can spread the infection to the bladder, which affects the kidney. In these situations consuming alcohol decreases the pH level making the urine acidic, which severely affects the lining of the bladder, leading to kidney damage. 

The general symptoms are painful urination, dark and smelly urine, blood in urine, fever and frequent urge to urinate.

High Blood Pressure

Patients with high blood pressure are usually recommended not to drink alcohol as it not only affects the kidney. Also, it disrupts the health balance. According to recent statistics, high blood pressure diseases tend to develop more in drinkers than in non-drinkers. 

Along with that, alcohol can also affect certain medications which are prescribed for high blood pressure treatment.

Conclusion

If you consider drinking a part of your lifestyle, you need to check on alcohol consumption. For a man, seven glasses per week and eight glasses per week are the limits for a woman. Yes, indeed, alcohol does not cause all types of kidney pain, but it has the possibility of intensifying any existing kidney disease.

If you have a kidney stone, alcohol consumption can lead to a severe infection or block it, which becomes life-threatening. If any of the situations bother you, then you need immediate treatment. Get the best treatment at ILS Hospitals with state-of-art emergency care.

Angiogram: Everything You Need to Know

If there is a possibility of blockage within the artery or narrowed blood vessels, it should be assessed on time. And, for a proper diagnostic test, doctors recommend an angiogram. 

This helps comprehend the present condition of the heart, brain and other parts of the body. 

Angiogram test in Kolkata helps detect blood vessel abnormalities, such as blood clots, plague deposits, etc. This further prevents the risk of heart attack or heart failure.

What is an Angiogram?

It is also known as an arteriogram. This test provides computed images of the blood vessels running through different organs of the body. Through X-ray imaging technology, a clear picture of the blood vessels is derived. 

A long narrow tube, called a catheter, is inserted into the artery, usually near the arm’s region or groin area. A type of dye is injected into the blood, and then through X-ray machines, a series of images are taken, called angiograms.

This dye makes the path of blood flow visible, and the images provide a clear perspective of the condition of blood vessels. Primary cardiovascular diseases that require angiogram testing are coronary arteriosclerosis, vascular stenosis, and aneurysm.

Symptoms due to which doctors recommend angiogram testing

  • Chest pain that can be associated with angina.
  • Pain in the chest extends towards your neck and arm.
  • Frequent chest pain that lasts for more than 5 mins and then subdues.
  • Inaccurate result of non-invasive heart stress test.
  • Major injury or problem within the blood vessel.
  • Congenital issues related to the valve of the heart.
  • Has already been through a stroke, heart failure, or heart attack.
  • Underlying symptoms of coronary artery disease that required surgery.

Usually, an angiogram test in Kolkata is followed by a certain non-invasive heart test, such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram or a stress test.

How to prepare for a coronary angiogram?

Often angiograms are also known as emergency tests, but this has to be scheduled in advance. And, you are given sufficient time to prepare. Angiogram requires a specialist and a well-maintained catheterization lab.

You will be given a set of instructions to follow and restrictions on certain medications. In general, you cannot eat or drink after midnight before the angiogram. 

Verify all your medicines from the doctor and ask him whether you are allowed to continue with them or not. People who have diabetes should always consult the doctor about insulin intake or oral medication.

What happens during the angiogram?

During an angiogram test in Kolkata, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, and it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the process. A moderate amount of sedation will be given.

There are no life-threatening complications, but somehow 5% risk remains while doing a coronary angiogram, such as excessive bleeding, injury to the artery, irregular heartbeat, allergic reaction, severe infection, etc.

What happens after the angiogram?

After the angiogram is done, you will be monitored for around 6 hours. Before you get discharged, in case of diabetes, it is advised not to intake Glucophage. Because, this can increase the risk of kidney complications.

You need to give the body some time to recover. Drink plenty of water, avoid non-alcoholic drinks, and do not put too much pressure while lifting objects. Further, keep the injected area clean.

Conclusion

Are you confused between angiogram and angioplasty? In the case of angioplasty, a small balloon-like structure is inserted into a block on narrowed arteries to remove the obstruction. In comparison, an angiogram is just a block detection method. 

You can get your angiogram test in Kolkata done by the best medical faculties. Visit ILS Hospitals for extensive medical care.

7 Fact About Chest Pain

Not all chest pains indicate heart attack; they can occur due to heartburn or muscle spasm. But, you must not ignore the severity of the situation. Ignoring chest pain can lead to life-threatening consequences. 

You must have an idea – of how to differentiate between heartburn and heart attack. Let’s get to know the potential reasons behind chest pain. And, always consult with a reputed chest pain specialist near you.

Common reasons behind chest pain

Angina

Angina is a medical term used to describe chest pain or a tight pressure around your chest cavity. It is not a heart attack. In this case, the amount of blood flowing through your heart muscles reduces, and it cannot meet the normal blood supply demand.

Angina typically occurs due to the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This restricts blood flow and increases the tension within the valves. The general sensations are burning and a tight grip on your chest, squeezing the chest cavity, etc.

It is of 2 types:

  • Stable – which occurs due to emotional stress.
  • Unstable – which occurs even while you are at rest.

It is a general warning sign that you have underlying coronary artery disease. And, it can lead to a heart attack if not taken immediate medical measures.

Pericarditis

It is an inflammatory condition of the sac present around the heart, usually led by an infection. Apart from the neck or shoulder muscle, the pain rises sharply, making it difficult to breathe or swallow food. If you lie down on your back, the situation can go out of hand. 

Myocarditis

This is also an inflammatory condition of the hot muscle where you feel severe chest pain and breathing problems, fatigue, and fever. So, contact a chest pain specialist immediately.

Aortic dchest pain specialistissection

This is a life-threatening condition and relatively uncommon where the aorta, the body’s largest artery, receives damage and tears. You may experience severe pain and a ripping sensation in your abdomen and throughout the neck.

Non-cardiac conditions

Evey chest pain might not be associated with your heart. You must be aware that other organs and tissues are related to the chest cavity – lungs, muscle, tendons, esophagus, nerves, etc.

Gastrointestinal diseases such as stomach ulcers, gallstones or any lung conditions such as pneumonia, blood clots, or a collapsed lung can also lead to chest pain. Severe panic disorder asthma or tendon strain is also a potential source of chest pain.

It is always advised to consult a chest pain specialist if you feel persistent pain or any sudden pain that lasts for more than 5 minutes.

Is there a difference in chest pain between men and women?

Based on experience shared – women, people with diabetes, and aged adults do not usually experience chest pain during a heart attack. They show other symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain radiating to both arms, etc.

 

This states that chest pain is not always a warning sign of a heart attack. Some people have even shared that they didn’t experience pain before a heart attack. So, always look out for signs, such as palpitation, sweating, faster heartbeat, etc.

 

Tests are prescribed, along with medications, to understand the present condition of the chest. Whether it is a cardiac or non-cardiac condition, based on that, treatment is advised.

Conclusion

Preventing chest pain means reducing medical ailments, and this can only be achieved through a healthy lifestyle. You need to maintain a strict diet, exercise, and reduce the consumption of alcohol and nicotine products. Never go for over-the-counter medicines and seek immediate help. Visit ILS Hospitals for advanced treatments for managing chest pain.

 

What Is a Hernia and What Can You Do About It?

Is there a weak spot in your muscle? Then, it is quite natural that the internal organ tends to push out. This condition is called a hernia.

There are several types of hernia – inguinal, femoral, hiatal, and umbilical. Usually, hernias are seen within the abdominal cavity, i.e. between the chest and hips. 

If you notice any such bulges consult with the best hernia hospital in Kolkata.

Let’s get to know more about treating hernia.

What causes a hernia? 

An inguinal and femoral hernia occurs due to weak muscles, and these have a possibility of occurring since birth. Hernia can also be associated with aging or severe strain on the abdominal or groin region. 

Moreover, you can also suffer from a hernia due to congenital disabilities, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Hiatal hernia can occur due to physical exertion, frequent coughing, pregnancy, or obesity.

Symptoms of a hernia

A lump or balls-like structure that protrudes out of the body. The lump is generally felt while doing general activities, like coughing, laughing, crying, or during any physical activity. Other than these:

  • Bulging or swelling of the scrotum.
  • Increasing pain at the sides of the bulge.
  • The pain increases while lifting any object.
  • With time the size of the bulb increases.
  • There is an aching sensation.
  • Feeling a bowel obstruction all the time.

However, in the case of an inguinal hernia, you won’t visualize any bulge on the body. But, you can experience frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or regurgitation. Along with, chest pain and indigestion can be felt.

How is a hernia detected?

Medical professionals can see or feel the swelling part through physical examination where the hernia has occurred. 

In the inguinal hernia, the patient is asked to cough, and the doctor examines the scrotum and groin. 

Other tests assigned to assess the condition are ultrasound, barium X-ray, CT scan, and endoscopy.

What is the cure?

There is no natural cure for hernia, and the only best repair mechanism is to opt for a surgeon. Tests will be done to understand which method would best fit your case.

Three types of hernia surgery are performed:

  • Open surgery – Small cuts are made right at the hernia location. The protruding muscles are placed back in their rightful place and stitched. Often a mesh is implanted that provides extra support.
  • Laparoscopic robotic hernia – Like open surgery, the cut is made outside the abdomen. And, a tiny incision is kept for inserting surgical tools, which completes the process.
  • Robotic hernia – This also uses a laparoscopic mechanism and is performed through a small incision. Surgeons do not handle the surgical instrument; instead, it is operated through the console. And, the surgeon directs it from the operating room.

What if a hernia is left untreated?

Hernias never get rectified automatically. You need to consult with the best hernia hospital in Kolkata and get treated before it grows and becomes much more complicated.

In the inguinal or femoral hernia, you can face obstructions where a part of the intestine gets

stuffed into the inguinal canal. This is followed by vomiting, stomach pain, a nauseated feeling, and a lump in the groin.

Blood supply gets restricted due to strangulation of a part of the intestine. And, it can also lead to tissue death within a few hours.

Can you prevent a hernia?

Maintaining body weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and incorporating enough antioxidants in your diet, including vegetables and fruits, can prevent hernia. Try to avoid constipation by consuming whole grains. 

Be careful while lifting any objects. Consult with the best hernia hospital in Kolkata at ILS Hospitals in case of continuous coughing.