Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Treatment in Delhi: Symptoms, Causes & Surgical Care

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease or ischaemic heart disease, is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular illness worldwide. It develops when atherosclerotic plaques gradually narrow or suddenly block the coronary arteries, reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

Reduced blood flow to the heart can result in symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, or, in severe cases, heart attacks and heart failure. Coronary artery disease often progresses silently over many years, making early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely management essential for protecting long-term heart function and reducing complications.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries supplying blood to the heart are no longer as open as they should be. This usually occurs slowly as cholesterol and other substances build up within the arterial walls. As blood flow reduces, the heart may not receive enough oxygen during activity. In advanced cases, a sudden blockage can affect heart function.

Coronary artery disease can develop quietly over many years. This is why early diagnosis and timely treatment are very important.

How Common Is Coronary Artery Disease in India?

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death in India.
• Indians tend to develop CAD at a younger age than Western populations.
• Rapid urbanisation, stress, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and diabetes increase risk.
• The burden of CAD is rising among middle-aged adults and even younger working professionals.
• Growing awareness and early screening are crucial to prevent serious heart complications.

Causes and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

The development of blocked coronary arteries is usually gradual and affected by several factors, which are as follows:

• High cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Obesity and physical inactivity
• Unhealthy dietary habits
• Family history of coronary heart disease
• Increasing age, particularly in elderly patients
• Stress and a low-activity lifestyle

Although some risk factors cannot be changed, many can be managed through lifestyle changes and appropriate medical care.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the blockage and may differ from person to person. Common symptoms of CAD are as follows:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina), especially during exertion
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue with light activity
• Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea or sweating during physical effort

Some patients, especially elderly individuals and those with diabetes, may experience atypical symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or reduced exercise tolerance rather than classic chest pain.

How Is Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests are selected to assess both anatomical blockages and functional impact on the heart muscle’s blood flow.

Common Diagnostic Tests Include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records heart rhythm and electrical activity
• Echocardiography: Assesses heart structure and pumping function
• Stress Testing: Evaluates heart performance under physical stress
• Coronary Angiography for CAD: A specialised imaging test to visualise blocked coronary arteries
• CT Coronary Angiography: Non-invasive assessment of coronary arteries
• Blood Tests: To assess cholesterol, sugar levels, and cardiac markers

Patients are guided through each test with clear explanations to help them understand their condition and treatment options.

Types and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease may affect one or multiple arteries. Based on coronary angiography findings, CAD is commonly classified into:

• Single-vessel disease: Only one coronary artery is narrowed or blocked. Blood flow to the heart is mildly reduced, and symptoms, if present, are often manageable with medications, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures.
• Multivessel CAD: Involves narrowing in two or more coronary arteries. This may affect blood flow to different areas of the heart. Treatment is personalised and may include medicines, procedures, or surgery. 
• Left main CAD: Affects an important artery supplying a large part of the heart. Even moderate narrowing may require closer medical attention and careful planning.
• Severe CAD involving extensive blockages: Refers to more widespread or complex arterial blockages that limit blood flow during daily activities. Treatment focuses on restoring circulation and protecting long-term heart function.

Clinical note: The extent and location of blockages play a major role in deciding whether medical therapy, angioplasty, or coronary artery disease surgery is required.

Treatment Options for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease treatment is individualised based on disease severity, symptoms, heart function, and overall health. 

Medical Management

Early or mild CAD may be managed with medications and lifestyle changes aimed at:

• Reducing cholesterol
• Controlling blood pressure and diabetes
• Preventing clot formation
• Improving blood flow to the heart

Lifestyle modifications, such as a heart-healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and stress management, are essential components of long-term care.

Angioplasty vs Bypass Surgery (CABG) 

A question arises: When is Bypass Surgery Required for Coronary Artery Disease?

CABG is often recommended for:

• Multivessel coronary artery disease
• Left main coronary artery disease
• Severe coronary artery disease
• Patients with diabetes and extensive blockages
• Recurrent symptoms despite medication or angioplasty

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal carefully evaluates who needs CABG surgery through detailed pre-operative assessment and shared decision-making.

Pre-Operative Evaluation for Bypass Surgery

Before heart bypass surgery in India, patients undergo a detailed evaluation to ensure safety and optimal outcomes. This includes:

• Detailed cardiac imaging
• Lung and kidney function tests
• Blood investigations
• Risk assessment and counselling

Patients and families are informed about the risks and benefits of bypass surgery, expected recovery, and long-term care.

Coronary Artery Disease Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery after CABG varies from person to person. Most patients:

• Spend a few days in intensive care and monitored wards
• Resume light activities within a few weeks
• Return to normal routine gradually over 6–12 weeks

Recovery timelines may vary depending on age, baseline fitness, and associated medical conditions.

Post-Bypass Care and Cardiac Rehabilitation

Long-term success depends on proper post-bypass care and cardiac rehabilitation, which includes:

• Supervised exercise programmes
• Dietary counselling
• Medication adherence
• Risk factor control
• Regular follow-up

Life after bypass surgery for CAD can be active and fulfilling when patients commit to heart-healthy habits and ongoing medical care.

Managing Coronary Artery Disease Long Term

Effective coronary artery disease management focuses on preventing disease progression and future cardiac events.

Key components include:

• Regular cardiac follow-up
• Lifestyle modification
• Stress management
• Control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes

With consistent care, many patients live productive lives after treatment.

What is the cost of Coronary Artery Disease Surgery in Delhi? 

In Delhi, the cost of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or other surgical revascularisation procedures, typically ranges from around ₹2,75,000 to ₹5,50,000 (approximately USD 3,300 to USD 6,600). This estimate can vary significantly depending on factors such as the hospital chosen, the surgeon’s expertise, the number of grafts required, pre- and post-operative care, and ICU stay. Patients are advised to check detailed cost estimates with their cardiac care team and consider insurance coverage when planning treatment.

When to Consult a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

You should consult a cardiothoracic surgeon for coronary artery disease if you experience the following symptoms:

• Persistent chest pain
• Breathlessness on minimal activity
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Abnormal angiography findings
• Recurrence of symptoms after angioplasty

Early specialist evaluation helps assess disease severity, review available treatment options, and plan care in line with clinical guidelines and individual patient needs.

Specialist Evaluation for Coronary Artery Disease – Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal

• Significant experience in coronary artery disease surgery
• Expertise in CABG and complex coronary conditions
• Evidence-based, guideline-driven treatment approach
• Focus on patient education and informed decision-making
• Ethical, transparent, and compassionate care

Dr. Mittal’s goal is to help patients understand their condition clearly and receive safe, appropriate treatment customised to their needs.

International Patients and Access to Coronary Artery Disease Care in India

India receives patients from many countries seeking evaluation and treatment for coronary artery disease due to the availability of advanced cardiac diagnostics and a full range of medical and surgical treatment options. International patients are typically assessed by reviewing medical records and diagnostic reports, followed by individualised treatment planning based on clinical needs.

Support services for international patients may include assistance with appointment coordination, treatment planning, and post-discharge follow-up care, in accordance with hospital protocols and patient requirements.