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Modern Treatments and Insurance Coverage for Heart Diseases

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Heart diseases are critical conditions and leading causes of death worldwide. Therefore, early detection and the right treatment are essential for the best outcomes. From coronary artery disease to heart failure and arrhythmias, modern treatments like invasive surgeries, implantable devices, and heart transplants provide effective solutions. While these advanced treatments improve quality of life, they can be costly. Therefore, it is wise to stay covered under health insurance or critical illness insurance for financial security and peace of mind. Read on to learn about the different types of heart diseases, and discover the modern treatments list available for these conditions.

Different types of heart diseases

The following are some common types of heart diseases —

1. Coronary artery disease

The condition is caused due to plaque build-up in the coronary arteries. This restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, or even heart failure.

2. Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. It can affect different parts of the heart and cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. An irregular heartbeat prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively, leading to severe health consequences.

3. Congenital heart defects

These are structural abnormalities of the heart present at birth. Common congenital heart defects include holes in the heart, valve abnormalities, or other structural issues that can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. In many cases, these defects may require surgical intervention or other treatments to restore normal heart function and prevent complications.

4. Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle stretches out and becomes larger than usual. This, in turn, weakens the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood. The condition may cause chest pain, dizziness, cough, congestion, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

5. Heart failure

This is a severe condition that happens when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can happen if your heart is too weak to pump blood effectively or cannot fill with enough blood. The condition can cause fluid build-up in the lungs, shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms.

6. Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is a dangerous condition caused by a lack of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. This usually happens due to blockage in one or more coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction can cause tissue damage or even death.

7. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

This is a genetic condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

What is modern treatments for heart disease

Modern treatments are medical procedures that can effectively manage and even reverse conditions that were previously considered incurable. Some examples of these treatments are robotic surgery, stem cell therapy, oral chemotherapy, and other procedures utilising sophisticated technologies. While these treatments often involve ultra-advanced technologies that are on the expensive side, they offer significant improvements in patient outcomes. By staying at the forefront of scientific advancements and adopting the latest tools, modern treatment for heart disease aims to cure severe conditions and improve quality of life.

Modern treatments for heart diseases include minimally invasive procedures, surgical interventions, and emerging therapies that can repair damaged heart tissue and improve heart function. As research progresses, new therapies will continue to expand the possibilities for heart disease treatment, ensuring more effective healthcare in the future.

Modern technologies used in heart treatment

The following are some modern technologies and treatments used in the management of heart disease —

1. Advanced medications

Heart conditions may be treated with medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, antiplatelet therapies, anticoagulants (blood thinners), digitalis, diuretics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and more.

2. Coronary angiography

This is a medical procedure used for examining the blood vessels of the heart. It is performed by injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries through a catheter. Detailed images of the heart’s blood vessels are then created with the help of X-ray imaging, allowing doctors to identify narrowing, blockages, and other abnormalities.

3. Maze surgery

This is a surgical procedure used for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition in which the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly. Maze surgery can be performed as open-heart surgery or using minimally invasive techniques. The treatment is often considered when other treatments are not effective in controlling atrial fibrillation.

4. Device implantation

Devices such as pacemakers, balloon catheters, and defibrillators are implanted to regulate heart rhythms, support heart function, and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

5. Laser treatment

Also known as laser angioplasty, laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for treating blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The treatment is used for certain types of blockages that cannot be treated with stenting or traditional angioplasty.

6. Heart valve replacement or repair

Modern treatments enable surgeons to repair or replace damaged heart valves without the need for open-heart surgery.

7. Robotic surgery

This advanced surgical technique uses robotic systems to assist surgeons in performing precise heart surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Do health insurance policies in India cover modern treatments for heart diseases?

Yes, many health insurance policies in India do cover modern treatments for heart diseases. In September 2019, the Insurance Regulatory and

Development Authority of India (IRDAI) made it mandatory for health insurance policies to cover 12 specific modern treatments. These include procedures such as balloon sinuplasty, oral chemotherapy, deep brain stimulation, uterine artery embolisation and HIFU, robotic surgeries, and stem cell therapy.

These treatments are typically covered either as inpatient procedures, part of daycare treatments or even domiciliary hospitalisation. However, it is important to note that covered treatments may be subject to sub-limits, as outlined in the policy terms and conditions. The specific treatments and their coverage can vary depending on the insurer and the policy type. Therefore, when purchasing health insurance, it is crucial to review the policy carefully to ensure that it includes the modern treatments and therapies you may need, particularly for heart diseases.

Conclusion

Heart disease may demand specialised interventions, such as minimally invasive surgeries, implantable devices, or even heart transplants. With advanced medical technology and treatments, individuals with complex heart diseases have more options for managing their conditions and improving their quality of life. These treatments offer better outcomes, reduced complications, and quicker recovery times, making them important for managing complex heart conditions. However, modern treatments are expensive, so make sure you stay covered under health insurance or critical illness insurance to secure your health and finances.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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