What is the Cost of Open-Heart Surgery in India?

Posted on: Jun 9, 2022 | | Written by:

What is the Cost of Open-Heart Surgery in India?

Published on February 19, 2019. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

In a metro city like Delhi or Mumbai, a middle-aged individual with ailing cardiac health is recommended to have open-heart surgery to restore his/her quality of life. But there’s an issue for this salaried person — the exorbitant costs associated with the procedure seem insurmountable. Worrying, isn’t it? Well, open-heart surgery is a complex and life-saving medical procedure that requires highly skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and meticulous post-operative care. Let’s delve into the cost considerations associated with open-heart surgery in India, exploring the factors that contribute to open-heart surgery costs. Also, let’s look at some tips to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

What is Open-heart Surgery?

Open-heart surgery, or cardiac surgery, is a procedure performed on the heart to treat various cardiac ailments. The reason it’s called “open” heart surgery is because the chest is opened up so that the surgeon can directly see and work on the heart.

When you undergo open-heart surgery, you are given anaesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in the chest, typically along the sternum (breastbone), and separate the breastbone to expose the heart. Once the heart is visible, the surgeon can work on repairing or replacing damaged heart valves, removing blockages in the coronary arteries, correcting congenital heart defects, or performing other necessary procedures depending on the specific condition being treated. If the heart temporarily stops, a heart-lung bypass machine (i.e., cardiopulmonary bypass machine) may be used. This machine does the job of the heart and lungs, oxygenating the blood and pumping it throughout the body, allowing the surgeon to work on a still and bloodless heart.

After the surgery is complete, the chest is closed using sutures or wires, and the incision is carefully stitched up. The recovery process after open-heart surgery varies from patient to patient.

Cost of Open-Heart Surgery

Open-heart surgery cost is on the higher side as it is a major operation. In India, the average cost is between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh depending on the heart condition, type of surgery and many other factors. Due to the high risk associated with the surgery, doctors advise open-heart surgery only when other treatment methods have failed to treat the condition.

Some factors affecting open heart surgery expenses in India

Open-heart surgery cost in India depends on several factors, such as:

• Type of hospital

he cost will vary based on your chosen hospital. In a government hospital, the charges will be lower compared to private hospitals or hospitals run by trusts.

• City of operation

Open-heart surgery will be costlier in metropolitan cities as compared to other cities.

• Technology used

The kind of technology employed to perform the surgery is also a factor affecting the surgery expenses. There are 3 types of open-heart surgeries — on-pump, off-pump, and robotic. The more advanced the technology, the costlier the operation.

• Surgeon’s expertise

The charges will be more if the surgeon performing the operation has the qualifications and expertise and is popular for his skills.

• Payment mode

hether you are availing of health insurance or paying from your pocket is also a deciding factor.

A patient’s condition, fitness, type of operation required, the hospital’s reputation, category of the room, and other post-surgery expenses also play a crucial role.

Is cardiac surgery affordable in India?

Although open-heart surgery cost in India is lower than in other countries, it is still unaffordable for an average Indian considering his/her income. In private hospitals, it is far more expensive than government healthcare establishments. To meet the expenses, one may struggle to arrange funds, mortgage or sell assets or take loans to pay hospital bills. Hence, investing early in comprehensive health insurance ensures nobody gets into such a situation. As ageing parents are at high risk of developing a critical illness, they should be secured with health insurance for senior citizens to ward off financial crises.

Tips to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

Here are a few tips to help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, and foods high in saturated as well as trans fats. Opt for low-sodium options and avoid excessive salt in your diet.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Aim for longer moderate-intensity aerobics or shorter vigorous-intensity exercises every week. Find activities you enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing, and make them a regular part of your routine.

3. Don't Smoke

Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Also, avoid exposure to second-hand or passive smoking, as it can increase your risk. Create a smoke-free environment for yourself and your loved ones. You should cut down on your alcohol consumption as well.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight based on your body mass index (BMI). Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Incorporate a combination of healthy eating and regular physical activity to achieve a healthy weight. You should keep your blood pressure and blood sugar level under control, especially if you have diabetes.

5. Manage Stress and Practice Relaxation Techniques

Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. Also, engage in hobbies, spend quality time with your family, and get enough sleep.

Conclusion

To prevent cardiovascular diseases, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance based on your health profile. They can assess your risk factors, provide specific recommendations, and help you develop a comprehensive plan. If diagnosed with a heart problem requiring open-heart surgery, having a financial backup like critical illness insurance can help you sail through difficult times.

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

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