Understanding how the cardiology department works can make a big difference in how we care for our hearts. This comprehensive guide breaks down how heart specialists diagnose and treat heart conditions, prevent future risks, and adopt new technologies to improve patient outcomes. Whether you’re someone dealing with heart-related issues or simply want to learn more to support loved ones, this guide offers accessible and reliable insights into modern cardiac care.
At Mehta Hospitals, the Cardiology Department is dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart conditions. Our expert team of cardiologists uses advanced technology and evidence-based care to support patients across all stages of heart health, from early detection to complex surgeries.
We manage a wide range of heart-related conditions, including:
To ensure accurate and early detection, we use:
Our Interventional Cardiology Unit specializes in minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures such as:
We also offer:
We have a dedicated Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) designed for continuous cardiac monitoring, emergency interventions, and seamless post-procedure recovery. The CCU is equipped with advanced cardiac life support systems and is backed by a state-of-the-art Cath Lab for real-time diagnostics and interventional procedures.
Our multidisciplinary cardiac team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, intensivists, nurses, and rehabilitation experts, provides 24×7 patient-centered care. With over 100+ complex heart surgeries performed and outcomes matching international benchmarks, patients benefit from a streamlined journey that includes early diagnosis, timely treatment, constant monitoring, and personalized follow-up care.
This integrated approach ensures faster recovery, fewer complications, and the highest standards in cardiac emergency care.The Cardiology Department of Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is a blend of cutting-edge technology and humanized service, providing the best of heart care.
Cardiologists analyze the function of the heart, identify any irregularities, and determine appropriate treatment plans. They conduct routine tests, interpret diagnostic imaging, and in some cases, perform procedures. Cardiologists also help manage conditions like high blood pressure and support patients, including children, through treatment and recovery.
Interventional Cardiology:
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases through minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures. Common interventions include angioplasty and stenting, which restore blood flow in narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. These procedures are often life-saving for individuals with coronary artery disease or those experiencing a heart attack.
Performed in a Cath lab using real-time imaging, interventional cardiology also addresses peripheral artery disease and congenital heart defects. These techniques typically offer faster recovery, fewer complications, and less physical trauma compared to open-heart surgery.
Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals features advanced imaging equipment and a 24/7 interventional cardiology team at our Velappanchavadi campus, ready to handle complex emergencies with accuracy and compassion.
Non-Invasive Cardiology:
Non-invasive cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart conditions without surgical intervention. It primarily uses diagnostic tools such as electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter monitoring, and CT or MRI scans of the heart.
Non-invasive cardiologists identify conditions like arrhythmias, valve issues, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathies. They play a critical role in early detection and prevention, offering lifestyle advice, medication plans, and referrals for further treatment when needed.
At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, our non-invasive cardiology team collaborates with other specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis, track disease progression, and intervene at the right time to prevent major cardiac events.
Electrophysiology:
Cardiac electrophysiology is a branch of cardiology concerned with the study and treatment of the electrical system of the heart. Electrophysiologists diagnose and manage irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and heart blocks. They perform electrophysiology studies (EPS) to map the electrical impulses in the heart and locate the source of irregular rhythms.
Treatment includes catheter ablation, a less invasive procedure that eliminates tiny parts of abnormal tissues that trigger irregular rhythms and in advanced cases, implantation. like pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices to regulate the rhythm of the heart and make it performwell. These procedures are applicable in the prevention of stroke, cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death.
Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals uses advanced 3D mapping and imaging systems to guide these procedures, bringing life-changing outcomes to patients with electrical heart problems. ur team works in tandem with specialists in related fields, such as pulmonary hypertension, to manage complex arrhythmia cases.
Pediatric Cardiology:
Pediatric cardiology specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. These include congenital heart defects, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and inherited cardiac conditions.
Pediatric cardiologists use specialized diagnostic tools such as fetal echocardiograms, echocardiography, chest X-rays, and cardiac MRIs to assess heart function.
When intervention is required, they collaborate with pediatric cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists for safe, effective procedures. When conditions of the heart in children are identified and taken care of at an early age, life expectancy and quality of life can vastly increase.
At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, our pediatric cardiology team offers compassionate, comprehensive care for children and their families. We also manage rare but serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis in children, ensuring the best possible outcomes for young patients.
Heart Failure Specialists:
Heart failure specialists manage the long-term care of patients with chronic or advanced heart failure, where the heart’s pumping function is impaired. They treat complex conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, and diastolic dysfunction. One of the main causes of heart failure is Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which deposits plaque in the arteries and is carefully observed by these experts.
Treatment plans may include medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), implantable devices, cardiac rehabilitation, or advanced therapies like ventricular assist devices (VADs) and heart transplants.
Heart failure specialists work to decrease rehospitalization and increase the quality of life through frequent follow-up, laboratory tests, imaging, and lifestyle advice. The heart failure management program at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is crafted in such a way that it ensures continuity of care; it is a program that integrates medical innovation with emotional and physical support so that even the most critical of patients are offered hope, stability, and the means towards their recovery. In other words, Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals heart failure program’s goal is to reduce hospital readmissions and enhance the quality of life, even for patients with critical conditions.
Preventive Cardiology:
Preventive cardiology is the active branch of heart care that focuses on reducing the risk of developing heart disease and preventing recurrence in high-risk individuals. Specialists evaluate family history, lifestyle, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI to assess individual risk profiles
The aim is to prevent events like myocardial infarction aka heart attacks through personalized prevention programs. These may include dietary counseling, exercise plans, stress management, smoking cessation, and medications.
Advanced tools like risk calculators and specialized blood tests help identify future risks of heart attack or stroke. At Mehta Hospital, preventive cardiology is a team effort: doctors, nutritionists, and wellness coaches work together to help patients avoid lifestyle-related diseases and serious infections like endocarditis by proactively managing heart health.
Heart disease claims a life every 33 seconds. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to preventing life-threatening cardiac events. From routine cardiac imaging to advanced surgical interventions, the Department of Cardiology at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals offers a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment solutions tailored to every patient’s needs.
Bypass surgery, formally known as Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), is performed to treat severe coronary artery blockages. During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel, typically taken from the leg, arm, or chest, is grafted onto the clogged artery. This reroutes blood flow around the blockage, restoring oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
CABG significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and enhances the heart’s performance. Recovery usually spans 6 to 12 weeks and includes cardiac rehabilitation, medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future blockages.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, medically supervised program designed for individuals recovering from cardiac surgery, heart attacks, or managing chronic heart disease. It combines:
Customized to each patient’s condition, cardiac rehab aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce the likelihood of future heart issues, and enhance overall quality of life. These programs typically take place in hospitals or specialized outpatient centers and involve a multidisciplinary team of doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving device implanted under the skin to continuously monitor heart rhythm. When it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, it delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
ICDs are particularly effective in preventing sudden cardiac death in patients who have experienced cardiac arrest or suffer from advanced heart failure. These intelligent devices can differentiate between dangerous and harmless rhythms, only activating when necessary. Most patients can resume normal daily activities after recovery, though regular follow-ups for monitoring and device adjustment are required.
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) and MitraClip are minimally invasive techniques used to treat malfunctioning heart valves:
These procedures are especially beneficial for elderly or high-risk patients who may not tolerate traditional surgery. Such patients may also have coexisting conditions like aortic aneurysms, making less invasive methods even more critical. TAVR and MitraClip reduce hospital stays, speed up recovery, and significantly enhance quality of life. Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals offers these world-class procedures with outstanding success rates.
An ECG or EKG is a quick, non-invasive test that measures the heart’s electrical activity. Taking only about 30 seconds, it helps diagnose various cardiac issues such as:
Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs to capture the electrical impulses, which are then displayed graphically or digitally. ECGs are frequently used in routine exams, emergency diagnostics, pre-operative assessments, and ongoing cardiac care.
A cardiac stress test evaluates how the heart functions during physical exertion, typically using a treadmill or stationary bike. For patients unable to exercise, medications may be administered to simulate exertion.
This test is crucial for:
Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored throughout the test. Advanced versions like nuclear stress tests use radioactive tracers to provide detailed imaging and detect blocked arteries or abnormal heart responses to activity.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to produce real-time images of the heart’s structure and motion. It helps assess:
Types of echocardiograms include:
Echocardiograms are non-invasive (except for TEE), painless, and essential for diagnosing conditions like murmurs, congenital heart defects, and heart failure.
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an advanced imaging technique that provides high-resolution 3D images of the heart without using radiation. It is used to diagnose:
Cardiac MRI offers superior soft tissue contrast, making it ideal for visualizing scarring, inflammation, or abnormal blood flow patterns. It is invaluable in pre-surgical planning and long-term condition monitoring. It can be performed with or without contrast dye and is completely non-invasive.
Coronary angiography uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to visualize blood flow in the coronary arteries. A catheter is inserted into a large artery (usually in the groin or wrist) and guided to the heart.
This test is critical for:
Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for evaluating coronary artery disease.
A Holter monitor is a portable, battery-operated device worn for 24 – 48 hours to continuously track the heart’s electrical activity. It is especially useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that might not show up during a standard ECG.
Electrodes are attached to the chest and connected to the monitor, which records every heartbeat. Patients are often asked to keep a symptom diary for accurate diagnosis. Holter monitors are commonly used to evaluate symptoms like:
They are also helpful in assessing the effectiveness of treatments for known rhythm disorders.
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel (usually in the arm or leg) and guided to the heart.
This technique allows doctors to:
It’s commonly used to diagnose coronary artery disease, valve issues, and congenital heart defects. Often, therapeutic interventions like angioplasty or stenting are performed during the same session. The procedure is considered safe, with a short recovery time.
It’s important to see a cardiologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease should also schedule regular cardiovascular check-ups. Research shows that approximately 32.2% of people with type 2 diabetes also suffer from heart disease, underlining the importance of early cardiovascular assessment in this group.
These symptoms could point to conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, or structural valve disease. Additionally, individuals who smoke, live a sedentary lifestyle, or experience high levels of stress should consider early heart screening, even in the absence of symptoms.
Preventive cardiology plays a key role in identifying risk factors before serious complications develop. Early consultation with a cardiologist can lead to the timely detection of conditions such as:
Early intervention often results in significantly better long-term outcomes and may reduce the need for more invasive procedures in the future.
Bring any previous medical records, a list of your current medications, and the results of recent tests. Create a list of symptoms you’re experiencing and prepare questions about your lifestyle, heart failure treatment, or ongoing care.
Make a written outline of your symptoms, including:
Note how often they occur, how long they last, and anything that seems to trigger or relieve them. This helps your cardiologist understand the progression and severity of your condition.
It’s also helpful to prepare a list of questions, particularly those related to lifestyle changes, treatment options, or concerns involving heart failure, valve disorders, or pulmonary hypertension. If you have a family history of heart conditions or related issues such as deep vein thrombosis or myocardial infarction, be sure to mention it.
Finally, it’s a good idea to bring along a trusted friend or family member. They can provide support and help you remember important points discussed during the visit.
Practicing healthy habits daily can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are simple and effective routines that support long-term heart health.
One of the most effective ways to take care of your heart is to eat a balanced and seasonal diet. Include Indian vegetables such as:
Choose whole grains like brown rice, millets (ragi and bajra), and oats. Use heart-friendly oils such as mustard, groundnut, or sunflower oil. Minimize the use of saturated fats, fried snacks, and refined sugar in sweets and packaged foods. Salt should be restricted to maintain healthy blood pressure. Drink plenty of water and opt for home-cooked meals over takeout. A thoughtful diet improves lipid profiles and supports healthy blood circulation.
Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, raise cortisol levels, and cause irregular heartbeats. Over time, it may even lead to heart attacks and strokes. Managing stress is key to keeping your heart healthy.
Take deep breaths, try meditation, or practice progressive muscle relaxation. Activities like gardening, art, music, or spending time in nature help regulate your nervous system. Seeking therapy or joining a support group can also provide emotional release. While stress may not be avoidable, learning to manage it can make a big difference in your heart and overall health.
Smoking is one of the most serious risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It damages artery linings, reduces oxygen in the blood, lowers blood pressure, and increases clotting risk, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Even secondhand smoke is harmful.
When you quit smoking, some of this damage starts to reverse immediately. The risk of heart disease drops significantly within a year. Tools like the WHO Quit Toolkit, nicotine patches, therapy, and support groups can help you quit successfully. Your lungs, and your heart, will thank you.
Yoga is a gentle yet powerful way to promote heart health. It improves flexibility, blood circulation, reduces stress, and helps regulate blood pressure. It’s especially helpful for heart patients and older adults. Effective poses include:
Yoga encourages slow, steady breathing and can reduce anxiety and improve heart rate variability, a key sign of heart resilience. It also supports cardiac rehab by improving body awareness and movement. Always consult your cardiologist before starting a new yoga routine, especially after surgery or with heart complications.
High cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. To lower cholesterol, eat foods rich in soluble fiber like:
Avoid trans fats found in processed snacks and fried foods. Choose lean proteins and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado. Regular aerobic exercise, at least 30 minutes on most days, helps increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol).
Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Your doctor may prescribe statins or other cholesterol-lowering medicines for extra protection.
Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves blood flow, and helps manage weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Light strength training 2 – 3 times a week also boosts metabolism and supports heart function. For seniors or people recovering from heart issues, low-impact exercises like:
are safe and beneficial. Always start slowly and increase intensity over time. The key is consistency, when exercise becomes a routine, your heart stays stronger for longer.
New advances in science and technology are shaping the future of heart care, improving diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
AI tools improve diagnosis using predictive analysis and enhanced imaging. Remote monitoring with sensors is also gaining popularity.
Clinical trials are testing the use of stem cells to replace damaged heart tissue. Research is still ongoing.
Researchers are exploring therapies that target genetic causes of heart disease, enabling more personalized treatments.
Devices like patches and smartwatches can track heart rhythms and send the data to doctors without needing a clinic visit.
Robotic tools help surgeons perform precise procedures and reduce recovery time. It’s becoming popular for valve and bypass surgeries.
Heart care today is all about prevention and personalized treatment. With experienced cardiologists and advanced diagnostics at our Chetpet and Velappanchavadi branches, expert care is never far away. Call us or reach out online to speak to a heart specialist or schedule your appointment.
Q1: What are the most common heart tests?
ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, and cardiac MRI are commonly used to check heart function.
Q2: Can heart disease be prevented?
Yes. With healthy habits, regular exercise, stress management, and routine check-ups.
Q3: Are robotic heart surgeries safe?
Yes. They usually offer more precision, fewer risks, and faster recovery.
Q4: Is yoga safe for heart patients?
Absolutely. With supervision, yoga supports heart health and mental wellness.
Q5: When should I get a heart check-up?
Every year from age 40, or earlier if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
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Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is a leading multispecialty hospital in Chennai with over 90 years of excellence. With 400+ beds and 80+ specialties, its Chetpet and Velappanchavadi centers offer advanced, state-of-the-art, compassionate care under one roof.
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About us
Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is a leading multispecialty hospital in Chennai with over 90 years of excellence. With 400+ beds and 80+ specialties, its Chetpet and Velappanchavadi centers offer advanced, state-of-the-art, compassionate care under one roof.
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