Kunal (name changed), a 38-year-old man, came to the Emergency Department at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, with complaints of a sudden “sinking sensation” and unbearable chest pain. He was sweating and his blood pressure was dangerously low. During his consultation, we learned that he had been experiencing these symptoms for several days, which he had ignored, assuming it was indigestion. Our doctors at Artemis Hospitals immediately recognised the severity of his condition and worked quickly to stabilise him.
Kunal's situation was critical, so the medical team acted with speed and precision. A temporary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) was inserted to support his failing heart, enabling more effective pumping and quickly stabilising his blood pressure. Once he was stable, he was taken to the cardiac catheterisation lab to address the underlying problem: a complete blockage in his main coronary artery, the hallmark of a major heart attack (myocardial infarction). Our interventional cardiologist performed an angioplasty, guiding a small wire and balloon to the blockage to open it up. A stent, a tiny mesh tube, was then placed to keep the artery open permanently, restoring blood flow to his heart muscle. The procedure was a success.
Kunal’s recovery was swift. Following the procedure, he was moved to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, where his heart function was closely monitored. Over the next few days, he was gradually taken off support devices and medications. With blood flow restored, his heart muscle began to heal, allowing his body to regain strength. Within a week, he was discharged and has since embraced a heart-healthy lifestyle with guidance from our cardiac rehabilitation team. Today, he attends regular follow-ups and remains in good health, a true testament to the life-saving care he received.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of how important it is to listen to your body and seek medical help right away, especially with symptoms like chest pain. What might seem like a minor issue can be a sign of a serious heart problem, and getting to the hospital early can make all the difference in the world. Early intervention is key to a positive outcome in cases of severe heart conditions like Kunal's.
