Cardiophile » FAQ’s

How is embolisation of an artery done?

Johnson Francis — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:53:54 +0000

First an angiogram is done by injecting the main artery with iodinated contrast to visualise the origin of the target vessel from the main vessel. The arteries can be approached either through the groin or wrist by introducing small tubes known as catheters under local anaesthesia. Once the origin and distribution of the target vessel to be embolised is found out by angiography, a guide catheter is introduced and parked in the target branch. If the target vessel is quite small, a micro catheter can be introduced through the guide catheter and tip localised at the region of interest. Once it is in position, either gel foam or coils can be delivered to produce embolisation and vessel closure. If liquid material is being introduced, as in case of alcohol septal embolisation in hypertrophic cardiomypothy, it is necessary to occlude the parent artery (left anterior descending coronary artery in this case) prior to delivery of the agent to prevent it from spilling over to the parent artery and causing extensive damage. Bronchial arteries are embolised to prevent severe and recurrent hemoptyis (spitting of blood). Sometimes the uterine artery is embolised to prevent recurrent and severe uterine bleeding. Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries can be embolised along with surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot.

What is long QT and how can it be recognized?

Johnson Francis — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:33:28 +0000

QT interval represents the electrical repolarisation of the heart. It is measured from an electrocardiogram (ECG). A long QT interval predisposes the heart to arrhythmias, which can sometimes be life threatening. Most cases are acquired due to abnormalities in the blood electrolytes (low potassium or magnesium) or certain drugs (psychotropic agents, certain antibiotics and antifungals). It can also be due to decreased blood supply to certain regions of the heart (coronary artery disease) or myocardial disease. The congenital variety is known as long QT syndrome and there over 7 – 10 subtypes. A medical article on long QT syndrome is available at: http://www.ipej.org/0204/vincent.htm.

Interestingly, short QT interval can also cause cardiac arrhythmias. There is a condition called congenital short QT syndrome, which is more likely to cause atrial arrhythmias. Individuals with both long QT syndrome and short QT syndrome require implantation of an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) if they have significant cardiac arrhythmia, which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Is there a reason to take statins at night?

Johnson Francis — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:07:49 +0000

Statins are drugs like atorvastatin (Brand name: Lipitor) which inhibits cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme HMG Co A reductase in the liver. The enzyme is more active at night. Drugs which inhibit it will have better effect when taken at night. This is more so with earlier drugs like lovastatin which were shorter acting than atorvastatin. So it is better to take statins at night. Since atorvastatin is a long acting drug, it will have its effect even if it is taken at other times of the day. Statins are very powerful cholesterol lowering drugs which have been shown to have beneficial effects beyond cholesterol lowering, which are called as pleiotropic effects of statins. While on statins, it is wise to watch for liver and muscle enzyme elevations, to check for a small risk of liver and muscle toxicity. But for these relatively lower and uncommon risks, statins have a great role in reducing the burden of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Back to blogging

Bijoy Johnson — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 13:41:00 +0000

Well, it’s a long time since I last posted an article. Now that I have decided to be back in action, let me give you all an idea about what this blog is all about and the features that I intend to include in it.

As I already have mentioned in my very first post ‘Hello There‘, this blog is for everyone out there who loves their heart, and wants to keep it beating for a long time. I want this blog to develop as a portal for everyone who wants to find about ways to lead a heart healthy lifestyle. With this aim in mind, I intend to incorporate the following features into my blog:

Articles for a healthy heart (Think you know all about cholesterol, think again…)
Health news (Who thought that garlic was good for the heart?)
Exercise and diet programmes (I’m gonna get slim…)
Motivating yourself to stick to a heart healthy lifestyle (This is harder than you think…)
Links to interesting articles in other blogs (Check this out, its really cool…)
Website reviews (Well, this is a great site for all you heart fans out there!)

So please do send in your suggestions and lets continue our journey towards a healthier heart.