Heart Surgery Cost in India

What is a Heart Surgery?

Heart surgery refers to any surgery done on the muscle, valves, arteries or aorta of the heart. Also known as cardiac surgery, it is performed to treat various problems related to the heart, including blockages in arteries, abnormal heart rhythm and improper functioning of valves of the heart. A heart operation can help to restore the normal functioning of the heart, including the blood circulation system, and can add years to your life.

When it comes to surgery of the heart, doctors may opt for open heart surgery, minimally invasive heart surgery or an off-pump surgery, depending on your heart’s condition and overall health. Open heart surgery involves using a heart-lung bypass machine to stop the heart during surgery to perform some procedures better. While an off-pump surgery is performed without a heart-lung bypass machine, the minimal invasive surgery involves making a small incision on the side of the chest.

Types of Heart Surgeries in India

Heart surgery can be of various types. Take a look at them below:

1. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

   Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the most common type of heart surgery performed to treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or blockage/narrowing in one or more arteries. It involves replacing a damaged artery or vein with a healthy one from another part of the body so that the blood flows around the blocked artery. Thus, it is also known as a heart bypass surgery.

2. Angioplasty and Stent Placement Surgery

   Angioplasty and Stent Placement Surgery are conducted to open blocked heart arteries with the help of a stent. The heart stent surgery involves placing a small stent or wire mesh tube in the artery to keep it open, thereby reducing the chances of its narrowing again.

3. Heart Valve Repair/Replacement Surgery

   Heart Valve Repair/Replacement Surgery is performed to treat heart valve disease so that normal blood flow and cardiac functioning are restored. It involves repairing or replacing a faulty heart valve with an artificial valve through an open heart surgery or insertion of a catheter procedure.

4. Aorta Graft Surgery

   Aorta Graft Surgery is conducted to treat aortic aneurysm or bulging of the aorta wall. This heart operation involves replacing the damaged part of the aorta with a graft (artificial artery made from special fabric) so that the blood can flow through a new path.

5. Implantation of Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator Surgery

   Implantation of Pacemaker or Cardioverter Defibrillator surgery involves placing a permanent pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) under the chest. This ICD or pacemaker surgery is conducted to treat arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. While pacemakers use electric sensors, ICDs send safe electric shocks to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.

6. Pericardiectomy

   Pericardiectomy is a critical open heart surgery performed to reduce the stiffness of the heart chambers, enabling it to fill with blood properly. This heart operation involves removing the pericardium or the membrane surrounding the heart.

7. Septal Myectomy

   Septal Myectomy is an open heart surgery performed to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or thickening of the heart muscle. It involves the removal of a small part of the septum so that the blood flow between your left ventricle and aorta increases.

8. Heart Transplant Surgery

   Heart transplant surgery is conducted in cases of end-stage heart failure due to coronary artery disease. It involves replacing the damaged heart with a healthy donated heart of a deceased person. This rare heart surgery provides a renewed life to people with advanced cardiac conditions.

9. Implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices or Total Artificial Hearts Surgery

   Implantation of ventricular assist devices or total artificial heart surgery is conducted as a solution for malfunctioning heart ventricles in case a heart transplant is not possible. These devices perform the function of the ventricles, ensuring adequate circulation of blood.

10. ASD Closure Surgery

    ASD Closure surgery is an open heart surgery performed to close an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a hole in the heart. It involves covering the hole with a patch of synthetic material or tissue from another part of the heart. In some cases, the hole may also be stitched or filled with an ASD closure device.

Cost of Heart Surgery in India

Heart surgery is an expensive procedure. The average cost of open heart surgery ranges between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, depending on several factors. Take a look at the heart operation cost in India:

Disclaimer: The heart surgery cost mentioned above may vary from one hospital to another.

Factors Affecting Heart Surgery Costs in India

The following factors affect the cost of a heart surgery in India:

1. Type of Hospital

   The hospital where the operation is being performed affects the cost of heart surgery. For example, the cost of bypass surgery in a private hospital is more expensive than a government hospital.

2. Type of City

   The cost of heart operation is higher in metro cities than in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. For example, the heart transplant cost in Mumbai will be much higher than that in Patna.

3. Type of Heart Procedure

   Different types of heart procedures cost differently. The cost of open heart surgery is much more than a minimal invasive heart surgery. This is because an open heart surgery has a longer recovery period, which translates into a longer stay in the hospital.

4. Type of Surgery

   The cost of heart surgery varies with the type of surgery. For example, heart bypass surgery cost is higher than pacemaker surgery cost. Similarly, a heart valve replacement surgery costs much more than a stent operation cost.

5. Expertise, Reputation and Qualification of the Surgeon

   The expertise, reputation and qualification of the surgeon also affect the heart surgery cost. Reputed surgeons with more expertise and qualifications will charge more for a heart operation than those with lower expertise and qualifications.

6. Duration of Hospitalization

   The duration of hospitalization also impacts the cost of heart surgery. Procedures that require the patient to stay in the hospital longer are more expensive as you end up paying more for the room rent, nursing care, etc. For example, a heart hole surgery cost may be more than minimal invasive heart surgery.

7. Usage of Tools

   The tools used during heart surgery will affect the cost of the operation. For example, the pacemaker of heart cost will be higher than the stent in heart cost.

   Although the cost of open heart surgeries in India is much less compared to other countries, it is still high, considering the average income of the people. To ensure financial stability, health insurance is one of the best ways to pay for expensive heart surgeries.

Does Health Insurance Cover Heart Surgery Cost in India?

Yes, all health insurance plans in India cover heart surgery costs. It provides coverage for hospitalization expenses, including room rent, surgeon’s fees and OT fees, OPD expenses, pre-hospitalization costs, post-hospitalization expenses and modern treatments for up to the sum insured limit. Nowadays, customized health insurance for heart patients is also available in the market.

People can also buy a critical illness health insurance policy to get higher coverage for heart operation cost. This type of health policy pays a lump sum amount to the policyholder to cover all medical expenses arising out of heart surgery.

However, most critical illness insurance plans come with a waiting period of 90 days. Besides, existing heart patients will also have to serve a waiting period ranging from 2 to 4 years. This is because a pre-existing disease waiting period applies to people diagnosed with a heart condition. The policyholder can claim the heart surgery costs only after the waiting period is over.

Tips to Prevent Heart Diseases

As per WHO, heart diseases or CVDs take over 17 million lives annually across the world. This surge in numbers is directly related to changing lifestyles, eating habits, stress, etc. Follow the tips given below to prevent heart disease:

• Avoid smoking or consuming tobacco, as it affects your heart's functioning
• Try to exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes daily
• Keep a check on your weight, as obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure
• Eat a balanced heart-healthy diet consisting of vegetables, legumes, lean meats, low-fat dairy and healthy fats
• Sleep for at least 7-8 hours every day to lower the risk of heart attack

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