#cardiaccare

"New research from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University shows that the heart has a mini-brain – its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. A better understanding of this system, which is much more diverse and complex than previously thought, could lead to new treatments for heart diseases.

The study, conducted on zebrafish, is published in Nature Communications."

(The researchers were able to map out the composition, organisation and function of neurons within the heart using a combination of methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing, anatomical studies and electrophysiological techniques. Credit: Neuroscience News)

"The heart has long been thought to be controlled solely by the autonomic nervous system, which transmits signals from the brain. The heart’s neural network, which is embedded in the superficial layers of the heart wall, has been considered a simple structure that relays the signals from the brain. However, recent research suggests that it has a more advanced function than that.

Controlling the heartbeat

Scientists have now discovered that the heart has its own complex nervous system that is crucial to controlling its rhythm.

“This ‘little brain’ has a key role in maintaining and controlling the heartbeat, similar to how the brain regulates rhythmic functions such as locomotion and breathing,” explains Konstantinos Ampatzis, principal researcher and docent at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, who led the study.

The researchers identified several types of neurons in the heart that have different functions, including a small group of neurons with pacemaker properties. The finding challenges the current view on how the heartbeat is controlled, which may have clinical implications.

Similar to the human heart

“We were surprised to see how complex the nervous system within the heart is,” says Konstantinos Ampatzis.

“Understanding this system better could lead to new insights into heart diseases and help develop new treatments for diseases such as arrhythmias.”

The study was conducted on zebrafish, an animal model that exhibits strong similarities to human heart rate and overall cardiac function. The researchers were able to map out the composition, organisation and function of neurons within the heart using a combination of methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing, anatomical studies and electrophysiological techniques."

If you are looking for a Cardiologist in Kompally, understanding when to seek specialized heart care is important for preventing and managing cardiovascular problems. MedOne Hospitals provides comprehensive cardiac evaluation and treatment for people experiencing symptoms, managing existing heart conditions, or looking to understand their heart health better.

What Does a Cardiologist Do?

A cardiologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. At MedOne Hospitals, cardiology care includes evaluation of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, heart valve disorders, and other cardiovascular problems.

A cardiologist may also recommend lifestyle changes, medications, diagnostic tests, or procedures depending on your individual condition.

When Should You Consult a Cardiologist?

You may benefit from consulting a heart specialist if you experience persistent or unusual symptoms such as:

Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort should not be ignored, particularly when it occurs during physical activity or is associated with sweating, nausea, or breathlessness. A cardiologist can evaluate the symptoms and identify possible cardiac causes.

Shortness of Breath

Unexplained breathlessness during routine activities or while resting can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular conditions. MedOne Hospitals offers cardiac evaluation to help identify the underlying cause.

Irregular Heartbeat

A sensation of a racing, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat may indicate an abnormal heart rhythm. A cardiologist can recommend tests such as an ECG or Holter monitoring when appropriate.

High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol

Long-term high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular monitoring and appropriate management can help reduce potential complications.

Dizziness or Fainting

Repeated dizziness, unexplained fainting, or weakness may sometimes be related to heart rhythm or circulation problems and should be medically evaluated.

Who May Need Regular Cardiac Checkups?

People with certain risk factors may benefit from regular heart-health assessments. These can include individuals with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or a history of smoking. Your doctor can determine how frequently you need cardiac screening based on your health profile.

Cardiac Tests and Diagnosis

At MedOne Hospitals, a cardiologist may recommend diagnostic tests based on your symptoms and medical history. These may include:

ECG/EKG

Echocardiogram

Treadmill Test (TMT)

Holter monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Chest X-ray

Other cardiac investigations when required

These tests can help doctors understand heart function and identify potential abnormalities.

When Is Emergency Care Necessary?

Severe or sudden chest pain, significant breathing difficulty, fainting, or symptoms accompanied by cold sweating and nausea may require immediate medical attention. If symptoms suggest a possible heart attack, emergency care should be sought without delay.

Choose Comprehensive Cardiac Care at MedOne Hospitals

Early evaluation can play an important role in identifying cardiovascular problems and managing risk factors. MedOne Hospitals in Kompally offers cardiology consultations, diagnostic services, and advanced cardiac care based on individual patient needs.

Let's talk about coronary artery bypass surgery, or CABG, if you want to sound like you know what you're doing at a dinner party (please don't, it's a weird flex).

Here's the deal: your heart runs on a network of blood vessels called coronary arteries. Over time, plaque can build up inside them, narrowing the pathways and choking off the oxygen-rich blood your heart muscle needs to keep doing its very important job. This is coronary artery disease, and left unmanaged, it's a fast track to chest pain, breathlessness, and eventually a heart attack.

CABG is basically your body's detour system. Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from somewhere else in your body — often the leg, chest, or arm — and use it to build a new route around the blocked artery. Traffic (aka blood) gets rerouted, your heart starts breathing easier (metaphorically), and the whole system gets a second chance.

A few things worth knowing if this is on your radar:

🕐 It's not quick. The surgery itself usually takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many arteries need bypassing and how complicated your case is.

🏥 You'll be in for a bit. Hospital stays typically run 5 to 7 days, and full recovery stretches out to 6-12 weeks. This isn't a "surgery on Monday, back to spin class Wednesday" situation — your body needs real time to heal.

😴 General anesthesia is standard, so you'll be fully out for the procedure.

📈 The success rates are genuinely reassuring. Modern CABG procedures have a high clinical success rate, and most patients report real, lasting improvement — less chest pain, better stamina, and a noticeably better quality of life once they're through recovery.

💰 Cost varies a lot depending on the hospital, the surgeon, and how complex the surgery is, so it's worth getting a real quote rather than assuming a number.

Why people choose it: when arteries are too blocked for less invasive options like stents, bypass surgery is often the move that actually addresses the root problem instead of just managing symptoms. It's a bigger commitment upfront, but for a lot of people it means genuinely getting their life back — going back to work, playing with their kids, walking up a flight of stairs without their chest screaming at them.

If you or someone you love is facing this, the biggest thing to remember is: ask questions. Ask about the surgeon's experience, ask about recovery logistics, ask about cost breakdowns. A good care team should be walking you through every step, not just the surgery itself but the consultations, tests, and follow-ups on either side of it.

This is actually where platforms like GetBeds come in handy — instead of cold-calling hospitals and hoping for the best, you can look up cardiac specialists, compare surgery packages, and get transparent pricing all in one place, with a care manager walking you through the whole journey from first consult to follow-up.

When coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, doctors may recommend Angioplasty or Bypass Surgery depending on the patient’s condition. While both treatments aim to improve blood flow to the heart, they differ significantly in their procedure, recovery time, and suitability.

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter, balloon, and often a stent to open a narrowed or blocked artery. Bypass Surgery (CABG) creates a new route for blood flow around the blocked portion using a healthy blood vessel graft. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the number, location, and severity of blockages, heart function, diabetes, and overall health.

There is no single treatment that is best for every patient. A Cardiologist and Cardiac Surgery team determine the most appropriate approach after evaluating medical reports and the patient’s individual condition.

Summer Heart Health: Stay Hydrated, Stay Active, Stay Safe

How Does Cholibrium™ Works?

Cholibrium™ works by supplying your body with a carefully selected blend of 10 functional mushroom extracts that support the body's natural cardiovascular processes. Rather than targeting a single pathway, the formula combines mushroom-derived compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and naturally occurring antioxidants to provide broad nutritional support for heart health and overall wellness.

Several of the mushrooms in Cholibrium™, including Reishi, Shiitake, and White Button Mushroom, have been traditionally used and studied for their role in helping maintain cholesterol levels that are already within a healthy range. Others, such as Chaga and Turkey Tail, contribute antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from everyday oxidative stress, an important part of maintaining long-term cardiovascular wellness.