Effects of Delaying the Cardiac Procedures

Dr.Ashish Agarwal, 5 mins read

Our heart is a vital organ. Any problem with it could affect the overall well-being. Thus, it is important to take care of it and in case of any need for a procedure, you should not delay it. Otherwise, it could have a significant impact on your health, potentially leading to worsening cardiovascular conditions and other risks.

These effects can vary based on the underlying condition, the procedure being delayed and your overall health. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the potential consequences of delaying cardiac procedures.

• Worsening of the current condition

To treat underlying cardiovascular problems like blocked arteries or abnormal valves, many cardiac procedures are advised. Delaying these procedures could allow these conditions to get worse, which would result in more serious symptoms and complications. Moreover, the patient's condition might worsen to the point where surgery is no longer an option. You’ll be shocked to know that between 0.4 to 1.3 per cent of patients scheduled for the CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) procedure die before surgery.

• Increased risk of complications

Delaying treatments like angioplasty or stent placement for blocked arteries can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes because blood flow to the heart or brain remains disrupted. The stress of a failing heart valve can weaken the heart further and raise the risk of heart failure. If a patient is feeling a cardiac arrest or stroke, they should call the emergency immediately.

• It reduces the treatment possibilities

In some circumstances, delaying procedures may reduce the range of available treatments. If left untreated for a long time, a condition that could initially be treated with minimally invasive procedures or other ways may need more invasive surgery. In worse cases, delaying could also reduce or limit the treatment options.

• Decreased quality of life

Not getting the proper treatment for cardiac issues can worsen the symptoms, such as chest pain (angina), fatigue, shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance. As a result, quality of life reduces.

• The psychological and emotional impact

Living with the stress and uncertainty of delayed procedures can affect the patient’s mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

• Risk of death

In some cases, delaying necessary cardiac procedures can cause fatal outcomes. Thus, it’s essential for patients with cardiovascular conditions to closely work with their doctors and get the recommended treatment done on time.

Factors that lead to delayed cardiac procedure

There can be several factors that can lead to a delay in the surgery. Some of them are as follows:

• Fear and anxiety: The idea of having a cardiac procedure can be frightening, and some people may put off getting medical help out of fear of the procedure.
• Financial problems: The surgical cost can be a significant barrier, and people may put off procedures out of concern for the associated bills and costs.
• Lack of awareness: Intervention may be delayed due to a lack of knowledge about the significance of cardiac procedures or the signs of heart conditions.
• Access to healthcare: Access to immediate medical care may be limited by some factors, such as location and accessibility. It may be difficult to travel frequently for treatment and to afford the costs of travel if the hospital is far away.

Takeaway!

Timing is crucial when it comes to cardiac procedures. Delaying these interventions may have negative effects on many different areas of a person's life, including the deterioration of heart conditions, an increase in the risk of complications, and effects on general health. Therefore, it's critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or someone you know exhibits symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, or irregular heartbeats. Do not forget that a proactive strategy for maintaining heart health can result in better outcomes and allow you to enjoy a normal life.