What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked — usually by a blood clot forming inside a coronary artery. Without blood supply, the affected muscle begins to die. Warning signs include crushing chest pain, pain radiating to the left arm or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and nausea. A heart attack is a medical emergency — call 112 immediately. Early intervention with angioplasty or clot-busting drugs can save significant heart muscle.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped — it means the heart muscle is too weak or too stiff to pump blood efficiently around the body. Symptoms include persistent breathlessness (especially when lying flat), swollen ankles or legs, extreme fatigue, and reduced ability to exercise. Heart failure can be managed effectively with medications, device therapy (such as CRT or AICD), and lifestyle changes under expert cardiology care.

What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease is the build-up of plaque (cholesterol, calcium, and fatty deposits) inside the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow, causing chest pain (angina), breathlessness, and — if a plaque ruptures — a heart attack. CAD is the leading cause of heart attacks worldwide and can be treated with medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.

What is cardiac arrhythmia?

Cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm — the heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly. Common arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular tachycardia, and heart block. Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and breathlessness. Treatment options range from medications to ablation procedures or device implantation (pacemaker or AICD).

What is valvular heart disease?

Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves (aortic, mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid) are damaged and do not open or close properly. This forces the heart to work harder, which can eventually lead to heart failure. It may be treated with medication, catheter-based valve repair or replacement, or open-heart surgery, depending on severity.

What is angioplasty (PTCA)?

Angioplasty — medically known as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) — is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. A thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral), guided to the blocked artery, and a small balloon is inflated to open the blockage. A metal mesh tube called a stent is usually placed to keep the artery open permanently. The procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes and often requires just one or two days of hospitalisation.

What is a coronary angiography?

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray imaging and a contrast dye injected through a catheter to visualise the coronary arteries and detect blockages or narrowing. It is the gold standard test for diagnosing coronary artery disease and is usually performed before angioplasty or bypass surgery.

What is a pacemaker and how does it work?

A pacemaker is a small battery-powered device — roughly the size of a matchbox — implanted under the skin near the collarbone. It continuously monitors the heart's rhythm and delivers tiny electrical impulses through leads to the heart muscle whenever it detects that the heart is beating too slowly or missing beats. Pacemakers significantly improve quality of life for patients with bradycardia, heart block, and certain types of heart failure. Modern pacemakers can last 8–12 years before the battery needs replacing.

What is an AICD (Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)?

An AICD (also called ICD) is an implantable device similar to a pacemaker but with the added ability to deliver a high-energy electric shock to the heart if it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. This shock restores a normal rhythm and can prevent sudden cardiac death. AICDs are recommended for patients who have survived a cardiac arrest, have severely reduced heart function (ejection fraction below 35%), or have inherited conditions that increase the risk of sudden death.

What is a CRT (Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy) device?

CRT is a specialised type of pacemaker used in patients with heart failure and an electrical conduction problem that causes the left and right sides of the heart to beat out of sync. CRT coordinates the contractions of both sides simultaneously, improving the heart's pumping efficiency. In some patients, CRT is combined with an AICD (called CRT-D), providing both synchronisation and protection from sudden cardiac death.

What is a coronary stent?

A coronary stent is a tiny expandable wire-mesh tube placed inside a coronary artery during angioplasty to hold it open after a balloon has widened a blockage. Modern drug-eluting stents (DES) are coated with medication that prevents scar tissue from re-blocking the artery. After stenting, patients are typically prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy (blood-thinning medications) for 6–12 months.

What is an echocardiogram (Echo)?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart's structure and function. It shows the heart's size, the strength of the pumping action (ejection fraction), valve function, and any structural abnormalities — without radiation. It is one of the most important and commonly used cardiac diagnostic tools.

What is a Holter monitor test?

A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn for 24–48 hours (sometimes longer) to continuously record the heart's electrical activity. It is used to detect intermittent arrhythmias, palpitations, or unexplained dizziness that may not be captured during a standard in-clinic ECG.

What are the early warning signs of a heart attack?

Early warning signs of a heart attack include: (1) Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness lasting more than a few minutes; (2) Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back; (3) Shortness of breath; (4) Cold sweats or sudden nausea; (5) Unexplained fatigue or lightheadedness. Women may experience atypical symptoms such as nausea, jaw pain, or extreme tiredness without classic chest pain. If you experience any of these, call emergency services immediately — do not drive yourself to hospital.

What causes sudden cardiac arrest and how is it different from a heart attack?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating unexpectedly. It is not the same as a heart attack: a heart attack is a plumbing problem (blocked artery), while cardiac arrest is an electrical problem (chaotic or absent rhythm). Cardiac arrest is fatal within minutes without CPR and defibrillation. An AICD can detect and treat this automatically from inside the body.

What are the symptoms of heart failure I should not ignore?

Key symptoms of heart failure that require immediate medical attention include: sudden worsening of breathlessness, inability to lie flat without breathlessness, rapidly swelling ankles or legs, sudden unexpected weight gain of more than 2 kg in 2–3 days (from fluid retention), persistent cough, reduced urine output, and increasing fatigue.

When should I see a cardiologist?

You should see a cardiologist if you have: chest pain or discomfort; unexplained shortness of breath; palpitations or irregular heartbeat; dizziness or fainting; swollen legs; family history of early heart disease (before age 55 in men, 65 in women); or risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or smoking. Early detection saves lives.

Is chest pain always a sign of a heart problem?

Not always — chest pain can originate from the heart, lungs, oesophagus, muscles, ribs, or anxiety. However, any new, unexplained, or severe chest pain must be evaluated by a doctor promptly. Cardiac chest pain is typically described as a pressure, squeezing, or heaviness, often triggered by exertion and relieved by rest. Never dismiss chest pain without professional assessment.

What are the main risk factors for heart disease?

The major modifiable risk factors for heart disease are: high blood pressure (hypertension), high LDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol, and chronic stress. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender (men at higher risk at a younger age), and family history. Managing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and medications can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Can heart disease be prevented?

Yes — up to 80% of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle habits: eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and salt, exercising at least 150 minutes per week, not smoking, limiting alcohol, managing weight, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and attending regular cardiac health check-ups.

How does obesity affect the heart?

Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and coronary artery disease. Excess body fat — especially abdominal fat — triggers systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which directly damage blood vessels and accelerate plaque build-up in the arteries. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiac risk.

Does stress cause heart disease?

Chronic stress contributes to heart disease indirectly by raising blood pressure, increasing cortisol levels (which can raise blood sugar and cholesterol), and promoting unhealthy behaviours like smoking, poor eating, and inactivity. Severe acute stress (such as bereavement or shock) can also trigger a real heart attack or a stress-induced cardiomyopathy called Takotsubo syndrome.

Is it safe to exercise with a heart condition?

In most cases, yes — exercise is actively encouraged for cardiac patients and is a cornerstone of cardiac rehabilitation. The key is to exercise at the right intensity, type, and duration based on your specific condition. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla tailors individual activity guidelines for every patient based on their cardiac assessment and procedure history.

Who is Dr. Sukriti Bhalla?

Dr. Sukriti Bhalla is a Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology Unit-II at Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi. She holds MD, DNB (General Medicine), DrNB (Cardiology), a Post Graduate degree in Heart Failure, and is ECFMG (USA) certified. With 12+ years of experience and 20,000+ successful cardiac procedures, she is widely regarded as one of Delhi NCR's leading cardiologists. She is also Director of CARDIOSHAKTI — a heart health awareness initiative.

What conditions and procedures does Dr. Sukriti Bhalla specialise in?

Dr. Bhalla specialises in: Coronary & Peripheral Angioplasty, Primary & Elective PCI, Pacemaker & AICD / CRT-D Implantation, Radial & Femoral Interventions, Structural Heart Procedures, Heart Failure Management, Valvular Heart Disease, and Preventive Cardiology — covering the full spectrum of adult cardiac care.

Where is Dr. Sukriti Bhalla's clinic located?

Clinic: Ground Floor-1, P-79, WZ 106/63, Block J, Rajouri Garden Extension, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi – 110027. Hospital: Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi. She serves patients from Dwarka, Rajouri Garden, Uttam Nagar, Palam, South Delhi, and across Delhi NCR.

How do I book an appointment with Dr. Sukriti Bhalla?

You can book an appointment by calling +91 73079 44552, using the Contact Us form at drsukritibhalla.in, or visiting the clinic directly. No referral is required. Online/telephonic consultations are also available.

What should I bring to my first cardiac consultation?

Please bring any previous ECG or Echo reports, blood test results (lipid profile, HbA1c, kidney function), a list of current medications with dosages, any prior discharge summaries or cardiac procedure reports, and your insurance card if applicable. This helps Dr. Bhalla provide the most accurate and personalised assessment.

What is cardiologist-guided medical weight loss?

Cardiologist-guided medical weight loss is a medically supervised programme led by Dr. Sukriti Bhalla that combines a thorough cardiac and metabolic health assessment with a personalised diet, lifestyle, and medical management plan. Unlike generic diet programmes, it is specifically designed to ensure that weight loss is achieved safely — without placing any additional strain on the heart.

Who is the medical weight loss programme suitable for?

The programme is suitable for individuals who are overweight or obese — especially those with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome. It is also recommended for patients who have tried conventional dieting without sustainable results, and for anyone who wants to lose weight under proper cardiac supervision.

How does the weight loss programme help the heart?

Losing even 5–10% of body weight can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar, decrease inflammation, and significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Under Dr. Bhalla's supervision, weight loss is achieved in a way that actively protects and strengthens cardiovascular function throughout the journey.

Does the programme involve medications or injections for weight loss?

Medically approved weight management medications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, only when clinically appropriate and safe for your heart. The primary focus is on sustainable dietary modification, physical activity, and behaviour change — with any medical treatment personalised to your cardiac profile.

What is a normal heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Well-trained athletes may have a resting heart rate as low as 40–50 bpm. A consistently high resting rate (above 100 bpm) or a persistently low one (below 50 bpm with symptoms) warrants medical evaluation.

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

A normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 120–129/<80 is considered elevated; 130–139/80–89 is Stage 1 hypertension; and 140/90 or above is Stage 2 hypertension requiring treatment. Blood pressure consistently above 180/120 mmHg is a hypertensive crisis — seek emergency care immediately.

What is ejection fraction and why does it matter?

Ejection fraction (EF) is the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each beat. A normal EF is 55–70%. An EF below 40% indicates reduced heart function (heart failure with reduced EF), which significantly increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and may require device therapy such as an AICD or CRT device. Regular Echo monitoring helps track EF changes over time.

What is the difference between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the 'bad' cholesterol — it deposits plaque in artery walls, causing narrowing and blockages. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the 'good' cholesterol — it carries cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver. High LDL and low HDL are key risk factors for coronary artery disease. Triglycerides are another important fat in the blood that should also be kept in check.

Can a young person have a heart attack?

Yes. While heart disease is more common in older adults, heart attacks in people under 40 are increasing — driven by obesity, sedentary lifestyles, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, smoking, cocaine use, and genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia. Young people often delay seeking help because they do not believe they are at risk — which worsens outcomes. Any chest pain or cardiac symptoms at any age should be evaluated promptly.

Is it hereditary — can I inherit heart disease from my parents?

Yes, family history is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for heart disease. If a parent or sibling had a heart attack or coronary artery disease before age 55 (in men) or 65 (in women), your own risk is substantially higher. Genetic conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (very high LDL from birth), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and certain arrhythmias are also directly inherited. Early screening is strongly recommended if you have a family history.

What is cardiac rehabilitation and who needs it?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised programme combining structured exercise training, heart-healthy education, and psychological support to help patients recover after a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or heart failure admission. Research shows it reduces the risk of a second cardiac event by up to 25% and significantly improves exercise capacity and quality of life. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla incorporates cardiac rehab principles into every patient's personalised post-procedure care plan.

How do I follow Dr. Sukriti Bhalla for heart health tips?

You can follow Dr. Sukriti Bhalla on Facebook (@cardiologistsukriti) and Instagram (@drsukritibhallacardiologist), read her educational blog at drsukritibhalla.in/blog, and watch her heart health videos at drsukritibhalla.in/videos. You can also subscribe to her newsletter for regular updates, or call +91 73079 44552 to book a consultation.

Who is the best cardiologist in Delhi?

Dr. Sukriti Bhalla is widely recognised as one of the best cardiologists in Delhi, with 12+ years of experience, 20,000+ successful cardiac procedures, and specialisation in Interventional Cardiology, Heart Failure, and Device Therapy. As Head of Cardiology Unit-II at Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka, she combines cutting-edge technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach — making her a top choice for patients across Delhi NCR seeking world-class heart care.

Who is the best heart doctor in Delhi for angioplasty?

Dr. Sukriti Bhalla is one of Delhi's most experienced interventional cardiologists for angioplasty (PTCA/PCI), having performed thousands of successful coronary and peripheral angioplasty procedures including complex, high-risk cases. She performs both radial (wrist) and femoral (groin) approaches at Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka — offering patients a minimally invasive, safe, and effective route to clearing blocked arteries.

Which is the best hospital for heart treatment in Delhi?

Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital in Dwarka, New Delhi is one of Delhi's leading cardiac centres, offering a full spectrum of heart care — from advanced diagnostics (echo, angiography) to interventional procedures (angioplasty, pacemaker, AICD, CRT-D implantation) and structural heart interventions. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla, Head of Cardiology Unit-II, leads a team that has performed 20,000+ cardiac procedures with consistently high success rates.

Is there a female cardiologist in Delhi I can consult?

Yes. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla is one of Delhi's most experienced and respected female interventional cardiologists. Many patients — particularly women — prefer consulting a female heart specialist for greater comfort and communication. Dr. Bhalla is known for her warm, attentive approach and her ability to explain complex cardiac conditions in simple, reassuring terms. She consults patients at her Rajouri Garden clinic and at Aakash Healthcare Hospital, Dwarka.

What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon in Delhi?

A cardiologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats heart conditions medically and through minimally invasive catheter-based procedures (such as angioplasty and pacemaker implantation) — without open surgery. A cardiac surgeon (cardiothoracic surgeon) performs open-heart surgeries such as bypass grafting (CABG) and valve replacement. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla is an Interventional Cardiologist, meaning she can treat many serious heart conditions through small incisions — often eliminating the need for open-heart surgery altogether.

How do I find a good cardiologist in Delhi NCR near me?

When searching for a cardiologist in Delhi NCR, look for: (1) Board-certified qualifications (MD/DNB/DrNB in Cardiology); (2) Subspecialty training in your area of need (interventional, electrophysiology, heart failure); (3) Hospital affiliation with a well-equipped cardiac catheterisation lab; (4) Demonstrable procedure volume and success rates; and (5) Patient reviews and referrals. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla, consulting at Rajouri Garden and Dwarka, meets all these criteria and serves patients from across Delhi NCR — including South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida.

Can I get a second opinion on my heart condition from a cardiologist in Delhi?

Absolutely — seeking a second opinion on a cardiac diagnosis or treatment recommendation is encouraged and perfectly normal. Dr. Sukriti Bhalla welcomes second-opinion consultations and provides an objective, evidence-based evaluation of your reports, scans, and previous treatment plan. Please bring all previous reports, imaging, and medical records to your consultation. To book a second-opinion appointment, call +91 73079 44552.

Which areas of Delhi does Dr. Sukriti Bhalla serve as a cardiologist?

Dr. Sukriti Bhalla serves cardiac patients from across Delhi and the NCR region, including Dwarka, Rajouri Garden, Uttam Nagar, Palam, Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, Tilak Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Paschim Vihar, South Delhi, and NCR areas such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Noida. Her dual practice at Rajouri Garden clinic and Aakash Healthcare Superspeciality Hospital, Dwarka, makes her easily accessible to patients from West Delhi and beyond.

Why should I choose Dr. Sukriti Bhalla as my cardiologist in Delhi?

Dr. Sukriti Bhalla stands out among Delhi's cardiologists for several reasons: (1) 12+ years of specialised Interventional Cardiology experience; (2) 20,000+ successful cardiac procedures including complex angioplasties, pacemakers, AICDs, and structural interventions; (3) Post-Graduate expertise in Heart Failure — one of the most complex cardiac conditions; (4) ECFMG (USA) certification — international standard training; (5) A patient-first philosophy with over 2,00,000 satisfied patients; (6) Active in preventive cardiology and heart health education through CARDIOSHAKTI; and (7) Accessible dual-location practice in Rajouri Garden and Dwarka, New Delhi.