Understanding the Importance of Cardiac Rehab

An Unforgettable Story of a Young Writer with a Heart Attack and Poor Heart Function Post-COVID-19, with No Hope, Finds Hope!

A 39-year-old gentleman with a diabetic condition, who was recovering from COVID-19 in September 2020, had sudden severe breathing difficulty and chest pain, and was taken to a nearby hospital in October 2020 and was diagnosed with acute heart attack, with severe left ventricular dysfunction and coronary angiography confirming severe three vessel coronary artery disease. Given that it was the time of rampant COVID-19, he was treated conservatively and was advised to get an MRI of his heart. He was assessed with the results in 2 major cardiac centres and declined angioplasty or bypass surgery, as it was deemed high-risk, especially given his recent COVID, and was advised to continue medical treatment for his severe heart failure along with fluid restriction of 1 L per day.

With all hope lost, he came to Kauvery Hospital and met with me. After assessing all his medical records, investigations and limiting symptoms, and after discussing with the Heart Team, I advised him to consider high-risk CABG surgery or hybrid. He underwent successful revascularisation in November 2020.

Over the next 2 months, he gradually improved and completed his Cardiac Rehabilitation program under our guidance. His left ventricular function and his exercise capacity continued to improve. By 6 months, his heart function was normal and he was able to walk 1 hour daily.