Kolkata : For around 10 heart attack survivors, a gathering at Desun Hospital on Friday was less about medical statistics and more about sharing the journeys that brought them back to normal life.
The hospital organised a Heart Attack Survivors’ Meet where survivors interacted with cardiac specialists and spoke about their experiences of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The programme also highlighted developments in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, including robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
One of the key stories came from 64-year-old Ahmad Kamal from Bihar, who was diagnosed with severe three-vessel coronary artery disease, including involvement of the main coronary artery. He was also living with diabetes, hypertension, anaemia and a weakened heart.
After his condition was stabilised, Kamal underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive bypass surgery, during which two new blood-flow routes were created to improve circulation to the heart.
His recovery was not without complications, but doctors said the multidisciplinary team was able to manage them successfully. He was breathing independently from the first day after surgery and was clinically stable by the ninth day.
Recalling the events that led him to Kolkata, Kamal said he initially developed mild chest pain at around 9 pm, followed by a cough. Acting on his sister’s advice, he travelled to Kolkata for treatment. As his condition later worsened, his family was advised to take him to Desun Hospital.
Speaking about his experience at the hospital, Kamal said he never felt like a patient during his stay and praised the treatment and care provided by the medical team. He also said that he experienced very little pain after the operation and was surprised by how quickly he felt comfortable following the surgery.
The survivors’ interaction was attended by Dr Sanjib Patra, Director, Cardiology; Dr Avik Karak, Dr Biaus Samanta and Dr Sudeb Mukherjee, Interventional Cardiologists; and Dr Soumyajit Ghosh and Dr Jhulana Kr Jena, CTVS Consultants.
The specialists discussed the importance of recognising cardiac symptoms early, reaching a hospital without delay and continuing medical follow-up after a heart attack. They also spoke about how advances in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery are creating additional treatment options for selected patients.
Dr Sanjib Patra, Director, Cardiology, Desun Hospital, said timely intervention and appropriate follow-up remain important in the recovery of heart attack patients. He added that newer minimally invasive approaches are expanding the treatment possibilities for suitable patients.
The hospital’s Chairman and Managing Director, Sajal Dutta, said survivors’ experiences could help create greater awareness about timely treatment and access to advanced cardiac care.
The event was organised as part of the hospital’s activities marking World Heart Health Month, bringing together patients and specialists around a common message: recognising warning signs early and seeking medical attention quickly can make a crucial difference in the treatment of heart disease.
