Elderly redefine life after heart procedures
TNN | Updated: Feb 8, 2019, 07:25 IST
Saradhal AlagappanCHENNAI: Adhira, 6, has got a new partner to play badminton with - her 88-year-old-grandmother Saradhal Alagappan. Until a few weeks ago, Alagappan was suffering from shortness of breath. However, a minimally invasive procedure on November 27 that replaced her leaky heart valve helped her get back on the court.
When cardiologists at Apollo Hospitals first discussed plugging a tiny clip to the mitral valve, Alagappan was not sure whether to consent. "I agreed only because I did not want to be a burden to my family," she said. She wanted to be on her own feet so that she can at least carry out her daily chores. "However, I can do more than that now. I love to play tennis and golf too. And I love to swim occasionally," she said. Doctors implanted a device called MitraClip and she was discharged after four days.
Alagappan was among four elderly people the private hospital showcased to explain the technological advancements in heart care. Babu Bhai Suchede, 89, could barely walk until three years ago. Last year, after the implant, he trekked at 15,000ft in Tibet. And 83-year-old Gopaldas Jaisingh went on a river rafting on the Ganga a few months after his angioplasty. The youngest among them was T S G Rangaswamy, 80, who underwent a valve replacement a few months ago without open surgery.
"As doctors we work to save lives. But what we have been able to do in the last five years is phenomenal," said Dr Sai Satish, an interventional cardiologist. "We have repaired hearts of patients who were declared unfit for surgery. We have replaced and repaired valves with minimally invasive procedures. Most patients can now do things that they have not been able to do for several years," he said. Age, or even complications such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, are not barriers to implant the device, he said.
"Life with heart disease was hell. I agreed to have stents and angioplasty because I wanted to live in good health. I hated being tied down to my bed," Jaisingh said. "Now, I drive to work. I take the stairs, walk and do yoga every day. I now live life," he said.
When cardiologists at Apollo Hospitals first discussed plugging a tiny clip to the mitral valve, Alagappan was not sure whether to consent. "I agreed only because I did not want to be a burden to my family," she said. She wanted to be on her own feet so that she can at least carry out her daily chores. "However, I can do more than that now. I love to play tennis and golf too. And I love to swim occasionally," she said. Doctors implanted a device called MitraClip and she was discharged after four days.
Alagappan was among four elderly people the private hospital showcased to explain the technological advancements in heart care. Babu Bhai Suchede, 89, could barely walk until three years ago. Last year, after the implant, he trekked at 15,000ft in Tibet. And 83-year-old Gopaldas Jaisingh went on a river rafting on the Ganga a few months after his angioplasty. The youngest among them was T S G Rangaswamy, 80, who underwent a valve replacement a few months ago without open surgery.
"As doctors we work to save lives. But what we have been able to do in the last five years is phenomenal," said Dr Sai Satish, an interventional cardiologist. "We have repaired hearts of patients who were declared unfit for surgery. We have replaced and repaired valves with minimally invasive procedures. Most patients can now do things that they have not been able to do for several years," he said. Age, or even complications such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension, are not barriers to implant the device, he said.
"Life with heart disease was hell. I agreed to have stents and angioplasty because I wanted to live in good health. I hated being tied down to my bed," Jaisingh said. "Now, I drive to work. I take the stairs, walk and do yoga every day. I now live life," he said.
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