Prevent Poison Overdose

How does the Emergency Department handle poisoning cases?

Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate and the Emergency Department team is well trained to tackle any situation. Poisoning can occur via topical absorption, injection, oral ingestion or inhalation. When a patient shows up at the Emergency Department showing signs of poisoning, the nurses and doctors begin immediate evaluation of certain body functions like heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. If it appears that the patient has come in contact with the toxin externally, their skin is immediately decontaminated. The second step is determining what type of toxin is responsible for the poisoning. Pupil size, skin texture and mental status play a role here. Poisoning also causes hypotension or low blood pressure. Electrocardiograms are performed to monitor the patient’s heart rate. If it appears that the patient has consumed the poison orally or has overdosed on oral drugs or medication, the Emergency Department team will attempt to purge the toxin out of their system. This is typically done though orogastric lavage or stomach pumping, whole bowel irrigation or administrating activated charcoal. This helps minimise the exposure to the poisonous compound, aiding in the patient’s recovery. Blood tests and urine screen are also sometimes performed to help determine the type of toxic compound affecting the patient. These tests are effective in identifying the presence of medication such as acetaminophen or drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, opioids and cannabinoids.

Saving lives is the number one priority

Poisoning is one of the most common cases brought to the Emergency Department every year. It plays a crucial role in dealing with these cases and ensuring patient recovery. While most cases are handled within the Emergency Department, some patients may be suffered to specialized doctors for further treatment.

Heart Attack – Every Second Counts.

Understanding Heart Attacks

A heart attack is one of the most dangerous medical conditions that can affect a person at any point in their lives. Becoming familiar with it can help save your life. A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow is blocked supplying the heart. This happens due to a block in the artery or vein caused by plaque deposition. When this happens, the muscles of the heart do not get enough oxygen, which causes the cardiac cells to die. The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Tightness in the chest
• Pain in the arms, upper back, neck or jaw
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating

The damage of a heart attack can happen within minutes, but seeking emergency medical treatment at the earliest can lessen the extent of this damage.

Treating a heart attack in the Emergency Department

The nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department are specially trained to provide immediate care for heart attack patients. First, a physical assessment is conducted during which an electrocardiogram or EKG is performed. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted to patient to give them medicines. It also allows the nurse to draw blood for tests. Oxygen is supplied if needed. Diagnostic tests are conducted simultaneously to determine which part of the heart may have been damaged during the heart attack. This includes procedures like cardiac catheterisation and echocardiogram which allow the doctors to determine the heart’s functions. Emergency medication such as anti-coagulants, nitroglycerine if needed are administered. These help lessen the heart’s work load, widen blood vessels and provide relief to the patient. Once the patient has been stabilised in the Emergency Department, they are taken to the coronary care unit where they will receive further cardiac care treatment.

Accident, Trauma & Emergency Care

In a hospital, the Emergency Department always has its doors open to treat people who come in without prior appointments. This includes individuals who have been involved in vehicular accidents. Nobody knows when they are going to get into an accident, and we are fortunate that we can rely on the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Department.

How does the Emergency Department handle accident cases?

The nature of a vehicular accident is explained by the automobiles involved, type of crash and the injuries acquired by the individuals. An accident is never a pleasant experience, but the team at the Emergency Department are trained to face any situation brought to them. It is nearly impossible to predict the outcome of an accident. Some can be minor, causing small scratches and scrapes, while others can result in fatalities. The staffs at the Emergency Department are highly-skilled professionals who have received specific training in dealing with accident cases and many other types of emergency medical situations. This department plays the most important role in saving the lives that come through its doors. Accident cases are critical and often require immediate medical attention. Accident victims are brought to the Emergency Department via the ambulance / self and are given immediate first aid treatment. If the condition of the patient is serious, specialised doctors are brought onto the scene to handle the patient .

What you should know about the Emergency Department

The Emergency Department was created to provide immediate care and assess injuries after an accident. It is not designed to provide ongoing care, except in life-threatening cases or where immediate surgery is necessary. If your injury is not life-threatening or does not require immediate treatment, you will most likely be given care instructions and discharged.

Treat Hair Loss, Stimulate Hair Growth

Hair loss or baldness is a dermatological condition characterised by the loss of hair from part of the head or body. Medically known as alopecia, this condition can affect anyone, but it is more commonly seen in men. Along with the loss of hair, baldness can also lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

What causes hair loss?

It is normal to lose about 100 hairs every day, but excessive hair loss involves the thinning of hair and reduced growth of new hairs. The most common factors that lead to hair loss are: Family history: Hereditary conditions called male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness are the most common causes of hair loss. It is typically seen as the person grows older and is often characterised by a receding hairline. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal changes brought on by thyroid problems, menopause, pregnancy and childbirth can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Medications: Hair loss can be triggered by the use of drugs for certain medical conditions such as cancer, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart problems and gout. Stress: Many people have reported a general thinning of their hair following a stressful experience. Stress can affect your skin, leading to hair loss, acne and many other issues. Hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyles such as tight ponytails and cornrows and frequent hair treatments like straightening and hair dyeing can lead to hair loss.

How can hair loss be controlled?

The best way to arrest hair loss is to determine the cause and tackle it. If your hair loss is being caused by a medical condition or as a side effect to certain medication, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment. Genetic predisposition to hair loss cannot be cured completely, but taking good care of your hair with frequent oiling, massages and following a healthy diet can greatly help your case.

Treat Acne & Eczema, Get Spot Free Skin

What is Acne?

Acne is a dermatological condition that occurs when sebaceous (oil producing glands) in your skin become plugged with dead skin cells and oil. Acne often results in blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, most commonly affecting the face, chest, shoulders and back. This condition is mostly seen among teenagers, but people of all ages can develop acne at any time.

What are the causes of Acne?

There are four main factors that can trigger the development of acne:

• Excess oil
• Hair follicles becoming clogged
• Bacteria
• Hormonal imbalance

Acne is characterized by red, inflamed spots that are typically seen in areas of the body that have high concentrations of sebaceous or oil glands, such as the face, chest, shoulders and upper back. Hormones such as androgens can cause oil glands to become swollen and produce more sebum. Acne can also be triggered by certain medications, diet and stress.

Treatment

Every individual is different and the causes of acne can vary. Your dermatologist will assess the causes and suggest suitable treatment for acne accordingly. It can be topical or a combination of oral medication and topical treatment. Please consult a well-qualified dermatologist.

What is Eczema?

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a dermatological condition characterized by red and itchy skin. Other symptoms include dry skin, red to brown patches, raised bumps and scaly or cracked skin. It is mostly seen in children, but it can affect people of any age. Eczema is a condition that flares up periodically but can also subside for long periods of time.

What are the causes of Eczema?

Dry skin is most prone to eczema because it is susceptible to irritants, allergens and bacteria. Research has shown that a certain gene variation is responsible for some types of eczema as it affects the skin’s natural defence. A person’s allergies can also cause their skin to become red and itchy. A family history of hay fever, asthma or allergies can cause a person to develop eczema. Treatment The causes of eczema vary from person to person. It is best to consult a qualified dermatologist to assess the causes and find the best treatment for your eczema. Treatment can include topical ointments or a combination of oral and topical medication.

Lower Limb Cellulitis Surgery

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria that is often characterised by pain / fever and swelling. It is a common medical condition that affects millions of people every year. Cellulitis is mostly seen in the lower limbs, but it can affect any part of your body. Bacteria can enter your system through tiny cracks or cuts in the skin. As these microorganisms spread, they infect the local area causing cellulitis. It mostly affects the skin surface, but it can spread to the tissues underneath and eventually reach the bloodstream and lymph nodes. It can be easily treated once diagnosed, but it can be life-threatening if ignored.

What are the symptoms of Cellulitis?

Cellulitis can present itself with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some of them are:

• Tenderness and pain in the affected area
• Fast-growing sore or rash on the skin
• Inflammation and redness of the skin
• Red streaks
• Presence of a pus-filled abscess
• Blisters
• The affected area feels warm to the touch
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Treatment of Cellulitis

The most common treatment for mild-to-moderate cellulitis is oral antibiotics and painkillers. This should reduce the infection and inflammation within 10 days. For serious cases of lower limb cellulitis, requires admission,intra venous antibotics and magnesium sulphate dressing doctors recommend surgery in rare serious infection. During this procedure, you will be given general anaesthesia so you will asleep and comfortable throughout. The surgeon will disinfect the affected area and make a small incision in the abscess. The pus is allowed to drain out and the wound is covered with dressing. If you are experiencing any symptoms of lower limb cellulitis, contact your doctor immediately.

PTCA – Angioplasty with Stenting: Procedure, Recovery & What to Expect

What is PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty)?

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty commonly known as PTCA or coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and restore healthy blood flow to the heart muscle. Unlike open-heart bypass surgery, PTCA does not require any large incisions or general anaesthesia, making it a significantly less invasive and faster-recovery option for eligible patients.

When one or more coronary arteries become partially or fully blocked due to a build-up of cholesterol plaque (a condition called coronary artery disease or CAD), the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. PTCA is performed to widen the blocked artery, often with the placement of a small metallic mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open long-term.

At Sagar Hospitals, our Sagar Heart & Vascular Institute has a dedicated team of experienced interventional cardiologists who perform PTCA procedures with precision, compassion, and consistently excellent outcomes.

Why is PTCA Performed? (Indications)

Your cardiologist may recommend PTCA in the following situations:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Significant narrowing of one or more coronary arteries causing reduced blood flow.
• Stable Angina: Persistent chest pain or discomfort that is not adequately controlled with medication.
• Unstable Angina or Heart Attack (STEMI/NSTEMI): PTCA is often performed as an emergency procedure to restore blood supply immediately after a heart attack.
• After an Abnormal Angiogram: If your coronary angiogram reveals blockages that are clinically significant (typically >70% blockage).
• High-Risk Patients (Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol): Patients with these conditions who develop CAD frequently require PTCA to prevent a heart attack.

Not every blockage is treated with PTCA — your cardiologist will evaluate whether angioplasty, medical management, or bypass surgery (CABG) is most appropriate for your specific anatomy and condition.

PTCA Cost in Bangalore

The cost of PTCA (angioplasty with stenting) in Bangalore depends on several factors:

• Number of stents required
• Type of stent used (bare metal vs drug-eluting)
• Single-vessel vs multi-vessel procedure
• Room category during hospitalisation
• Pre- and post-procedure investigations

Insurance coverage: PTCA is covered under most health insurance policies, including Ayushman Bharat / PM-JAY for eligible patients. Sagar Hospitals has a dedicated insurance facilitation team to help you with cashless claims and pre-authorisation.

For a personalised cost estimate, please contact our cardiac care team or book a consultation.

Why Choose Sagar Hospitals for PTCA?

• Sagar Heart & Vascular Institute: A dedicated cardiac centre with state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratories equipped with the latest imaging technology
• Experienced Interventional Cardiologists: Our cardiac team includes specialists with decades of combined experience in performing complex cardiac procedures
• 60+ Years of Trusted Healthcare: Sagar Hospitals has been serving Bangalore since the 1960s with a legacy of clinical excellence
• 24/7 Emergency Cardiac Care: Fully equipped to handle primary PCI (emergency angioplasty) for heart attacks round the clock
• Insurance Empanelment: Empanelled with all major insurers, including government schemes
• Two Convenient Locations: Jayanagar and Banashankari, Bengaluru

FAQ

Q: Is PTCA a painful procedure? PTCA is performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation, so you will not feel significant pain. You may experience a brief sensation of pressure in your chest when the balloon is inflated, but this lasts only a few seconds. Most patients describe the procedure as more uncomfortable than painful. Q: What is the difference between PTCA and bypass surgery (CABG)? PTCA is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small puncture in the wrist or groin — no large incision is needed. Bypass surgery (CABG) involves open-heart surgery to create a new route for blood to bypass the blocked arteries. PTCA is generally preferred for less complex blockages; CABG is recommended for more extensive, multi-vessel disease, particularly in diabetic patients. Q: What is the cost of angioplasty in Bangalore? PTCA cost in Bangalore varies depending on the number and type of stents used, hospital category, and whether the procedure is elective or emergency. Most health insurance policies cover angioplasty. Contact Sagar Hospitals for a detailed cost estimate based on your specific condition.

PPI – Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device that is inserted in your chest to send mild electrical impulses to your heart to maintain a stable heart rate. It is recommended for people who have slow or irregular heartbeats. Modern pacemakers do not interfere with the natural heartbeat unless necessary. They are meant to slow down fast beating or fasten slow beats based on your condition. New types of pacemakers are also used to treat certain types of heart failure.

What is PPI?

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation or PPI is a procedure where a pacemaker is permanently implanted in the body to regulate your heartbeat. Before the procedure, you are given a sedative to help you relax. The insertion site, which is usually just under your collarbone, is sterilized and a small incision is made. A sheath is introduced into a blood vessel through which the pacemaker’s lead wire is inserted and advanced to the heart. The doctor will test to check if the wire is properly inserted and working. The pacemaker generator is implanted under the skin at the incision site and connected to the lead wire. The incision is closed using sutures or adhesive strips.

Why do I need a PPI?

PPI is recommended for people who have issues with their heartbeats. Irregular or abnormal heart rhythm can affect blood flow to your body, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, chest pain, etc. Some examples of abnormal heart rhythm conditions include:

• Conduction blockages leading to bradycardia or slow heartbeat
• Tachy-brady syndrome which has alternating slow and fast heartbeats
• Heart blocks caused by plaque and other reasons

If you are facing any of these symptoms, consult your cardiologist immediately.

MVR – Mitral Valve Replacement

What is MVR?

Mitral Valve Replacement or MVR is a surgical procedure where the diseased mitral valve of the heart is replaced with a mechanical or artificial valve. The heart has four valves and the mitral valve’s purpose is to regulate the blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body. You might need to undergo MVR if you show symptoms of any of the following:

• The mitral valve has become narrowed leading to a condition known as mitral valve stenosis
• The valve has a leak, which is known as mitral regurgitation
• Mitral valve diseases such as collagen disease, calcification and infection
• Other cardiac conditions such as heart failure or coronary artery disease

What happens during the MVR procedure?

There are two approaches to MVR – open heart surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Your doctor will determine the best procedure for you depending on your condition. During the open heart surgery, the doctor will gain access to your heart by opening up your chest. A heart-lung machine is used to pump blood as your heart is stopped. Heart is opened and the mitral valve is removed. It is replaced with an artificial valve which is sewn into the cardiac tissue. The incision is closed and the heart is restarted. The chest is closed and incisions on the skin are sutured. The minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves the use of specialized surgical tools. The doctor makes small incisions in your chest through which the specialised instruments reach your heart. A small incision is made on the heart so the mitral valve can be accessed. It is removed and replaced and the incisions are closed.