Comprehensive Care for Cardiothoracic & Vascular Diseases and Disorders

At PACE Hospitals, we are committed to treating complex cardiothoracic and vascular conditions with the most advanced techniques available. With a patient-first approach, we offer heart, lung, and vascular care that prioritizes safety, precision, and long-term health benefits. 

Cardiac Diseases:

These conditions affect the heart and blood vessels, which impact circulation and overall cardiovascular function.

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD is the most common type of heart disease, caused by the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. As the plaque accumulates, it narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the heart. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack. Risk factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. 
  
• Heart Valve Diseases: Heart valve diseases affect the functioning of one or more of the heart’s valves. The four valves in the heart: —
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: This occurs when the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, doesn't close properly. This can cause the valve to bulge or "prolapse" into the left atrium during contraction. In some cases, this may lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backwards into the atrium, causing symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, or chest pain. 
  
• Aortic Valve Stenosis: This is a condition where the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, becomes narrowed. This restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, making the heart work harder. Symptoms may include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, especially during physical activity. Aortic stenosis is typically caused by ageing (due to calcification of the valve), congenital heart defects, or rheumatic fever.
  
• Mitral Regurgitation: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common heart condition where the mitral valve fails to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium during contraction, often causing fatigue, breathlessness, and potential heart failure. It can be acute or chronic, caused by valve prolapse, injury, or diseases like rheumatic fever. 
  
• Tricuspid Regurgitation: This occurs when the tricuspid valve fails to close completely, causing blood to flow backward into the right atrium. This can result in symptoms like swelling in the legs or abdomen, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the regurgitation and may include medical management or surgery (valve repair or replacement).
  
  
• Congenital Heart Defects: These are structural problems with the heart present at birth. They result from abnormal heart development during fetal growth. These defects are:
• Tetralogy of Fallot : This is a complex congenital heart defect that involves four structural problems:
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – A hole between the two lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).
• Pulmonary Stenosis – Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery, which limits blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
• Overriding Aorta – The aorta is positioned directly over the VSD, allowing oxygen-poor blood to flow into the aorta and out to the body.
• Right Ventricular Hypertrophy – Thickening of the right ventricular muscle due to increased workload from the narrowing of the pulmonary valve.
  Tetralogy of Fallot causes oxygen-poor blood to be pumped into the body, leading to cyanosis (a bluish color of the skin). 
• Transposition of the Great Arteries: In Transposition of the Great Arteries, the positions of the two main arteries (the aorta and pulmonary artery) are reversed. This means that the aorta, which should carry oxygen-rich blood to the body, is connected to the right ventricle, while the pulmonary artery, which should carry oxygen-poor blood to the lungs, is connected to the left ventricle. As a result, oxygen-poor blood circulates through the body, and oxygen-rich blood circulates through the lungs, which can be life-threatening if untreated. 
• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): This is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria). This defect allows oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to flow into the right atrium, causing increased blood flow to the lungs and, over time, potentially leading to lung problems and heart failure. Many ASDs are small and cause no symptoms, but larger defects can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): This occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood channel that connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta during fetal development, fails to seal after birth. This causes oxygenated blood to flow from the aorta into the pulmonary artery, increasing blood flow to the lungs. If left untreated, this can lead to heart failure, growth problems, or high blood pressure in the lungs. 
• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are disorders of the heart's rhythm, caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. The heart's electrical system controls the speed and rhythm of its beats, and when this system malfunctions, it can lead to arrhythmias. These can range from harmless to life-threatening. 
  
• Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases of the heart muscle that impair its ability to pump blood effectively. There are different types, such as dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. This condition can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), or even sudden cardiac death. The cause can vary from genetic factors to high blood pressure or infections. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or even heart transplants in severe cases.
  
• Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): An acute myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically by a blood clot. This blockage causes tissue damage or death. The most common symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Immediate medical attention is very much important to restore blood flow, and treatment may involve medications, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery.
  
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves that is frequently caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and attaching to the heart. It can result in severe problems such as heart valve damage, stroke, or organ damage. Symptoms generally include: fever, fatigue, and heart murmurs. Treatment usually involves long courses of antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
  
• Post-operative Cardiac Complications: After heart surgery, such as a bypass or valve replacement, patients may experience complications like infection, bleeding, or arrhythmias. These complications can vary in severity and may affect recovery. Close monitoring, medications, and sometimes additional procedures are necessary to manage these issues and ensure the patient's heart function stabilizes post-surgery.
  
• Heart Block: Heart block refers to a condition where the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm are delayed or blocked. It is divided into three degrees: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. The third-degree is the most serious and can be fatal. Symptoms can include fainting, fatigue, and fainting. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve medications, a pacemaker, or other interventions to restore normal heart rhythm.

Thoracic (Lung) Diseases

These diseases involve conditions affecting the lungs and chest cavity, which can impair breathing and overall respiratory function.

• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is often caused by smoking, but can also affect non-smokers due to environmental factors or genetic predispositions. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with NSCLC being more common. Symptoms may include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Pneumothorax develops when air escapes into the space between the lung and the chest wall. This leads to the lung collapsing. It can happen spontaneously or as a result of injury or lung disease. The main symptoms are sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. 
• Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism is a condition caused by blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. It is usually caused by a blood clot that travels to the lung from the leg. This condition is associated with deep vein thrombosis. This condition can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or even collapse. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
• Pleural Effusion: Pleural effusion (PE) is the accumulation of extra fluid between the layers of the pleura (the membranes that surround the lungs). This can be caused by conditions like heart failure, infections, or cancer. The fluid buildup can make breathing difficult and cause chest pain. 
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can strain the right side of the heart. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, or blood clots in the lungs. Clinical features generally include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: This is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly. While the exact cause is unknown, it can be triggered by prolonged exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, coal dust, certain medications, radiation therapy, or autoimmune diseases. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. 
• Lung Abscesses: It is the localized collection of pus in the lung tissue, caused by a bacterial infection. It may develops after aspiration, where food, liquids, or vomit are inhaled into the lungs, or it can result from pneumonia or infections spreading from other parts of the body. Risk factors for lung abscesses include aspiration, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and pre-existing lung diseases like COPD.
• Tracheal Stenosis: This is the narrowing of the trachea (windpipe), which can obstruct airflow to the lungs. The condition can be caused by injury, prolonged use of a breathing tube (which is called intubation), infections, or congenital abnormalities. Common clinical presentations are difficulty breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), frequent coughing, and wheezing.
• Benign Lung Tumors: These are non-cancerous growths in the lungs that can form in the lung tissue or airways. While the cause often remains unclear, they may arise from mutations in lung cells. These lung tumors may cause symptoms such as chest discomfort, cough, or breathlessness, but many are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally through imaging tests. Smoking can increase the risk of developing benign lung tumors, though they can also occur in individuals who have never smoked.
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs. ILD can be caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as dust, chemicals, infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue. Over time, this condition can progress to respiratory failure. Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or toxic substances, as well as autoimmune diseases, are known risk factors for ILD. 
• Chronic Bronchitis: This is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi (air passages) in the lungs, characterised by persistent coughing and excessive mucus production. The main cause is long-term exposure to irritants, particularly tobacco smoke, but can also be triggered by environmental pollution and dust. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis includes chronic cough with mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which worsen over time. Smoking is the leading risk factor for chronic bronchitis, with long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, and fumes also increasing the likelihood of developing the condition. 

Vascular Diseases

These conditions affect the blood vessels, disrupting blood flow and potentially leading to complications in various organs.

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): This is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits. This reduces blood flow, particularly to the legs. Causes of PAD include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Symptoms include leg pain, cramping, numbness, and weakness, especially when walking or exercising. 
• Aortic Aneurysms: An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the whole body. It can develop anywhere along the aorta, but is most commonly found in the abdominal or chest area. If the aneurysm grows too large, it may rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Management involves monitoring, medication, or surgical intervention, depending on the size and location.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in the deep veins, generally in the legs. It can occur when blood flow is slowed due to prolonged immobility (for example, after surgery or long periods of sitting). Causes of DVT include prolonged immobility, pregnancy, obesity, and certain genetic conditions. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg. DVT can be dangerous if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. 
• Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that are visible just under the skin, usually in the legs. They occur when the valves in the veins weaken, causing blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to the heart. Causes of varicose veins include prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, obesity, and genetic factors. Symptoms may include aching, swelling, or heaviness in the legs and visible veins. Risk factors include age, family history, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and being overweight.
• Carotid Artery Disease: This occurs when the carotid arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain) become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits. This reduces blood flow to the brain and increases the risk of a stroke. The main causes are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking. Symptoms may not be noticeable until a stroke occurs, but some signs can include sudden weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. 
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque (which can be fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowed and hardened arteries. It is a common cause of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. The main causes include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. The patient generally presented with chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or no symptoms at all until a blockage led to a heart attack or stroke.
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This is a condition caused by the compression of blood vessels or nerves in the area between the collarbone and the first rib (the thoracic outlet). Causes include anatomical abnormalities, repetitive motion, or trauma to the shoulder. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and hands. In severe cases, it can cause a reduced blood flow to the arms, leading to swelling and discoloration. Risk factors include repetitive arm and shoulder movements, poor posture, and certain anatomical conditions such as an extra rib or tight muscles in the neck.
  

Trauma and Emergency Conditions

Trauma and emergency conditions include sudden injuries or acute medical events that require immediate medical attention to prevent serious harm or death.

• Trauma to the Heart or Major Blood Vessels: This involves physical injuries that damage the heart or the large arteries, such as the aorta, that carry blood throughout the body. This kind of trauma can occur due to car accidents, falls, stabbings, or gunshot wounds. The injury can lead to severe bleeding, a loss of blood flow, or even a life-threatening rupture of a major blood vessel. Symptoms may include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or shock. Immediate medical intervention is necessary, and treatment typically involves surgery to repair the damaged vessels or heart tissue.
• Acute Aortic Dissection: This is a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta. The tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, creating a false channel. This can cause the aorta to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding. The most common cause is high blood pressure, but trauma or connective tissue disorders can also increase the risk. Immediate surgical intervention is required to repair the dissection and prevent rupture.
• Blunt Cardiac Injury: This refers to damage to the heart that occurs from a forceful blow to the chest, such as in a car accident, sports injury, or fall. This type of trauma can cause bruising or contusion of the heart muscle, rupture of the heart's chambers, or disruption of the heart's electrical system. In severe situations, it can lead to cardiac arrest. 
  

Infective Conditions

These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens that can invade the body and disrupt normal health.

• Aortic Endocarditis: This is a specific type of endocarditis that affects the aortic valve. This condition occurs when bacteria or other infectious organisms infect the aortic valve, causing inflammation and damage. Aortic endocarditis can cause serious complications, including damage to the valve, embolism, and heart failure. Common symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, and signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath and fatigue. Risk factors include a history of valve surgery, artificial heart valves, or intravenous drug use.
• Vascular Graft Infections: This occurs when a graft (a synthetic or biological material used to bypass blocked or damaged blood vessels) becomes infected. This is a serious complication that can arise after vascular surgery, such as bypass surgeries for peripheral artery disease or aortic aneurysms. The infection can lead to fever, redness, swelling at the surgical site, and, in severe cases, sepsis (a life-threatening body-wide infection). If not treated promptly, graft infections can result in graft failure, bleeding, or the spread of infection to other organs.

Get a Free Second Opinion for Cardiothoracic & Vascular Diseases Care

At PACE Hospitals, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care, and that includes offering second medical opinions with super specialists for treatment or surgery. We recommend everyone to get an expert advance medical second opinion, before taking decision for your treatment or surgery.