Your Guide to Getting Heart Treatment Abroad

Introduction

For those facing cardiac issues, timely and effective treatment is a top priority. If you're considering seeking cardiac care abroad, it's crucial to know what to expect, from selecting the right hospital to managing post-operative care. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for patients considering overseas cardiac treatment, highlighting important considerations and steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Real-life Example: Meet John

John is 58 and lives in a place where healthcare is costly and there are long waiting lists. He decides to try a virtual check-up with an accredited hospital and heart doctor in another country through Quality Care Global.

What to Look for in a Virtual Check-up

• Does the hospital offer the treatment you need?
• Can you and the doctor understand each other well?
• Will there be more check-ups later?

Types of Heart Treatments You Can Get

When you go abroad, you can get different types of heart treatments like:

• Coronary Angioplasty/Stenting (Unblocking heart arteries)
• Improving blood flow through bypass surgery
• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
• Treatment for Heart Rhythm Disorders: Addressing arrhythmias and other rhythm related issues

Pre-travel Preparations

Prior to traveling, John had to ensure all his medical records were up to date and shared with the healthcare provider.

Things to Do Before You Go

• Make sure your passport and any visas are good to go.
• Figure out how you'll get there and where you'll stay.
• Ensure that the hospital provides a local representative to assist you during your stay. This service is often offered by hospitals to enhance the patient experience and provide additional support.

Pros and Cons of Going Abroad for Heart Treatment

Good Things

• Modern and high-standard medical equipment and tests
• You don't have to wait long
• It could save you money
• A different perspective through another medical opinion

Not-so-good Things

• Language barrier might be a problem
• Medical regulations and bureaucracy can be different
• Traveling with health limitations before and/after surgery can be hard

Real-life Example: John's Surgery Day

John arrives at a modern hospital. A team is there to help international patients like him. They help him from the moment he walks in until he leaves.

What Services You Can Expect

• Someone to translate if needed
• Help with exchanging money
• Food that suits your needs

After the Surgery

After the Surgery: Recovery and Beyond John's surgery was a success, but that was only the first step in his cardiac care journey. Quality Care Global ensured that the immediate postoperative period was as comfortable and secure as possible.

In the ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

After bypass surgery, patients typically spend some time in the ICU for intensive care. In John's case, he spent two days in the ICU where a team of nurses and specialists kept a close watch on his vital signs. They continuously monitored his oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart beat and made sure that there were no signs of complications like infections or bleeding.

Transition to a General Ward

After the ICU, once stable, John was moved to a general ward for continued care. Here, his pain management, wound care, and early mobilization activities like walking short distances under supervision were carefully managed

Ongoing Virtual Follow-ups

The recovery process for heart surgery doesn't end upon discharge; it involves weeks or even months of follow-up appointments. Knowing that John couldn’t easily fly back for these, John arranged for virtual consultations with his overseas surgeon and local physician. They reviewed his healing process, inspected his surgical wound virtually, and adjusted his medications as needed.

Taking the steps to better heart health might be easier than you think. Reach out to find out more about heart treatments and how to plan your medical trip.