D.K.P., a 54 year old patient from Ho Chi Minh City, had been living with heart failure for 6 years. During this time, he was suffering from symptoms such as tiredness and shortness of breath, which was affecting his health and quality of life. As soon as he felt that his health condition was getting worse and the medical treatment he was receiving was becoming ineffective, Mr D.K.P. decided to go to FV Hospital’s Cardiology Department to have a check-up.
The patient was examined by Dr Tran Nhan Tuan, Deputy Head of Cardiology Department of FV, and required the necessary tests. The results showed that the ejection capacity of the heart was reduced to only 14%, the QRS wave on the electrocardiogram widened and after a 24-hour heart rate survey was undertaken, a dangerous arrhythmia appeared. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Realizing that complete heart failure could be possible, Dr Tuan used a ventricular resynchronization machine to prevent the risks of any sudden death (CRT-D). This device detects and treats dangerous arrhythmias that can lead to cardiac arrest. It works by stimulating the pacemaker to restore the uniformity of ventricular contractions, increasing blood pumping efficiency and improving symptoms of heart failure, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Thanks to the Interventional Catheterisation Laboratory (Cathlab), Dr Tuan inserted three electrodes into the heart at the right ventricle, coronary sinus and right atrium. Dr Tuan connects electrodes to the CRT-D machine, which is placed under the skin on the left side of the chest and then sealed. As the patient’s coronary artery system is poor, finding a suitable coronary branch to place an electrode takes longer than usual. However, with professional and high-experienced cardiology doctors, Dr Tuan and his team completed the procedure after 3.5 hours. The patient was discharged two days later, and his symptoms improved significantly.
According to Dr Tran Nhan Tuan, Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a disease which gradually weakens heart muscles over time, making the heart unable to pump blood throughout the body. This is a common cardiomyopathy condition, which can lead to death if not treated promptly. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilatation of the chambers of the heart and reduced myocardial contractility (especially in the left ventricle). The pumping of blood of the heart into the arteries also decreases, causing heart failure. The disease usually develops slowly and the basic treatment is medication. However, if the patient has been treated with changes using ECG to the appropriate extent, then placing a device could be considered to prevent arrhythmias; a condition which can lead to sudden death and heart failure.
FV Hospital’s Cardiology Department provides exceptional care, thanks to its state-of-the-art and synchronic equipment, coupled with its highly experienced team of doctors, led by Dr Huynh Ngoc Long. With over 20 years of experience, Dr Long is one of the top three experts in cardiology in the entire country. He has successfully undertaken 10,000 interventions and is always ready to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services, as well as apply comprehensive treatment plans from prevention, early discovery to diagnosis, treatment and cardiac rehabilitation.
Since May 2018, FV Hospital has launched its very own Interventional Catheterisation Laboratory (Cathlab). The Cathlab, with more than $1.6 million of investment, is a system of modern machines and equipment to best aid doctors with diagnosis and treatment of dangerous diseases. These include heart attacks, blockages of blood vessels, aortic aneurysms, valve incompetence, among others.
To make an appointment and find more information, please contact the Cardiology Department: (028) 5411 3467 or (028) 5411 3333 Ext: 1216 / 1165.
