Coronary Atherosclerosis Treatment in India

Aadya Jones, a 58-year-old high school...

Aadya Jones, a 58-year-old high school principal and mother of two, had always prioritized her family and career over her own health. A former college athlete, she maintained a busy schedule but noticed increasing fatigue and shortness of breath when climbing stairs at school over the past year. She dismissed it as stress and aging. Two weeks ago, while organizing a school event, she experienced a sudden, crushing pressure in her chest that radiated down her left arm, accompanied by nausea and cold sweat. Rushed to the ER, an ECG and troponin test confirmed a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). A subsequent coronary angiogram revealed significant, multi-vessel coronary atherosclerosis, with a 90% blockage in her left anterior descending artery, a condition often called the 'widowmaker.' Her cardiologist, Dr. Chen, recommended immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement to restore blood flow and prevent a major heart attack. The procedure itself was anxiety-inducing but painless under local anesthesia; Aadya was awake and could see the screen as the stent was deployed. Post-procedure, she spent a night in the cardiac unit for monitoring. Her recovery involved a structured cardiac rehabilitation program, strict medication adherence (antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockers), and significant lifestyle changes, adopting a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and starting gentle exercise. Six months later, her energy has returned, she can walk without breathlessness, and cardiac imaging shows excellent stent function with no new blockages. Emotionally, the event was a profound wake-up call. Initially, she felt fear, guilt for neglecting her health, and vulnerability. Now, she feels grateful for the second chance, empowered by her recovery, and has become an advocate for heart health awareness at her school, channeling her anxiety into positive action.