Cardiac Catheterization Cost in India - Factors Influencing & Types

Cardiac catheterization is a test cum treatment procedure required for several heart problems including heart failure, clogged arteries, and irregular heartbeat. It is an advanced treatment procedure that involves the use of a thin hollow tube called a catheter to diagnose or treat defects in heart arteries and vessels. People suffer from clogged arteries/valves, irregular heartbeat, and other heart problems.

According to several studies, African regions especially Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Africa have the highest heart diseases and anomalies reported after Europe. However, the cost of heart catheterization in Africa is quite pricey. It often becomes hard for people from weaker economic backgrounds to obtain the treatment.

So, if you too are looking for cost-effective cardiac catheterization you can visit India. India is known for providing affordable and cost-effective cardiac catheterization prices that are relatively lower than other popular medical tourism destinations. Also, the infrastructure and medical support are reliable and high in quality.

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

Cardiac Catheterization is also known as heart catheterization. It is a highly advanced medical imaging procedure that involves the use of catheterization, a test or treatment procedure that helps to diagnose and occasionally treat heart defects such as clogged arteries, irregular heartbeat, clogged valves, heart failure, etc. A person may be prescribed for a cardiac catheterization if they suffer from irregular heartbeat/ arrhythmia, heart blockage, heart failure, and other similar problems.

Cardiac Catheterization uses thin, flexible, hollow tubes (catheters) to check the pressure within heart arteries, and blood flow in the chambers and take blood samples from arteries to test the oxygen levels in the blood. Cardiac catheterization is also helpful in releasing clogged arteries and treating heart failure. When you visit India, you can access the cheap and affordable cost of cardiac catheterization with stents without compromising on the quality standards.

Types of Cardiac Catheterization

As you have learned cardiac catheterization is a medical imaging procedure that allows health experts to access the heart by bypassing a catheter into the heart with the help of minimally invasive incision. The cardiac cath cost highly depends on the type of cardiac catheterization you are going to get. So, it would be wise to learn about the types to understand the cost of your cardiac catheterization price-

1. RHC or Right Heart Catheterization

In RHC or right heart catheterization, the surgeon inserts the catheter into the blood vessels through the elbow, neck, or leg to enter the right side of the heart. RHC is used to test blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure inside the arteries and during heart contraction.

2. LHC or Left Heart Catheterization

On the other hand, left heart catheterization is used to access the left side of the heart by inserting the catheter into an artery from the arm, wrist, or leg. LHC is primarily used for angiography to determine how much the coronary arteries are blocked. Apart from this doctors can also use LHC or left heart catheterization for intravascular ultrasound, biopsy, and fractional flow reserve.

A Comparison of Cardiac Catheterization Procedure Cost Among Different Countries

A cardiac procedure requires experts’ hands along with cutting-edge technology. However, the procedure cost may cause worries. The cost in different countries may help you to know the costs for the quality treatment in different places.

Factors Influencing The Overall Cost of Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization costs are not the same everywhere. It depends on various factors and before choosing any place for your heart catheterization, you must learn about them in detail. Here is a list of factors that influence your cardiac catheterization cost –

■ Hospital reputation:

The first and foremost important factor that directly influences the cost of your cardiac catheterization is the hospital's reputation. The hospital you choose has a big influence on the overall cost of your cardiac catheterization. For example, a well-accredited hospital with a record of handling international patients will eventually charge more than others.

■ Types of catheterization:

Cardiac catheterization has two types -LHC and RHC. Also, the cost can vary depending on what type of diagnosis the doctor is going to perform with the Catheterization procedure. For example, if they are only using catheterization to test oxygen levels it would cost less than biopsy or Intravascular ultrasound.

■ Cardiac surgeon's fee

Medical experts or doctors with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct the catheterization will generally charge more than others. The efficient cardiologists are making each heart surgery in India successful.

■ Underlying medical conditions

The price of heart catheterization also largely depends on the underlying medical conditions. If the cardiac catheterization process is combined with other heart surgeries it would cost more than a plain catheterization.

■ Age

Age is also a crucial factor in determining both the risk and cost of cardiac catheterization. The sensitivity and cost of doing a cardiac catheterization in old people are higher than in young people.

■ Location of treatment

Lastly, the location of your treatment also plays a pivotal role in deciding the overall cost of your cardiac catheterization. For example, when you choose a tier 1 city for your cardiac catheterization it costs more than any other place.

Cardiac Catheterization FAQs