How long is open heart surgery?

Hello Iyer Ji,

Thank you for your question regarding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) for senior citizens aged 70 and above.

✅ Coverage for Senior Citizens (70+)

Yes, under the expanded AB PM-JAY, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for ₹5 lakh annual health coverage, regardless of income or background.

✔️ What's Covered:

• Hospitalisation expenses for secondary and tertiary care

• Pre and post-hospitalisation (up to 3 days before and 15 days after admission)

• Day-care procedures

• Medicines used during hospital stay

❌ What's Not Covered:

• OPD consultations, routine doctor visits, or medicines taken at home are not covered. The scheme primarily focuses on in-patient treatment.

🏥 Is Varam Hospital in Hosur Covered?

Yes, Varam SPR Speciality Hospital & Fertility Centre, located in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat.

You can verify this on the official PM-JAY website here:
👉 https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in/Search/empnlWorkFlow.htm

🔍 To check more hospitals in your area:

1. Go to https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in

2. Select "Tamil Nadu" as the state

3. Select "Krishnagiri" as the district (since Hosur falls under this)

4. Browse the list of empanelled hospitals

Wishing you continued good health and peace of mind!

Hello,

It sounds like your dad may have experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure (BP 175 is considered high), and the difficulty in speaking (haklana) could be a warning sign of a mini-stroke (TIA) or even a mild stroke. High BP can affect the brain’s blood vessels, sometimes leading to speech issues, confusion, or weakness.

Even though he took one tablet to control BP, the stammering in the evening suggests that something more serious might be going on, and it should not be ignored.

👉 What you should do:
Please take him to the nearest hospital immediately for a detailed checkup. A CT scan or MRI of the brain, along with a heart checkup, may be needed to rule out any stroke or brain-related issue.

Also, ensure his blood pressure is regularly monitored and he is on the right long-term medication plan.

If you need help finding a good hospital near you, HexaHealth can assist you with fast appointments and provide support.

Wishing your father a safe and speedy recovery. Please don’t delay a checkup—it’s better to act early.

Dear Mr Nagarajan,

Thank you for reaching out to the HexaHealth Doctor Community.

Regarding your query about pacemaker battery replacement —
This is a common and generally safe procedure known as pacemaker generator replacement. It is necessary when the battery, also called the generator, nears the end of its lifespan (usually after 5-10 years, depending on usage and device type).

Recommended Treatment Plan

• Assessment: A detailed check, including device interrogation, is done to confirm battery depletion.

• Procedure: The replacement is a relatively straightforward surgery, typically performed under local anaesthesia. Only the battery (pulse generator) is replaced; the leads (wires connected to the heart) are usually left in place if they are functioning well.

• Recovery: Most patients are discharged the same day or the next day. Physical activity may be restricted for 2-3 weeks to allow proper healing.

Precautions to Take

• Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous arm movements on the side of the pacemaker for at least 2–4 weeks.

• Follow up regularly to monitor the new device's functioning.

• Notify airport security and healthcare providers about the pacemaker.

• Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever after the procedure and report immediately.

To assist you better, could you please let us know:

• Are you looking for a second opinion?

• Do you need help finding the best doctor or hospital in Chennai?

• Are you looking to understand the cost and insurance coverage options?

Once you share this information, we will connect you with the right specialist and guide you through the following steps.

Wishing you good health and a smooth recovery!