Today, we find ourselves in a critical situation as a family member has been brought in with chest pain, and an ECG indicates a heart attack. A heart attack is a severe blockage of the arteries, posing a threat of irreparable damage or even death.  

Time is of the essence in such cases, and swift treatment not only benefits the patient but also reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death or heart failure. The primary approach for addressing this issue is through angioplasty. In this emergency procedure, a wire is threaded through the blocked artery, and a stent is placed in approximately 99% of cases. 

Angioplasty is a proven gold standard for managing heart attacks, and either myself or one of my experienced colleagues will perform the procedure, depending on who is on call. It's crucial not to waste any time. 

Take a moment to understand the urgency of the situation and let us proceed with the procedure. Remember, in these cases, time is muscle, and muscle is lives. The quicker the decision, the better the chances of the patient surviving this heart attack.

Article by Dr. Rajpal Singh, a consultant cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road