Cardiology treatment packages in India
It’s important to understand that “cardiology treatment” covers a vast range of procedures, from simple diagnostics to complex surgeries. Therefore, the cost varies immensely.
Types of Cardiology Surgeries Available
- Open-Heart Surgery: A broad category of surgeries that involve directly operating on the heart.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Commonly known as bypass surgery, this procedure redirects blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.
- Valve Replacement/Repair: Procedures to fix or replace damaged heart valves.
- Heart Transplant: The surgical replacement of a diseased heart with a healthy one.
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: Less invasive surgical techniques for heart conditions, leading to faster recovery times.
A typical range for major cardiac surgeries in India is between ₹2,50,000 to ₹12,00,000+ (approximately $3,000 to $14,500+ USD).
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Procedure
The cost is a sum of several components: hospital stay, surgeon fees, diagnostic tests, equipment (stents, valves, etc.), and ICU charges.
Here’s a breakdown for common procedures:
Diagnostic Procedures
Procedure | Average Cost (₹) | Average Cost (USD) | Details |
Consultation | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 | $12 – $30 | With a senior cardiologist. |
ECG (Electrocardiogram) | ₹300 – ₹800 | $4 – $10 | Basic heart rhythm test. |
Echocardiogram (ECHO) | ₹2,000 – ₹4,500 | $24 – $55 | Ultrasound of the heart. |
Treadmill Test (TMT) | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | $18 – $42 | Stress test to check for blockages. |
Coronary Angiogram | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 | $180 – $420 | Key diagnostic test to identify blocked arteries. Usually a day procedure. |
Interventional Procedures (Angioplasty)
Procedure | Average Cost (₹) | Average Cost (USD) | Details |
Angioplasty (PTCA) Package | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 | $2,400 – $6,600 | Cost heavily depends on the number and type of stents used. |
Bare-Metal Stent (BMS) | ₹30,000 – ₹75,000 each | $360 – $900 each | Older technology, less common now. |
Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) | ₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000 each | $900 – $2,400 each | Standard of care. Releases drug to prevent re-blocking. |
Bioabsorbable Stent | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000+ each | $3,000 – $4,200+ each | Latest technology; dissolves after healing. |
Cardiac Surgeries
Procedure | Average Cost (₹) | Average Cost (USD) | Details |
CABG (Bypass Surgery) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | $3,600 – $8,400 | Cost varies for on-pump vs. off-pump (beating heart) surgery. |
Single Valve Replacement | ₹4,00,000 – ₹9,00,000 | $4,800 – $10,800 | Cost depends on mechanical vs. biological valve choice. |
Double Valve Replacement | ₹5,50,000 – ₹12,00,000 | $6,600 – $14,500 | Replacing two heart valves. |
ASD/VSD Closure | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 | Closing holes in the heart. |
TAVI/ TAVR | ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+ | $18,000 – $30,000+ | Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement for high-risk patients. |
Factors Affecting the Total Cost
- Type of Hospital: Large corporate chains (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Medanta) in metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) are at the premium end. Trust-based or mid-sized hospitals in other cities can be more affordable for similar quality.
- Surgeon’s Fee: Renowned and experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons charge higher fees.
- Implants (Biggest Factor): The brand (Indian vs. imported), type, and number of stents or valves used dramatically impact the final cost. Always discuss options with your doctor.
- Room Category: A single room or suite will cost significantly more than a shared room.
- Complexity of the Case: Underlying conditions, age, and emergency vs. planned surgery affect cost.
- Post-Op Care: Length of ICU stay, medications, and rehabilitation add to the cost.
What is Generally Included in a Package?
A good medical tourism package from a reputed hospital usually includes:
- Pre-operative diagnostics (blood tests, X-rays, angiogram etc.)
- Surgeon’s, anaesthetists, and operation theatre fees.
- Cost of the implant (stent/valve) – Confirm this!
- Hospital room stay for the specified duration.
- Nursing care, medication, and food during the hospital stay.
- ICU charges for the necessary period.
- Follow-up consultations and basic post-discharge medications.
How to Choose and Plan Your Treatment
- Get Medical Records Ready: Have all your previous reports, angiograms (CD), and doctor’s notes compiled.
- Consult Multiple Hospitals: Reputed hospitals have international patient departments. Share your reports with them for a preliminary opinion and cost estimate.
- Focus on the Surgeon: Research the cardiologist’s or surgeon’s credentials, experience, and success rates. The doctor is more important than the hotel-like amenities.
- Ask About the Implant: Discuss the type and brand of stent or valve they plan to use and why it’s best for you.
- Check Insurance: If you have international health insurance, verify their network hospitals in India and the coverage details.
