Medical tourism for cardiovascular treatments in India is booming as it is cost-effective, high-tech, and of top-class quality. It is possible to avail of top-class cardiac operations at one-fourth of the cost charged in countries like the USA and UK. Learn why India is turning into a hot favourite destination for cardiovascular treatments.
Why Do People Choose India Over the UK for Cardiology Treatments and Surgeries?
India has rapidly been developed into one of the top places for premium and cost-effective cardiology treatments and surgery. For example, the country provides state-of-the-art medical care at a very low cost when compared to other countries like the UK. For example, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in India is priced at around $5,000, whereas in the best heart hospitals in the UK, it is between $25,000 and $40,000. This difference in cost makes quality treatment more accessible to patients without a heavy price tag.
Main Types of Cardiology Treatments
There are also several types of cardiology treatments and surgeries, including:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
This operation is for coronary artery disease (CAD) and involves a new route for blood to reach the heart. A healthy graft from another part of the body is used to bypass a blocked artery. It can significantly lessen chest pain (angina) and enhance the quality of life. In the UK, it costs between $25,000 and $40,000, and in India, it is $5,000 to $8,000.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Also referred to as angioplasty, it is a procedure where a catheter with a balloon is inserted through blood vessels into the occluded coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to open the artery, usually followed by the insertion of a stent to prevent its closure. PCI reopens the blocked artery and reduces the risk of heart attack. In the UK, it ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, whereas in India, it ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.
- Heart Valve Surgery
This surgery replaces or fixes a faulty heart valve. It may be performed using open-heart surgery or minimally invasive methods. The operation corrects regular blood circulation and avoids complications such as heart failure. The price in the UK ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, whereas in India, it ranges from $6,000 to $10,000.
- Atherectomy
A catheter with a rotating shaver is used in this procedure to shave plaque from arteries. It is usually done when plaque is too calcified or hard for angioplasty. Atherectomy enhances blood flow and alleviates symptoms of coronary artery disease. The cost is between $15,000 and $25,000 in the UK and $3,000 to $5,000 in India.
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion
ICD is a small machine that is inserted into the chest to track heart rhythms. It shocks the heart to restore life-threatening arrhythmias. Insertion of ICD is essential in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The cost associated with this procedure runs between $30,000 and $50,000 in the UK, and in India, between $7,000 and $12,000.
- Pacemaker Implantation
A pacemaker is a device implanted under the skin to help manage abnormal heart rhythms. It delivers electrical stimuli to the myocardium to maintain a regular beating of the heart. Pacemaker implantation is often recommended for patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart block. The price is between $15,000 and $25,000 in the UK and between $3,000 and $5,000 in India.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
It is a less invasive operation replacing a narrowed, non-functioning aortic valve (aortic stenosis). The new valve is pushed through a catheter and stretched inside the current one. TAVR is a less-invasive alternative for open-heart surgery in patients who are high-risk. The cost of this operation ranges between $50,000 - $70,000 in the UK and $20,000 - $30,000 in India.
- Cardiac Ablation
This process applies heat or cold energy to form tiny scars in heart tissue, preventing abnormal electrical signals. It is most often applied to cure arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Cardiac ablation returns normal heart rhythm and alleviates symptoms. The cost of this operation in the UK is $20,000 to $30,000, and in India, it is $4,000 to $7,000.
Here is a price comparison table for each cardiology treatment between the UK and India,
|
Treatment/Surgery |
UK |
India |
|
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) |
$25,000 - $40,000 |
$5,000 - $8,000 |
|
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) |
$10,000 - $20,000 |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
|
Heart Valve Surgery |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
$6,000 - $10,000 |
|
Atherectomy |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Placement |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
$7,000 - $12,000 |
|
Pacemaker Implantation |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) |
$50,000 - $70,000 |
$20,000 - $30,000 |
|
Cardiac Ablation |
$20,000 - $30,000 |
$4,000 - $7,000 |
Seamless Medical Experience with Racure Healthcare
Racure Healthcare provides a seamless medical experience for all our patients. We offer personalized medical advice and expert opinion according to your requirements. When you contact us, we walk you through your treatment possibilities and provide you with transparent consultations so that you can make well-informed decisions. Before you travel, you can book a tele-consultation with our experts to plan your visit. We have a handpicked list of the best doctors, hospitals, and clinics to help you pick the best one for your treatment. We make sure your appointments and treatment schedules are booked in advance, sparing you from waiting times. Racure Healthcare is committed to caring for you throughout your entire medical experience. We provide extensive follow-up care and recuperation assistance to facilitate your return to health. With our care, you can concentrate on recuperation while enjoying the cultural diversity of India, making your medical experience effective as well as fulfilling.
What Factors Contribute to the Rise of Medical Tourism for Heart Treatments in India?
Medical tourism for cardiovascular treatments in India is driven by many factors. One of the most important is cost. The cost of bypass, valve replacement and angioplasty in India can be as much as 70% lower than the best cardiology hospitals in the UK. This cost benefit makes India an attractive destination for patients who want to get good treatment at affordable cost.
Indian hospitals are known to provide world class care equal to or better than international standards. Top hospitals like Paras Hospital (Gurgaon), Fortis Hospital are internationally accredited and have the latest medical technology. They hire skilled cardiologists and surgeons who have been trained from the best institutions in the world. This high level of expertise ensures patients get the best treatment for their heart problems.
