Cardiology Treatment in Turkey

Turkey has established itself as a premier destination for cardiology procedures, attracting patients from all over the world.

The country's medical infrastructure has evolved rapidly, with a strong focus on modern technology, evidence-based care, and internationally accredited hospitals.

Cardiology is a major branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart and blood vessel disorders. 
 The procedure plays a key role in managing conditions such as

• High blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Arrhythmias

The main goal of cardiology care is to preserve heart function and overall cardiovascular health.

There are several types of cardiology procedures, each designed to diagnose or treat different heart conditions. These include non-invasive tests like electrocardiograms and stress tests, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement, and surgical interventions like bypass surgery. The recommended procedure depends on the patient’s specific condition and overall health. 

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

CABG, or coronary artery bypass grafting, is a surgery performed mainly to treat blocked coronary arteries and to improve blood flow to the heart.

The surgery involves taking a healthy vessel from another part of the body and using it to bypass blocked arteries to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease, helping reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Steps and aspects of the procedure:

• Preoperative assessment: A full review of the patient’s medical history and diagnostic tests to identify any medications that could pose a risk to their health during or after the procedure.
• Anesthesia: The doctor administers general anesthesia to ensure no pain or discomfort occurs during the operation.
• Surgical incision: The doctor makes a vertical incision in the chest to provide clear and easy access to the heart.
• Harvesting grafts: Healthy blood vessels, such as the saphenous vein or internal mammary artery, are removed for use as grafts.

This surgery is just one example of the advanced operations we offer at our Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery Center.

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized medical balloon catheter to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. In many cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open and maintain blood flow.

Steps and aspects of the procedure:

• Preoperative evaluation: During the initial consultation, answer all questions from your doctor, inform them of any medications you are taking, and discuss your goals for the procedure.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered. Note that you will be awake but sedated during the procedure.
• Catheter insertion: The doctor inserts a catheter into an artery, usually through the groin or wrist.
• Balloon inflation: The balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to widen the narrowed artery.
• Stent placement: A stent is inserted and expanded to hold the artery open, ensuring long-term blood flow.

 Heart valve surgery is a medical procedure aimed at repairing or replacing any damaged heart valves, which regulate blood flow within the heart.
 The doctor may perform the surgery using a traditional open-heart technique or minimally invasive methods. This fully depends on the severity of the valve condition.

Steps and aspects of the procedure:

• Preoperative assessment: The doctor will perform tests including an echocardiography. They will also assess the valve’s condition.
• Anesthesia: During this procedure, the doctor will use general anesthesia.
• Surgical approach: After applying the anesthesia, the doctor will make a large incision in the chest area. The doctor may also go for a smaller incision if the procedure is minimally invasive.
• Valve repair/replacement: The damaged valves are either repaired or replaced with mechanical or biological valves.
• Heart restart and monitoring: The doctor will then restart your heart and proceed to monitor your vital signs very closely.

Ablation therapy is used to treat irregular heart rhythms by destroying small areas of heart tissue that are responsible for abnormal electrical signals. This is usually done through a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. 

Steps and aspects of the procedure:

• Preoperative evaluation: The doctor will perform detailed heart imaging and electrophysiology tests. This is done to locate the source of the arrhythmia.
• Anesthesia: In this procedure, local anesthesia and sedation will be used.
• Catheter insertion: Catheters are then inserted into the heart through the blood vessels, usually in the groin.
• Mapping the heart: The doctor will use the catheter to map the heart’s electrical activity and identify the origin of the arrhythmia.
• Ablation: Energy is delivered through the catheter to destroy the abnormal tissue causing the arrhythmia.

The post-operative period after a cardiology procedure is a critical time for recovery and close monitoring. Patients may experience fatigue, mild discomfort, or emotional changes, which are all normal responses as the body heals. Following medical advice, getting enough rest, and attending follow-up appointments are essential to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

1. Recovery room monitoring

•  After the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery area.
  
•  The medical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and the insertion site.

2. Managing discomfort

•  During the first days after the procedure, you may feel mild pain, bruising, and swelling at the catheter site. This is normal.
  
•  To manage the pain, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications.

3. Activity restrictions

•  Limited movement for the first 24–48 hours is advised. 
• Make sure to avoid any heavy lifting or climbing stairs during the first period after the procedure.

4. Hospital stay (if needed)

•  Some procedures may require an overnight stay at the hospital.
  
•  During this time, the doctors will assess your vitals and ensure there are no complications.

5. Wound and site care

• Keep the access site clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
• Watch for warning signs such as redness, swelling, or discharge. 
  

1. Gradual return to activity

• During your long-term healing period, light walking is highly encouraged. 
• Depending on the procedure, most patients return to normal routines within 1–2 weeks.

2. Follow-up appointments

• Make sure to always be organized when it comes to your regular check-ins with the doctors.
  
• These appointments allow your doctor to monitor your recovery and ensure it is progressing as expected.

3. Medication management

• You may need to take blood thinners, beta-blockers, or cholesterol medication depending on the type of procedure.
  
• This medication will help you prevent any blood clots and support your heart function.

As Turkey continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure and innovation, it has solidified its position as a leading destination for high-quality cardiac care. At Biruni Hospital, we take every patient’s medical needs seriously, delivering the best that modern science and compassionate care have to offer.