Cardiology Tourism

More and more people are choosing cardiology tourism for their cardiac treatments as a way to save money on their medical bills. Cardiology treatments can be some of the most expensive procedures a person can undergo, so when one can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars, it makes sense to have your operation conducted in a foreign country. These days, medical technology has advanced to the point that cutting edge procedures are now available in India, Thailand, Mexico, and other developing countries. That means that a person can have comparable modern medical treatments in a foreign country for a fraction of the cost that they would be able to in the United States. Another reason why many people opt for cardiology tourism is because there are some procedures that are available in other countries that have not yet been FDA approved for use in the United States. Cardiology tourism enables people to choose from the full range of available cardiac operations available. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. This has spurred a global demand for modern cardiovascular medical techniques and leveled the playing field for patients seeking cardiology treatments in places other than the U.S., Canada, and Europe. You can now receive cardiology treatment in a foreign country that is almost on par with the treatment available in the United States, but for thousands of dollars less.

Is Cardiology Tourism Safe?

When you are exploring your cardiology tourism options it is important to perform diligent research about the country’s medical regulatory practices, the clinic where you are considering undergoing treatment, and the physician or surgeon who will be performing your operation. Generally, cardiology tourism is considered to be a safe practice, however, just as in the United States, your level of care quality will vary clinic to clinic and hospital to hospital.

Common cardiology tourism procedures and treatments

ECG – Electrocardiogram
Doppler Studies – utilize ultrasound to examine the heart and blood vessels.
TEE Echocardiogram – an alternative form of echocardiogram where the probe is inserted into the patients esophagus.
Stress Echocardiogram – an echocardiogram performed before, during, and after exercise.
TMT – Treadmill Test.
Holter – a machine that continuously records the heartbeat for a period of 24 to 48 hrs.
Thallium Stress/Resting Test – an radioactive isotope is injected into the blood stream so that blood flow can be monitored.
Cardiac CT-Calcium Scoring – Computed Tomography or CAT Scan to check coronary plaque levels.
Coronary MR Angiography – Magnetic Resonance Angiography uses a magnetic field to provide images of the blood vessels and arteries.
Multi-Gated Radio Nuclear Ventriculography – A MUGA scan provides video of the functions of the heart ventricles, valves, and chambers.
Dual Head Gamma Camera Interventional Cardiology – a camera capable of 180° and 360° SPECT studies, planar-gated blood pool, and gated SPECT perfusion with attenuation correction.
Angiography – a medical imaging method that can provide internal pictures of the heart, blood vessels, and internal organs.
Angioplasty – a procedure that is used to expand obstructed or narrowed arteries.
Stenting – a tube that is placed into the body to enable blood flow.
Balloon Mitral and Pulmonary Valvuloplasty – uses a small balloon to open a narrow or obstructed heart valve.
Rotational and Directional Artherectomy– a minimally invasive procedure used to treat arteriosclerosis.
Open Heart Surgery – when the patient’s heart is open and surgery is conducted on the internal structures of the organ.
Minimally Invasive Procedures – there are now a number of minimally invasive cardiac procedures with little to no recovery time required.
Vascular Grafting – performed to redirect blood flow.
Aortic Aneurysm Surgery – surgery to correct an enlargement of the aorta.
Arrhythmia Surgery – surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Pediatric Surgery – cardiac surgery for children.
Pacemaker Installation – artificial heart implantation.
And more!

The Costs of Cardiology Tourism

The total price for your cardiology tourism will depend on a number of different factors. Your particular condition to be treated, the country where the surgery will be performed, and the doctor and hospital you choose can all impact the overall cost of your cardiology tourism. In the United States, cardiology treatments can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many of the same recommended procedures in the U.S. can be had for a significant discount in a foreign country.