For over six months, Raghuveer Soni had been experiencing chest pain after minimal physical exertion. “Previously, my hand and neck would hurt. But, now I don't have any pain,” said the timid 17-year-old, addressing presspersons on Tuesday at Fortis Malar Hospital.
Raghuveer's condition was initially misunderstood as a gastric problem but further diagnosis revealed high levels of serum cholesterol and a coronary angiogram indicated severe blocks in three blood vessels of his heart. There was an immediate need for revascularisation, said Sanjiv Agrawal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist at the hospital.
“It is unusual for a boy of Raghuveer's age to suffer from multiple blocks. We performed a multivessel angioplasty to treat his condition and implanted five medicated stents in all the blood vessels,” said Dr.Agrawal.
“He has a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which is a genetic disorder and leads to development of heart disease at a very young age.”
Dr.Agrawal said there is a misconception that angioplasty is only to treat single blocks while bypass surgery is for multiple blocks. “Multivessel angioplasty is an effective alternative to bypass surgeries and reduces the chances of serious complications in the future.”
Raghuveer is the youngest patient to undergo such a treatment, said Dr.Agrawal. “He was able to resume school in one week.”
