FAQ

Helping you make informed decisions about your heart health.

• What is angioplasty, and when is it recommended?

  Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries using a balloon and, typically, a stent. It is recommended for patients with significant coronary artery blockages causing symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness, and is also the emergency treatment of choice for a heart attack.

• What makes a coronary intervention “complex,” and does Dr. Godbole treat such cases?

  Complex coronary interventions involve challenging anatomy such as blockages in the heart's main artery, blockages at branch points, arteries that are completely blocked for a long duration (chronic total occlusions), or arteries with heavy calcium build-up. Dr. Godbole has extensive experience managing such cases, including the use of advanced imaging and calcium-modifying techniques such as atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy.

• What is TAVI, and who is it suitable for?

  Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery. It is generally considered for patients with significant aortic valve narrowing who are at higher risk from conventional surgery, though suitability is assessed on an individual basis. Dr. Godbole completed advanced TAVI training at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, New York.

• What is the difference between a conventional pacemaker and a leadless pacemaker?

  A conventional pacemaker is implanted under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the heart via one or more leads (wires). A leadless pacemaker is a miniaturized device implanted directly inside the heart via a catheter, without leads or a chest incision, reducing certain long-term risks. Both are used to treat slow or abnormal heart rhythms, with the choice depending on individual patient factors.

• How is heart failure treated?

  Heart failure treatment typically combines lifestyle measures, guideline-directed medications to strengthen and support the heart, and, for eligible patients, device-based therapies such as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) or Implantable Defibrillators (ICDs). Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of heart failure and is reviewed regularly.

• What should I expect from a second opinion consultation?

  A second opinion involves a detailed, independent review of your medical records, imaging, and prior treatment recommendations, followed by a clear discussion of whether the proposed diagnosis and treatment are appropriate, along with any alternative options. This can be completed in person or remotely, and is a routine part of making informed healthcare decisions.

• I am a cancer patient — why would I need to see a cardiologist?

  Certain cancer treatments, including some chemotherapy and radiation therapies, can affect heart function, either during treatment or years later. Cardio-oncology involves assessing cardiovascular risk before and during cancer therapy, monitoring heart function, and managing any cardiac effects, allowing patients to safely complete their cancer treatment while protecting long-term heart health.

• Can athletes and fitness enthusiasts benefit from a cardiac evaluation?

  Yes. Regular vigorous exercise can cause heart changes that require careful interpretation to distinguish normal athletic adaptation from an underlying condition. An athlete heart evaluation — including ECG, echocardiography, and exercise testing — is particularly valuable for competitive athletes, dedicated recreational exercisers, and anyone with a family history of heart disease or symptoms during exercise.

• What is cardiac rehabilitation, and who should consider it?

  Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, supervised program of exercise training, education, and risk factor management for patients recovering from a heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or a heart failure diagnosis. It improves recovery, exercise capacity, and confidence, and has been shown to reduce the risk of future cardiac events. It is recommended for most patients following a significant cardiac event or procedure.