Sushmita Sen says she ‘stayed conscious’ during cardiac procedure after heart attack: ‘It’s also the reason I survived’; expert reacts

Experts explain when it is medically safe to stay awake during a cardiac procedure

Sushmita Sen on her cardiac surgery (Photo: Instagram/sushmitasen47)

Sushmita Sen recently shared that she “remained conscious” during surgery after her heart attack while filming Aarya 3 in 2023. On a podcast with Divya Jain, the former Miss Universe revealed, “All my doctors will tell you, I was very impatient with them. I said I didn’t want to be unconscious during the procedure. The control freak in me doesn’t like losing consciousness; it’s also the reason why I survived the heart attack, because it was a choice between suffering it and staying conscious and losing consciousness and sleeping, then not waking up. I was conscious throughout that, and wanted to be conscious through the procedure. I was very clear about not numbing the pain; I wanted to see what was going on. I went through that and continued chatting with the doctors, asking them to hurry up, because I wanted to return to the set. My entire crew was waiting in Jaipur.”

But is it advisable for a person to remain fully conscious during a cardiac procedure after having recently had a heart attack?

To find answers, indianexpress.com spoke with Dr Parin Sangoi, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. He explained, “Most heart procedures, like angioplasty or placing a stent, are performed while the patient is still awake. Usually, light sedation is administered enough to keep them calm and relaxed. It is considered safe to keep the patient conscious, as the procedure uses local anaesthesia around the insertion site and does not require deep anaesthesia.

Can being conscious at the time of a heart attack, as Sushmita explained, affect the outcome or survival possibilities?

Dr Sangoi elaborated, “Being conscious during the event itself does not change the medical outcome. What counts is how soon the individual arrives at the hospital and receives treatment. Timely care would restore blood flow more quickly, thereby salvaging the heart muscle and enhancing survival.”

What are the risks of foregoing sedation during cardiac interventions, and when is this considered safe?

Skipping the sedation can make the experience uncomfortable, as the person may feel pressure or mild pain, the doctor added. “Too much stress during the treatment can also raise heart rate and blood pressure. Local numbing and mild calming medications are generally safe, and avoiding these is considered only when someone is allergic or highly sensitive to sedatives.”

ALSO READ | When Sushmita Sen opened up about overcoming a major health crisis: ‘I was declared steroid-dependent for life’

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How soon after a heart attack can one resume work or a demanding routine, and what precautions are needed?

The time required for recovery after the operation varies, but most patients return to light work within two to four weeks, emphasised Dr Sangoi. The 49-year-old actor returned to the sets within 15 days of the surgery. “When you headline a show, it’s not an ordinary job; you have the privilege of taking on the onus of a 500-member crew. They have all been very nice to you; they understand and are concerned about you, but at the same time, I am concerned about the fact that their daily wages are stuck, and you cannot shoot without me. I was okay, had done whatever I had to, so I had to get on with it. They were sort of shouting at me. Still, it took me 15 days negotiating with them, but then I was allowed to go back and film Aarya,” Sushmita shared on the podcast.

However, the doctor cautioned, “Physical routines take longer and are usually re-established more slowly. Regular follow-up, heart-healthy meals, steady walking, and avoiding heavy exertion during the early weeks help lessen the strain on the heart while it is healing.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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