Late-Night Heart Attack Care: The Team That Never Sleeps
A heart attack does not check the clock before it strikes. It can happen at midnight, in the early hours of the morning, or on a quiet Sunday. That is why the interventional cardiology team at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, stays ready around the clock.
Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, recently shared a candid look at what a late-night emergency call really looks like — from the cath lab to the moment a patient walks out stable.
What Happens During an Emergency Heart Attack Procedure?
The images shared show Dr. Pachani and her team scrubbed in and at work in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab). X-ray angiography images of the heart's blood vessels — called coronary angiograms — are visible on the monitors. These images help the doctor find exactly where a blockage has formed in the coronary arteries.
Once the blocked artery is identified, the team performs an emergency angioplasty, also called a primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). A small balloon is used to open the blocked artery, and a stent — a tiny metal mesh tube — is placed to keep it open. This restores blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible, which is critical to reducing damage.
Time matters enormously in a heart attack. The faster blood flow is restored, the better the outcome for the patient.
A Team Effort, Every Single Time
What these photos also show is that emergency cardiac care is never a solo effort. Nurses, technicians, anaesthesia support, and the wider cath-lab team all work together through the night. Each person has a role, and every role counts.
Dr. Pachani's caption put it simply: "Behind every late-night call, there's a team choosing purpose over comfort."
That sense of purpose is what drives emergency cardiology care in Rajkot and across Gujarat, ensuring that patients in a critical condition receive timely, skilled attention — no matter the hour.
Know the Warning Signs
If you or someone near you experiences any of the following, call for emergency help immediately:
- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
Acting fast can make all the difference.
If you have concerns about your heart health or a family history of heart disease, consider booking a consultation with a qualified cardiologist for a proper evaluation and guidance.