Interview
Heart disease treatment without incisions
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin
Alongside conventional heart disease treatments involving rings or balloons, Matribhumi Heart Care is working with various noninvasive treatment methods. The institution is providing treatment to some patients through Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) and Blood Cleansing Therapy (BCT). Agamir Somoy Reporter Kawsar Ahmed spoke with the institution’s physician Dr. Sadia Ali Olin about these treatments.
Agamir Somoy: How do you treat heart disease without incisions?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: There are numerous small blood vessels in the heart and some of them are not highly active under normal conditions. EECP and BCT treatments help increase blood flow through these blood vessels. As a result, alternative pathways for blood flow to the heart may develop which is called a “natural bypass.” When enough blood does not reach the heart, it can cause chest pain. The goal of this treatment is to help reduce that problem by increasing blood flow.
Agamir Somoy: How do EECP and BCT treatments work?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: In BCT or Blood Cleansing Therapy a special medicine is administered through saline. According to our understanding this medicine works on blockages in the heart and helps reduce the size of the blockage to some extent. It is provided as a supportive treatment alongside natural bypass or EECP treatment.
Agamir Somoy: When did this treatment begin?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: This treatment has been provided at our hospital since February 2022. The method was first developed in China. It was later tested on humans in various stages in the United States and the treatment method received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Agamir Somoy: What is the success rate of the treatment?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: We have found that the success rate of the treatment is more than 90 to 95 percent. Cases of treatment failure are very rare. In the case of financially disadvantaged patients, we try to reduce the cost according to their ability to pay.
Agamir Somoy: What changes are needed in lifestyle and diet to control heart disease?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: Whether someone undergoes bypass surgery, receives a ring or undergoes a natural bypass treatment change in diet and lifestyle are important. We advise reducing excessive unhealthy carbohydrates and saturated fats while increasing vegetables and plant-based foods. We also advise reducing the amount of carbohydrates and fats.
Agamir Somoy: How long does the treatment take?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: For EECP treatment we generally recommend 30 to 35 hours of sessions. Treatment can be taken for about one hour a day for 30 to 35 days. For BCT treatment at least 20 saline sessions are provided. Each session takes about three to three and a half hours. Generally, patients do not need to be admitted to the hospital for these treatments.
Agamir Somoy: How much does the treatment cost?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: The cost of 35 hours of EECP treatment is about Tk 120,000. The cost is Tk 3,500 per hour. For BCT the cost of medicine for each saline session is about Tk 4,000. The cost for 20 sessions is about Tk 80,000. However, the cost may vary depending on the patient’s prescription and requirements.
Agamir Somoy: Do you have any special discount arrangements for lower income or poor and disadvantaged people seeking this treatment?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: Of course. For poor, disadvantaged and lower income people we provide treatment at a much lower cost under the direction of our management.
Agamir Somoy: How can people contact you for treatment?
Dr. Sadia Ali Olin: For details people can contact 01324730514 and 01324730518. Our address is: 1/1 Rupayan Taj, fifth and sixth floors, Culvert Road, Nayapaltan, Dhaka 1000.
