Our heart health is crucial for overall well-being as it regulates our bodily systems. However, in today’s modern lifestyle, we often overlook our health and are susceptible to various medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. Factors such as physical inactivity, prolonged stress, unhealthy diet, and smoking/alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to heart failure and chronic heart diseases.

Cardiologists play a crucial role in helping people prevent heart-related health issues. Amongst many such cardiologists who are compassionately taking care of many hearts today ensuring to keep patients healthier is Dr Bharavi Chunduri, a committed cardiologist who stands at the forefront, offering exceptional cardiac care with unmatched expertise to patients. Dr Bharavi Chunduri holds an MBBS from Govt. Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, followed by MD from a reputed college in Guntur and DM Cardiology from SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack (an apex institute in Odisha).

Dr Bharavi Chunduri is an exceptional healer as a cardiologist. His commitment to patient well-being and dedication to excellence makes him a trusted and invaluable healthcare partner. Well, the passion for cardiology got ignited in him during his second year of MBBS when his pathology professor, Dr Krishna, emphasized the significance of non-communicable diseases in the future of medicine. Dr Krishna explained that a majority of future deaths would be attributed to heart disease or cancer. This realization inspired him to pursue a career in cardiology at an early stage of his medical education. He was also driven by a desire to serve the community by aiming to prevent premature deaths and contribute to the underrepresented field of cardiology at that time.

The phrase ‘Krushito naasthi dhurbhiksham’ aptly describes his life. He climbed the ladder of success through immense hard work. During his formative years, from the 5th to the 9th grade, he commuted 18km daily by train to attend school. Furthermore, he has demonstrated remarkable academic excellence throughout his education. Today, he stands out as a distinguished professional, possessing over 16 years of experience in cardiology. Dr Bharavi’s career stint began immediately after his studies. He worked for one year as an Assistant professor in Cardiology SVIMS Tirupati, followed by NIMS and Mamata Medical College, Khammam. He also extended his services across various corporate Hospitals like Srikara Hospital, Tulasi Hospital, RNC Hospital in Hyderabad. He is a freelancer and practices at his own clinic Bharavi Heart Plus & Teeth Clinic, Katedhan. At present, he is also positioned as a Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Germanten Hospital Hyderabad, providing a state-of-the-art treatment for cardiac patients.

As a cardiologist, Dr Bharavi Chunduri specializes in treating various medical issues related to cardiology such as chest pain, palpitations, hypertension, hypotension, coronary artery disease, ischemia, cardiomegaly, cardiomyopathy, cardiac enlargement, as well as cardiac disturbances like arrhythmia, atrial flutter, tachycardia, and bradycardia. The most common conditions that exist today in heart care are coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and arrhythmias. Dr Bharavi Chunduri says, “For coronary artery disease, we perform an angiogram and insert a stent to address blockages. Valvular heart disease may require valve replacement or repair depending on severity. Heart failure is initially treated medically, with transplantation as an option for resistant cases. Arrhythmias are managed through interventions like pacemaker implantation or ablation. We also treat structural heart diseases and peripheral arterial diseases through various procedures”.

As technology continues to dynamically boost healthcare today, Dr Bharavi too ensures to provide the best treatment leveraging the best cutting-edge technologies. He holds expertise in using cutting-edge strategies and technologies for image-guided PTCA. This includes intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and OCT to visualize and plan treatments for calcified lesions or chronic total occlusion (CTO). These technologies allow for comprehensive assessment of calcification levels and tailored approaches, while also reducing contrast usage. Additionally, he has expertise in using advanced devices such as AngioJet for endovascular thrombus breakdown and the Penumbra CAT RX system. These technologies complement traditional angioplasty and interventions, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Patient care faces several challenges beyond decision making. Key issues include inadequate patient education, particularly for those with chest discomfort, and abnormal ECGs. Many patients refuse timely stent placement and don’t consistently adhere to prescribed medications. Promoting preventive measures such as smoking cessation, is also difficult. Additionally, patients often rely on unreliable online information, increasing their risk. Dr Bharavi asserts that the primary factors guiding the decision making for interventional procedures are completely based on the patient’s symptoms and the relevant guidelines. He is all about ethical practice and never deviates from ethical standards. Dr Bharavi says, “Each cardiology case is unique, so I tailor treatments to the patient’s specific risk factors and emotional needs. I start by educating the patient about their condition and provide clear counseling on risks and severity to ensure they fully understand their situation”.

Dr Bharavi critically emphasizes on staying updated with the latest advancements in his field such as coronary artery interventions, device closures, and more. He also attends CME programs, national conferences & workshops, and engages in group discussions. Dedicating at least 30 minutes to reading journals and articles also add to his daily routine. He even underscores the significance of a proctor to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Notably, Dr Bharavi has published several articles in various journals and presented at state and national conferences. He actively supports the underprivileged by conducting free medical camps in areas around Hyderabad, including Katedhan, Kismatpur, Attapur, Medak, and Chinthal. He is thankful to God, parents, and his brother Dr Shashanka (cardiologist) for his success and also appreciates the guidance of his teachers including Mrs. Shardaji (Physics), Dr Ramakrishna R (Pulmonologist) and Dr Nirmal Kumar Mohanty for influencing his career. He also credits the support of his wife, Dr Deepthi, essentially across his career journey.

Dr Bharavi says, “India is facing a shortage in specialized care today. Increase in the number of cardiologists and specialists will better address the needs of cardiac patients across the nation. Those considering a DM cardiology or similar course should take advantage of the high demand for cardiologists in the country. It’s very gratifying when you save the life of a patient who comes with heart ailments”.

Awards:

*Most Promising Cardiologist of The Year Telangana - 2024 by Asia Media
*Best Medical Officer Award 2016, Kandukur
*Psychiatry Quiz Award, 2005.
*Life Time Member of IMA Hyderabad
*2D Echo Quiz Award at CSI Odisha
*DD Yadagiri Telangana Doctors Speak on Heart Attack on 28/11/2023 (Live TV programme)