World Heart Day 2026: Don’t Miss a Beat – Protect Your Heart with Expert Cardiac Care at KIMS Alshifa Hospital, Perintalmanna
29-09-2026
World Heart Day 2026: Don’t Miss a Beat – Protect Your Heart with Expert Cardiac Care at KIMS Alshifa Hospital, Perintalmanna
Every heartbeat matters.
On 29 September 2026, World Heart Day brings the world's attention to cardiovascular health and the importance of recognising the warning signs of heart disease. This year's global campaign by the World Heart Federation continues with the powerful message:
“Don’t Miss a Beat”
The 2026 campaign focuses on recognising the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, protecting heart health through prevention, and encouraging stronger action for better cardiovascular care. The campaign highlights an important reality: heart disease can sometimes remain unnoticed until it becomes serious.
At KIMS Alshifa Hospital, Perintalmanna, comprehensive cardiac services bring together experienced interventional cardiologists, advanced diagnostic technology, a modern Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and intensive cardiac care facilities to provide care across a wide range of heart conditions.
Why World Heart Day Matters
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the world's major health challenges. Yet many cardiovascular conditions can be prevented or managed through early detection, appropriate treatment and healthier lifestyle choices.
The World Heart Day 2026 “Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign encourages people to:
- See the signs – recognise symptoms that could indicate cardiovascular disease.
- Protect your heart – take steps to reduce preventable cardiovascular risk.
- Demand action – support stronger systems and access to cardiovascular care.
Symptoms of heart disease can vary from person to person. Chest discomfort, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, palpitations, dizziness or fainting may require medical evaluation. Some people may have few or no obvious symptoms before a serious cardiac event.
When it comes to your heart, don't ignore warning signs.
Comprehensive Cardiac Care at KIMS Alshifa Hospital
The Department of Cardiology at KIMS Alshifa Hospital, Perintalmanna provides preventive, diagnostic and interventional cardiac care.
The department manages a broad spectrum of cardiac conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Electrophysiological disorders
- Congenital heart conditions
- Other cardiovascular conditions requiring medical or interventional management
The department combines medical management, lifestyle guidance, advanced diagnostic procedures and minimally invasive cardiac interventions.
Experienced Interventional Cardiologists
The Cardiology Department at KIMS Alshifa Hospital currently lists three interventional cardiologists:
Dr. Anoop KR
Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Anoop KR holds MBBS, MD (General Medicine) and DM (Cardiology) qualifications. His areas of academic work include research in aortic wall stress and strain assessment. He has also received awards for original research presented through cardiology and medical forums.
Dr. Divakaran MG
Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Divakaran MG holds MBBS, MD (General Medicine) and DM (Cardiology) qualifications and is part of the hospital's interventional cardiology team.
Dr. Syed Nawaz Afzal
Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Syed Nawaz Afzal is an Interventional Cardiologist listed under the Cardiology Department at KIMS Alshifa Hospital.
Together, the cardiology team provides medical and interventional management for both routine and complex cardiac conditions.
Advanced Cardiac Facilities at KIMS Alshifa
1. State-of-the-Art Cardiac Cath Lab
One of the key facilities of the cardiac programme is the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab).
The Cath Lab supports both diagnostic and minimally invasive interventional procedures, allowing cardiologists to evaluate coronary and peripheral blood vessels and treat certain conditions without conventional open surgery.
The hospital lists facilities for:
- Coronary angiography
- Peripheral angiography
- Coronary angioplasty
- Peripheral angioplasty
- Coronary stenting
- Complex coronary interventions
- Coronary imaging
- Pacemaker implantation
- ICD implantation
- CRT procedures
- Structural cardiac interventions
The department also lists advanced coronary interventions and imaging technologies including IVUS, OCT, FFR, DFR, rotational atherectomy (ROTA) and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL).
Advanced Treatment for Complex Coronary Artery Disease
Not every coronary blockage is the same.
Some patients have complex lesions that require advanced interventional techniques. KIMS Alshifa's Cardiology Department lists expertise in complex coronary interventions including:
CTO Intervention
Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) interventions are procedures designed to address completely blocked coronary arteries that have been blocked for an extended period.
Bifurcation Interventions
Bifurcation lesions occur where a coronary artery divides into branches. These can require specialised interventional strategies.
LMCA Interventions
The Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) supplies a substantial portion of the heart muscle. Interventions involving this artery require careful planning and advanced expertise.
Advanced Calcium Modification Techniques
Severely calcified coronary arteries can make angioplasty technically challenging.
The KIMS Alshifa Cardiology Department lists several calcium-modification techniques, including:
- Rotational atherectomy (ROTA)
- Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)
- Cutting balloons
- Scoring balloons
These technologies can help interventional cardiologists manage selected complex, heavily calcified coronary lesions.
Advanced Coronary Imaging
Modern cardiology increasingly uses imaging and physiological assessment from inside the coronary arteries to support treatment decisions.
KIMS Alshifa lists:
IVUS – Intravascular Ultrasound
A specialised imaging technique that provides detailed information about the inside of a coronary artery.
OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography
A high-resolution intravascular imaging technology that can provide detailed views of coronary artery structures.
FFR and DFR
These physiological assessment techniques can help determine the functional significance of certain coronary artery narrowings and assist cardiologists in treatment planning.
These technologies form part of the hospital's advanced interventional cardiology capabilities.
Pacemaker, ICD and CRT Services
KIMS Alshifa's Cardiology Department also provides cardiac rhythm-related interventions.
The listed services include:
- Temporary pacemaker implantation
- Permanent pacemaker implantation
- Single-chamber pacemakers
- Dual-chamber pacemakers
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
- Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT)
These devices are used for selected patients with rhythm disorders, conduction problems, risk of serious arrhythmias or certain forms of heart failure.
Cardiac Diagnostic Services
Early diagnosis can be an important part of managing cardiovascular disease.
KIMS Alshifa lists a range of cardiac diagnostic facilities, including:
ECG
Electrocardiography records the electrical activity of the heart and is an important first-line cardiac investigation.
Treadmill Test
Exercise testing can help assess the heart's response to physical activity and may be recommended for selected patients.
Holter Monitoring
Holter monitoring provides prolonged ECG recording and can help evaluate intermittent rhythm abnormalities and palpitations.
Echocardiography
The hospital provides an Echo Doppler Laboratory for cardiac imaging and assessment of heart structure and function.
Stress Echocardiography
Stress echo combines cardiac ultrasound with stress testing to assess how the heart performs under increased workload.
Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Transoesophageal echocardiography, or TEE, provides detailed cardiac imaging through an ultrasound probe positioned in the oesophagus.
KIMS Alshifa lists these services as part of its cardiac diagnostic facilities.
Emergency Cardiac Care
When a heart emergency occurs, time can be critical.
KIMS Alshifa Hospital has a 24×7 Emergency Department and lists facilities for emergency angiography and intervention through its cardiac programme. The hospital's contact information lists a dedicated emergency number: +91 4933 224365.
Patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart attack should seek emergency medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.
Dedicated Intensive Cardiac Care
The Cardiology Department includes a Dedicated Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) for patients requiring close monitoring and specialised cardiac management.
Cardiac intensive care can be required for patients with conditions such as acute coronary syndromes, serious rhythm abnormalities, heart failure and other conditions requiring continuous monitoring and specialist intervention.
KIMS Alshifa combines cardiac care with the hospital's broader critical-care and multispecialty infrastructure.
A Multispecialty Approach to Heart Health
Heart disease doesn't always occur in isolation.
Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity and respiratory disorders can influence cardiovascular health. This makes access to multiple medical specialties particularly valuable for patients with complex health needs.
KIMS Alshifa Hospital has a broad range of specialty and super-specialty services and describes itself as a tertiary-care provider in Northern Kerala. Its infrastructure includes intensive care facilities, modern operating theatres, digital radiology, clinical laboratories and a 24×7 emergency department.
This multispecialty environment allows cardiac patients to receive coordinated evaluation and treatment when other medical conditions also need attention.
Don't Wait for a Heart Emergency
World Heart Day 2026 reminds us that prevention and early recognition can make a difference.
Some important steps towards better heart health include:
Know your numbers
Keep track of:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Weight
Stay physically active
Regular physical activity can support cardiovascular health. Choose activities appropriate for your age, fitness level and medical condition.
Eat for your heart
A balanced diet with appropriate portions of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses and healthy sources of protein can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Avoid tobacco
Smoking and tobacco exposure are important cardiovascular risk factors.
Manage stress and sleep
Good sleep and healthy stress-management habits are part of overall cardiovascular wellbeing.
Don't ignore symptoms
Chest discomfort, breathlessness, unexplained sweating, sudden weakness, fainting or unusual fatigue can sometimes signal a serious condition.
If symptoms are sudden, severe or concerning, seek emergency medical care immediately.
This World Heart Day, Don't Miss a Beat
The message of World Heart Day 2026 – “Don’t Miss a Beat” is simple but important: recognise the signs, protect your heart and act when something doesn't feel right.
At KIMS Alshifa Hospital, Perintalmanna, the Cardiology Department brings together experienced interventional cardiologists, advanced diagnostic services, a modern Cath Lab, complex coronary intervention capabilities, cardiac imaging, rhythm-management procedures and intensive cardiac care.
Because when it comes to your heart, early attention matters.
This World Heart Day, make your heart a priority.
29 September 2026 | World Heart Day
KIMS Alshifa Hospital
Super Speciality Hospital
Ooty Road, Perintalmanna, Kerala – 679322
Appointments: +91 4933 299 103
Hospital: +91 4933 227 616 / +91 4933 299 299
Emergency: +91 4933 224365
