India has emerged as a global hub for medical tourism, especially in the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery. Renowned for its world-class facilities, highly skilled surgeons, and cost-effective treatment, the country attracts patients from all over the world. If you or a loved one is seeking the best cardiac care, this comprehensive guide to the top heart surgery hospitals in India will help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Heart Hospitals in India
Here is a curated list of institutions that are consistently ranked among the best for cardiac care:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi – The premier government-funded institute known for its excellence, research, and highly affordable care.
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai – A pioneer in private healthcare and a landmark for cardiac care in Asia.
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi – A dedicated cardiac care facility with a legacy of expertise in complex heart procedures.
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram – Founded by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Naresh Trehan, it’s a multi-super specialty institute with a stellar cardiology department.
- Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai – Known for its high success rates and dedicated focus on cardiac and vascular care.
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi – Boasts a robust cardiac sciences department with cutting-edge technology.
- Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai – A renowned academic and healthcare institution with a strong cardiology wing.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai – Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of expert cardiologists and surgeons.
- Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore – A leading healthcare chain with a top-tier heart institute known for its comprehensive care.
- Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, Bangalore – Another flagship unit of the Apollo group offering exceptional cardiac services.
Best Cardiac Hospitals in India & Best Private Cardiology Hospital
While the above list covers the top names, certain private hospitals have set a gold standard in cardiology. Apollo Hospitals (Chennai), Medanta (Gurugram), and Fortis Escorts (Delhi) are often regarded as the best private cardiology hospitals. They offer a patient-centric approach, international standards of care, and holistic treatment packages that include rehabilitation and post-operative care.
Best Heart Hospital in Delhi
The national capital is a major center for cardiac treatment. The top contenders for the best heart hospital in Delhi are:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): For its unparalleled expertise and affordability.
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla: A dedicated heart center with a legendary reputation.
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket: Known for its advanced technology and skilled team.
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar: A massive facility offering comprehensive cardiac care.
Top Hospitals for Bypass Surgery
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a common procedure. The best hospitals for bypass surgery are those with high volumes, excellent success rates, and post-operative care. Key names include:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi
- Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
These institutes are proficient in all forms of bypass surgery, including off-pump and beating heart surgery.
Top Hospitals for Angioplasty
Angioplasty, or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries. The top hospitals for angioplasty are equipped with advanced cath labs and experienced interventional cardiologists.
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
- CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad
Heart Transplant Hospitals in India
Heart transplant is the most complex cardiac procedure. Only a few centers in India have the expertise and infrastructure to perform them successfully. The leading heart transplant hospitals in India are:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai (has performed a significant number of transplants)
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Hospitals
Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery (MIHS) involves smaller incisions, leading to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. Most top-tier private hospitals now offer these techniques.
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram: A leader in robotic-assisted cardiac surgery.
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai: Offers a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.
- Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi: Known for its expertise in keyhole heart surgery.
- Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai: Performs advanced minimally invasive cardiac operations.
Best Cardiologist in India
Naming a single “best” cardiologist is challenging as the best choice depends on the specific condition. However, some of the most renowned names include:
- Dr. Naresh Trehan (Chairman, Medanta) – Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Dr. Ashok Seth (Chairman, Fortis Escorts) – Interventional Cardiology
- Dr. Devi Shetty (Chairman, Narayana Health) – Cardiac Surgery
- Dr. K.K. Talwar (Cardiology, Max Healthcare) – Interventional Cardiology
- Dr. M.S. Mehta (Senior Cardiologist, Apollo Delhi)
It is crucial to find a cardiologist who specializes in your specific heart condition.
Heart Surgery Cost in India
One of the biggest advantages of getting treatment in India is the cost. The heart surgery cost in India is a fraction of what it is in Western countries.
- Angioplasty: ₹1.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs
- Bypass Surgery (CABG): ₹2.5 – ₹6 Lakhs
- Heart Valve Replacement: ₹3 – ₹8 Lakhs
- Heart Transplant: ₹15 – ₹25 Lakhs
Note: Costs are approximate and can vary based on the hospital, city, complexity of the case, and room category chosen.
Additional Details: The Patient Journey
- Medical Visa: International patients need a Medical Visa for India. Most hospitals have an international patient desk to assist with this process.
- Teleconsultation: You can start with an online consultation with a cardiologist to share medical reports and get a preliminary opinion.
- Travel and Accommodation: Major hospitals help arrange airport pickup, local stay, and interpreter services.
- Success Rates: Indian top hospitals boast high success rates, often over 98% for procedures like bypass surgery, comparable to global standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the number 1 heart hospital in India?
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi, is often ranked as the number one heart hospital in India for its comprehensive care, advanced research, and affordability.
Which city is best for heart treatment in India?
Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai are considered the top cities for heart treatment, hosting renowned institutes like AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and Asian Heart Institute.
How much does a heart bypass cost in India?
The cost of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in India generally ranges between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹6 lakh ($3,000–$7,000 USD), depending on the hospital and the complexity of the case.
Who is the best heart surgeon in India?
Renowned heart surgeons include Dr. Naresh Trehan (Medanta), Dr. Devi Shetty (Narayana Health), and the senior surgical team at AIIMS Delhi. The “best” choice depends on the specific procedure required.
Is heart surgery successful in India?
Yes. Success rates for major heart surgeries in India’s top hospitals are very high, often exceeding 98% for procedures like bypass surgery, matching international standards.
Which is better, angioplasty or bypass surgery?
It depends on the patient’s condition—number of blockages, their location, and overall health. A cardiologist will recommend the best procedure after diagnostic tests.
What is the cost of a heart stent in India?
A single drug-eluting stent (DES) can cost between ₹50,000 and ₹2,00,000. The total angioplasty cost also includes hospital charges, doctor’s fees, and additional stents if needed.
Which hospital is best for a heart transplant in India?
AIIMS Delhi, Fortis Malar Hospital (Chennai), and Medanta Gurugram are among the best hospitals for heart transplants in India, with experienced teams and high success rates.
How long is the recovery period after bypass surgery?
Patients usually stay in the hospital for 7–10 days. Full recovery may take 6–12 weeks, though minimally invasive procedures allow faster recovery.
Do Indian hospitals offer robotic heart surgery?
Yes. Advanced hospitals like Medanta Gurugram, Apollo Chennai, and Max Delhi provide robotic-assisted heart surgery, which allows for minimally invasive and highly precise procedures.
What is the survival rate after a heart transplant in India?
The one-year survival rate after a heart transplant in leading Indian hospitals is over 90%.
Can international patients easily get treatment in India?
Yes. Most top hospitals have dedicated international patient departments that assist with medical visas, airport transfers, accommodation, and language support.
What is minimally invasive heart surgery?
It is a procedure performed through small incisions using specialized instruments. Benefits include less pain, reduced scarring, and quicker recovery.
Which is the best heart hospital in South India?
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road (Chennai), is widely regarded as the best heart hospital in South India and a pioneer in Asian cardiac care.
How do I choose a cardiologist in India?
Look for a cardiologist who specializes in your condition, has significant experience, is affiliated with a top hospital, and communicates clearly with patients.
What is the cost of a pacemaker implant in India?
Pacemaker implant costs range from ₹1 lakh to ₹6 lakh, depending on the type—single chamber, dual chamber, or biventricular/ICD.
What is the TAVR procedure in cardiology?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
Which hospital has the best pediatric cardiology department?
AIIMS Delhi, Fortis Escorts (Delhi), Apollo Hospitals (Chennai), and Narayana Health (Bangalore) are highly reputed for pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery.
What is the waiting time for a heart transplant in India?
It depends on donor availability. The waiting period can range from a few weeks to several months.
Are there hidden costs in heart surgery packages?
Reputed hospitals provide transparent cost estimates. Always ask for a detailed breakdown including surgeon fees, anesthesia, medicines, room charges, and implants.
What is the role of a cardiac electrophysiologist?
They are specialists in the heart’s electrical system, treating arrhythmias with procedures like ablation or device implantation.
What is the success rate of angioplasty?
Angioplasty has an immediate success rate of over 95%. Long-term success depends on medications and lifestyle changes.
Which is the best hospital for bypass surgery in Mumbai?
Asian Heart Institute and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital are among the best for bypass surgery in Mumbai.
How can I get a second opinion for my heart condition in India?
Most top hospitals offer second-opinion services. Patients can send medical reports via email or hospital portals for online consultation.
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon?
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart disease medically or through procedures like angioplasty. A cardiac surgeon performs surgeries like bypass and valve replacement.
What tests are done before heart surgery?
Typical tests include ECG, Echocardiogram (ECHO), Coronary Angiogram, chest X-ray, blood tests, and stress tests.
Is cardiac rehabilitation important?
Yes. Rehabilitation includes supervised exercise, education, and counseling to help recovery and prevent future heart issues.
What is the cost of living for a patient’s relative in cities like Delhi or Chennai?
Expect ₹3,000–₹8,000 per night for nearby hotels. Many hospitals also offer affordable guest houses or serviced apartments.
Which hospital is best for women’s heart health?
Most top hospitals, including AIIMS and Apollo, have specialized clinics for women’s cardiovascular health.
What is the future of heart surgery?
The future lies in more minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted procedures, advanced transcatheter options, and personalized medicine.
Can Ayurveda treat heart disease?
Ayurveda can support lifestyle management but should not replace modern treatment for serious heart conditions. Always consult a cardiologist.
What is the mortality rate for bypass surgery in India?
In leading hospitals, mortality rates for CABG are very low—around 1–2%.
How long does a heart valve replacement last?
Mechanical valves can last a lifetime but require lifelong blood thinners. Biological valves last 10–20 years but usually don’t require long-term anticoagulants.
What is the best time to visit India for medical treatment?
October to March (winter months) is most comfortable, especially in North India.
Do Indian doctors speak English?
Yes. English is the primary language of medical education and practice in India. Doctors and medical staff in private hospitals are fluent.
What is the process for an international patient to get surgery in India?
- Send medical reports
- Receive treatment plan & cost estimate
- Apply for Medical Visa
- Travel to India
- Admission & surgery
- Recovery and return home
Are there legal formalities for organ transplants in India for foreigners?
Yes. Foreign patients must provide proof of relationship with the donor (if living) and get authorization committee approval, as per Indian law.
What is the average hospital stay after angioplasty?
Patients are typically discharged within 1–3 days after an uncomplicated angioplasty.
Which is more affordable for heart surgery—India or Thailand?
Both are more affordable than Western countries. India often has an edge in cost for complex procedures and offers a large pool of experienced surgeons.
What post-operative care is provided?
Post-op care includes ICU monitoring, medication, physiotherapy, dietary counseling, and detailed discharge instructions for home care.