Cardiology in Guadalajara

Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart. It is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such conditions as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and much more. Doctors who specialize in this branch of internal medicine are known as a cardiologist.

What Does Cardiology Involve?

Cardiology involves tests, including electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart, exercise test to see the changes of heart rhythm, echocardiogram that provides an ultrasound picture showing the structure of the heart, and cardiac catheterization to collect data and help relieve a blockage. There are numerous different treatments within cardiology for various different heart disorders, such as valvuloplasties, angioplasties, stenting, congenital heart defect corrections, as well as coronary thrombectomies. Nearly all treatments for heart diseases are major surgery and are performed under general anesthetic. 

How Long Should You Stay in Guadalajara?

Your length of stay in Guadalajara depends on which procedure you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for several days and also to stay in the country for an additional fourteen days or until your cardiologist allows you to travel home.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

The recovery period can be different from one person to another, depending on your overall health and any complications. You should expect to progressively regain your energy and go back to your normal activity level in about four to eight weeks after treatment, particularly following surgical treatments. 

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, either with your cardiologist in Guadalajara or in your home country. You must make some lifestyle adjustments after you recover, including eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake, to prevent future heart disease or complications. Your cardiologist may recommend you to get a cardiac rehabilitation, which will improve your health after treatment and help you recover after surgery.

What is the Success Rate for Cardiology?

Generally, the success rate depends on the specific procedure and your specific condition. Cardiology has helped millions of people around the world and if performed by experts, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, just like any other treatment, there are some risks to be aware of, such as bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm problems, blood clots, infection, valve dysfunction, and death.

Are there Alternatives to Cardiology?

Those who suffer from heart disorders do not have any other alternatives besides going to a cardiologist. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery or take any medication, you need to talk to your surgeon for the best alternative for your specific case.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Disorders of the heart can be dangerous, life-threatening, cause painful symptoms, and interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. After you have been treated by a cardiologist, you may be cured of your disease and your symptoms are relieved. 

Cardiology in and around Guadalajara

About Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and lies at the heart of the Mexican state Jalisco. The City takes great pride in being the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to the phenomenal growth of its infrastructure, economics, technology, and software in the last three decades. The city is also rich in tradition, culture, and history. It is also home to the world’s famous tequila and mariachi festival

Mexico is also a popular destination for medical tourism. It has more than a dozen cities and border towns specializing in medical care. Guadalajara is one such city and is largely visited by medical tourists from across the world. In particular, a large number of Americans cross the border to seek medical assistance. Low medical cost is the main reason behind the City's immense popularity and makes Guadalajara an ideal destination for medical tourism. Bariatric surgery is 70% cheaper than in the USA and dental procedures are 60% less expensive.

The world-class hospitals in Guadalajara offer a wide range of medical services including general surgery, plastic surgery, infertility, stem cell therapy, pediatrics, oncology, and orthopedics. The highly qualified doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care, service, and hospitality and are also well versed in English. Guadalajara is not only a perfect choice for medical treatments and procedures but also the best spot for recuperation.

Salutaris Medical Center, San Javier Hospital, the fertility institutes, OLA Obesity & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic, and the Mexico Americano are some of the better-known hospitals in Guadalajara. They have access to the latest medical procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

Popular areas in Guadalajara

The Metropolitan area of Guadalajara houses approximately 5 million people. The city has a handful of safe and trendy neighborhoods. You will find a large population of expatriates in areas like Providencia, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Chapalita, Chapultepec, and Zapopan. The neighborhoods have many upmarket restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and authentic Mexican food stalls. Lake Chapala is a picturesque lake, from where you can take a cruise to the beautiful island of Scorpio.

• Guadalajara Cathedral: The centuries-old Cathedral lies in the Plaza De Armas, Zona Centro, and although not a particularly big or extravagant Cathedral, it was built in 1541 in the old Spanish colonial style with its neo-gothic spires.
• Expiatory temple: This is the finest religious structure built in a neo-Gothic style. The church has a lavishly embellished exterior. The unique German clock and fine stained-glass windows never fail to fascinate its visitors.
• The Government Palace: Located at the Plaza De Armas, the splendid palace is an absolute visual treat. It took almost a century to construct this historical landmark. The old staircase and murals depicting the heroes of the war of independence are the highlights.
• The regional museum of Guadalajara: The museum is worth a quick visit. 14 dioramas, local fossils, and 800 kg meteorite are the major attractions.
• Avenida Chapultepec: You can experience the best nightlife here as there is a selection of bars with salsa dancing, hula hooping, and Mexican folk dance.

Weather and Climate in Guadalajara

Guadalajara has a warm and moderate climate. The City’s elevation ensures cooler evenings. The weather is spring-like for most of the year. Guadalajara's average temperature is 19.5°C. The average annual rainfall is 941 mm. During the month of August, the City receives a generous amount of rainfall.

March is the driest month of the year with little to no precipitation at all. The warmest months of the year are April, May, and June and the temperature can reach 35°C.

December and January are cooler with an average temperature of 25°C. The temperature may fall too even 5°C during the nights. If you are planning to visit the City during the winter, then pack suitable warm clothing to withstand the cold.

Getting around in Guadalajara

Located 16 km away from the city center, is Guadalajara International Airport. It is Mexico's third busiest airport. The airport handles cargo flights and domestic flights to other Mexican cities and the USA. Wider transport options are available to cater to the needs of the locals and the tourists. The city is well connected by various modes of transportation.

• By foot: As Guadalajara is quite compact, you can simply walk around the city. The city center houses most of the tourist spots. The streets are hassle-free and relaxed.
• By bus: Macro-buses, which are large in number, are the cheapest means of transport. It costs less than 50 cents for a one way to travel in a macro-bus. In case of TUR express buses, the cost is exactly 50 cents one way. If you are a regular commuter, you can buy a transit card and swipe every time you board the bus.
• On a Metro: Most office goers prefer the metro services. You just need to pay 40 cents for a minimum distance ride.
• Other Options: You can also rent bicycles, taxis, and cars to travel to nearby cities. A valid US driving license is more than enough to drive a car here.

Tourist Visa in Guadalajara

A valid tourist visa is essential to visit Mexico. Citizens from countries like India, Russia, and China should apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa, 28 days before the date of entry. You should also submit copies of your travel tickets. Visa fee may cost you approximately USD 22 but this is subject to change from time to time.

Mexico provides visa exemption to the citizens of 67 nations. Citizens of Canada, USA, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan can enter Mexico without a valid tourist visa and can stay for a period of 6 months.

You can even extend your stay by providing the required documents before your visa expires.

Additional Information

1. Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. 1 USD equals 18.77 Mexican Peso.
2. Being the native language, people throughout Guadalajara speak Spanish. Yet, most of the locals can speak English.
3. You will find plenty of banks and ATMs across the city. Most restaurants and big shops accept payments by credit cards.
4. A large majority of the population residing in Guadalajara are Roman Catholics.
5. Public holidays in Guadalajara:

• New Year's Eve (January 1)
• Independence Day (September 16)
• Revolution Day (Third Monday of November)
• Three King's Day (January 6)
• Easter
• Mother's Day.