Heart disease has become the leading cause of death in India, and Chennai is at the forefront of this growing health challenge. Known as the healthcare capital of South India, Chennai attracts patients from across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states for advanced heart care. But the high cost of cardiac treatment,angioplasty, bypass surgery, pacemakers, often prevents families from seeking timely help.
This is where the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) plays a crucial role. It ensures that even the most expensive heart surgeries are provided free of cost to eligible families.
In this blog, we will explain:
- The rising burden of heart disease in Chennai
- The most common cardiac conditions & treatments
- Verified statistics on heart health in Tamil Nadu
- How CMCHIS covers advanced cardiology care
- A list of CMCHIS-approved hospitals in Chennai
- Frequently asked questions
Heart Disease in Chennai – An Alarming Rise
India accounts for one-fifth of global deaths due to cardiovascular disease, and Tamil Nadu is one of the high-burden states.
Local statistics:
- A 2019 study by Madras Medical College found that 25–30% of Chennai’s adult population suffers from hypertension, one of the leading causes of heart disease.
- Diabetes prevalence in Chennai is among the highest in India, at 19–20%, compared to the national average of 10–12%. Diabetes increases heart attack risk by 2–4 times.
- According to Apollo Hospitals Chennai, nearly 40% of their angioplasty patients are below 50 years of age.
- Sudden cardiac arrest deaths are estimated at around 428 per lakh population annually in urban Tamil Nadu.
This means Chennai’s youth and working-age population are increasingly at risk.
Common Cardiac Conditions in Chennai Patients
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Cause: Blockage in arteries due to cholesterol build-up.
- Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue.
- Treatment: Angioplasty with stents, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).
2. Heart Failure
- Cause: Weakened heart muscles, often due to previous heart attacks or hypertension.
- Treatment: Lifestyle modification, medication, pacemakers, in severe cases Heart Transplant (performed at hospitals like MGM Healthcare and MMM Chennai).
3. Valvular Heart Disease
- Cause: Defects in valves leading to improper blood flow.
- Treatment: Valve repair or replacement (mechanical or tissue valves).
4. Arrhythmias
- Cause: Irregular heartbeat due to faulty electrical impulses.
- Treatment: Pacemaker, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), Ablation therapy.
5. Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) in Children
- Statistics: India sees 2.4 lakh newborns with congenital heart defects every year, and Tamil Nadu contributes significantly.
- Treatment: Pediatric cardiac surgery, neonatal interventions. Apollo Children’s Hospital, SRMC, and MMM Chennai specialize in these.
Chennai’s Cardiac Treatment Landscape
- Chennai has over 20 super-specialty hospitals offering advanced heart care.
- Procedures like angioplasty cost ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs in private hospitals, and bypass surgeries cost ₹2–4 lakhs.
- With CMCHIS, these procedures are provided free of cost for eligible families earning below ₹1.2 lakhs per year.
CMCHIS-Approved Cardiology Hospitals in Chennai
Here are some major hospitals where you can access cashless/free cardiology care under CMCHIS:
| Hospital Name | Locality | Specialty |
| Apollo Hospitals | Greams Road | Cardiology & Bypass Surgery |
| Apollo Children’s Hospital | Thousand Lights | Pediatric Cardiology |
| Fortis Malar Hospital | Adyar | Interventional Cardiology |
| MGM Healthcare | Aminjikarai | Heart Transplant, Cardiac Surgery |
| Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC) | Porur | Cardiology & Advanced Heart Surgeries |
| Government General Hospital (Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Hospital) | Park Town | Govt. Cardiology Unit |
| Stanley Government Hospital | Royapuram | Govt. Heart Care |
| Madras Medical Mission (MMM) | Mogappair | Cardiac Surgery, Heart Transplant |
| Kauvery Hospital | Alwarpet | Interventional Cardiology |
| Frontier Lifeline Hospital (Dr. Cherian Heart Foundation) | Mogappair | Open-Heart Surgeries |
| Rajiv Gandhi Women and Children Hospital (linked with JIPMER) | Puducherry (for TN patients) | Pediatric Cardiology |
How CMCHIS Helps Chennai Families
- Covers both government & private hospitals
- Free coverage for costly procedures like bypass, valve replacement, stents, and even pediatric heart surgeries
- Covers investigations: ECG, Echo, TMT, Angiography
- Helpline desks at each hospital to guide patients through the process
Read ENT Hospitals in Chennai under CMCHIS – Free ENT Treatment
Final Thoughts
Chennai has some of India’s most advanced cardiology hospitals, but without insurance, treatment costs can be unaffordable for middle- and low-income families. CMCHIS ensures that every eligible family has access to free health insurance for heart disease, covering even the most expensive cardiac surgeries.
If you or your loved ones face heart-related symptoms, do not delay, timely treatment saves lives. Chennai’s CMCHIS network ensures that quality care and affordability go hand in hand.
FAQs on Heart Treatment under CMCHIS in Chennai
1. Which government hospital in Chennai is best for heart surgery?
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Stanley Government Hospital are top choices.
2. Does CMCHIS cover angioplasty and stents?
Yes, angioplasty with stent implantation is fully covered.
3. Are private hospitals like Apollo and Fortis included?
Yes, both Apollo Hospitals (Greams Road) and Fortis Malar (Adyar) are CMCHIS-approved.
4. Can children get free congenital heart surgery?
Yes, pediatric cardiac surgeries are covered at Apollo Children’s, MMM, and SRMC under CMCHIS.
5. What documents are required?
CMCHIS smart card / Aadhaar-linked health card, income certificate, and medical referral slip.
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