Choosing Excellence: Why Korean Heart Treatment is Recognized Worldwide

When it comes to advanced, life-saving cardiac procedures, South Korea has firmly established itself as a global pioneer. From dramatically low mortality rates for conditions like ischemic heart disease to world-leading success in complex transplants and pediatric surgeries, the data clearly supports this reputation.

If you are exploring the best options for cardiac care and heart surgery, here are 11 key reasons why South Korea is a premier destination for patients seeking advanced Korean Heart Treatment.

1. World-Class Outcomes for Ischemic Heart Disease

South Korea boasts an extremely low mortality rate for ischemic heart disease: 35 people per 100,000 population, which is significantly lower than the OECD average (115 people).

This success is attributed to several key developments:

• The introduction of Coronary Care Units (CCU).

• Advancements in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

• The use of state-of-the-art medical equipment and coronary stents.

The mortality rate has decreased by an average of 24% every year since 1990, thanks to these revolutionary treatment developments.

2. No.1 Heart Transplant Success Rate Globally

When considering a heart transplant, survival rates are paramount. South Korea reports figures higher than those of any other country in the world:

• Short-term survival rate of cardiac surgery: 96.2%.

• Four-year survival rate: 84%.

Korea achieved its first successful heart transplant in 1992 and performed the first successful heart transplant for an infant in 1997 with a 0% early recorded mortality rate.

• Note: The total number of heart transplants in Korea reached 245 cases in 2023. (Source: KODA)

3. Minimal Hospitalization (1–2 days) for PCI

Patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) benefit from minimal hospital stays in Korea:

• Minimal Hospitalization: Typically 1 to 2 days.

• In-hospital mortality (post-PCI): All-cause mortality is just 2.4% (1.8% for cardiac cause).

For patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), the mortality rate at 12 months after discharge is an impressive 0.4%.

4. Reduced Mortality in Congenital Heart Defects

Korean expertise is saving the youngest lives, reducing the mortality rate for patients with congenital heart defects to as low as 1.1% through surgical and interventional treatment.

• Open Heart Surgery for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: Despite the challenge, Korean heart surgeons have achieved numerous successes performing open heart surgery on premature babies weighing under 1,200g.

5. Excellence in TAVI and Valve Surgery

In the field of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), Korea is an Asian leader, actively performing procedures in about 20 institutions.

• TAVI Outcomes: One year post-procedure, the cardiac death rate was only 3.3%, and the disabling stroke rate was 2.5%—results considered world-class.

• Valve Surgery: Korean medical institutions perform over 4,000 valve surgery cases annually with an excellent mortality rate ranging from 2.5% to 3.7%.

6. World-Leading Coronary Artery Bypass Technologies

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in Korea features a relatively high level of Off-Pump CABG (OPCAB), which is performed without stopping the heart.

• The mortality rate for this procedure is impressively low, ranging from 2.6% to 3.9%.

7. Fast, Timely, and Coordinated Emergency Care

The Korean government has established and operates 11 Designated Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Disease Centers across the country (24-hour operation) to ensure timely, professional treatment.

• Speed of Care: 95% of patients receive primary coronary angiography within 90 minutes of arriving at the emergency room—a critical factor for improving heart attack outcomes.

8. Pioneering Complex Cardiovascular Interventions

Korean cardiovascular intervention skills set a global standard, attracting foreign physicians for training annually.

• Pioneer of Left Main Coronary Artery Procedure: Korean interventional cardiologists pioneered the stent procedure for the left main coronary artery, significantly contributing to the latest global guideline changes.

• Advanced Techniques: Technologies to treat previously difficult conditions like left main vessel diseases or chronic total occlusion (CTO) are setting global standards.

9. High Performance Rate of Radial Artery Approach

Intervention procedures often use the radial artery (wrist) approach, which can reduce complications and allow patients to move sooner, improving satisfaction.

• Adoption Rate: While only about 30% of cases in the U.S. use the radial artery, 60% of cases in Korea utilize this approach, demonstrating its leading interventional technology.

10. Global Leadership in Cardiovascular Physiology

Korea leads the world in procedural skills by actively using technology to evaluate cardiovascular physiology. This strategy ensures stents are inserted only where significant ischemia (blood flow restriction) is objectively confirmed, greatly influencing global guidelines.

11. Strict Intervention Certificate System

Quality control is maintained through a rigorous system led by the Korean Society of Interventional Cardiology (KSIC). Approximately 90 institutions and 400 interventional cardiologists in Korea are currently certified by KSIC for their practices.

Key Takeaway: The combination of cutting-edge technology, exceptionally low mortality rates, minimal hospitalization periods, and a dedication to pioneering complex procedures ensures that South Korea is the undisputed global leader for advanced heart treatment.

Ready to Explore Your Treatment Options in Korea?

Contact us today to connect with certified Korean cardiac care specialists and learn more about your seamless medical travel experience.

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