Cardiologist calls for urgent action to arrest heart attacks
Cardiologist warns number of cases rising in the UAE due to unhealthy lifestyle
Dubai A top heart surgeon Wednesday warned that more people could die of heart attacks because of the growing risk factors in UAE society and called for urgent action.
"We must act now and there is a need for governments, civil society and the private sector to work together to ensure advocacy and raise awareness levels," said Dr Fahd Baslaib, President of the Emirates Cardiac Society.
He was speaking at the opening of the World Congress of Cardiology in Dubai, the first time this prestigious scientific event is being held in the region. More than 10,000 medical and health care professionals are attending this event that runs until Saturday.
The surgeon said that though 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are preventable, yet it is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the UAE.
"One in every four deaths in the UAE is caused by CVD. These alarming figures are likely to increase due to the high prevalence of risk factors in our society as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and sedentary life-styles."
Earlier, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and Group, inaugurated the Congress .
Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said a congress of this scale helps create much-needed awareness among all sections of society. "It is a platform to discuss the latest technology and procedures in treating CVDs," he said. The DHA chief said various forms of advocacy that governments can take up to control the number of people developing CVDs, will be initiated.
Professor Sidney C. Smith Jr, President of the World Heart Federation said this epidemic of heart disease need not happen as all it needs is a simple change in lifestyle. "We are here to make a difference [in people's lives]," he said. But he noted that it was not an easy task and that change is not going to happen with just a meeting in Dubai. We have to look beyond, into the future," he said.
The congress brings an impressive number of top professionals in the field of heart health and is expected to put Dubai on the international map of health care. It is organised by the World Heart Federation and co-hosted by the DHA, the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Emirates Medical Association.
Fast facts: Cause for concern
- One in every four deaths in UAE caused by heart disease.
- Major risk factors include smoking, diabetes and hypertension.
- 80 per cent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.
- Coronary artery disease causes roughly 1.2 million heart attacks each year worldwide.
Ways to reduce risk of cardiac ailments
- Control stress, learn relaxation techniques.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Control high blood pressure, cut down on salt.
— M.S.
