Health Authorities advocate early screening for prevention of cardiovascular disease

Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Cardiac Society and World Heart Federation discussed the importance of regular health screening to protect against cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally,[i]claiming more lives than all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined[ii]. Over 30 million heart attacks and strokes occur every year[iii].

Of those who experience a heart attack or stroke, one in three will live to suffer another episode.

World-renowned experts discussed ways to prevent the further escalation of heart diseases at the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health, which recently took place  at the Dubai World Trade Center. 

Dr Fahd Baslaib,Interventional Cardiologist and CEO of Rashid Hospital said, “The difference between our region and other places in the world in terms of heart disease is that we have a high incidence of diabetes and in the Middle East region. The average age of heart attacks is 50 to 55 years as opposed to 65 years in western countries. This is a significant difference and advocates the need for urgent lifestyle modification.”

Dr Baslaib added that ahigh incidence of diabetes coupled with other lifestyle related diseases is the main reason for the high prevalence of CVD’s. “We need to educate our community to regularly screen themselves so that they can prevent heart diseases. There is a close link between hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use and heart attacks.”

To raise awareness aboutHigh LDL-C (also known as ‘bad cholesterol’) which is one of the key modifiable risk factors for CVD, free cholesterol screenings took place on the 6thof December at the Dubai Fountain area. More than 1500 people benefitted from the free screening. 

Campaign partners also displayed a LED video on Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to highlight the importance of early screening for prevention of CVD and the link between high cholesterol and CVD.

The three-minute public awareness video was broadcasted in English and Arabic and hundreds of people witnessed the event from the Dubai Fountain area. 

“As part of Amgen’s long-term commitment to advancing cardiovascular health, we are raising awareness against the misperception that high cholesterol is a relatively normal and harmless part of ageing,” said Mohammed Nasser, General Manager, Amgen GCC. “The awareness drive encourages high-risk patients, such as those who have already suffered from heart attack or stroke, to speak with their doctor to help reduce their LDL-C. We know the prevalence of heart attack and stroke is projected to rise. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of LDL-C levels helps us identify patients who may need additional treatments to lower their high cholesterol.” 

Professor Abdullah Shehab, Consultant cardiologist, Professor of Medicine and President of Emirates Cardiac Society, said, “This campaign offers education for patients and caregivers, particularly those who have already had a cardiovascular episode and live in fear of having another. The campaign aims to encourage a heart-healthy diet, exercise and therapies, especially for those patients who remain at a risk of cardiovascular disease due to high levels of cholesterol.”

“The World Heart Federation is pleased to support this public awareness initiative in conjunction with the World Congress of Cardiology ad Cardiovascular Health 2018, which recently took place in Dubai and brings together cardiologists to discuss experiences, challenges and solutions to lowering risks of heart disease and ultimately saving lives. The public awareness initiative will empower more patients to play a more active role and reduce the risk of another life-altering heart attack or stroke,” said Professor David Wood, Garfield Weston Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, President of World Heart Federation.

Dr Baslaib added, “ A significant number of heart attacks can be prevented by managing and reducing modifiable risk factors. Some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be modified, while other risk factors, like high blood pressure, can be modified with treatment.  The more risk factors a person has, the greater the likelihood of developing CVD, unless action is taken to modify the risk factors.”

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About Dubai Health Authority
 

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. 

Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services, which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

In May 2018, HH Sheikh Mohammed, issued Law No. (6) Of 2018 of the DHA. The new Law further enables the DHA to achieve its objectives including regulating medical services in Dubai, enhancing competiveness and transparency, improving medical services and products based on international best practices and achieving the sector’s objectives according to approved strategic plans.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. 17 of 2018 establishing subsidiaries of the DHA: the Dubai Healthcare Corporation and Dubai Health Insurance Corporationto further enhance healthcare services in Dubai and enable DHA to fulfil its responsibilities and obligations.

Three new strategic sectors were also added as part of the decree; they include Strategy and Corporate Development, Health Regulation, and Shared Support Services. 

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta Hospitals, its 12 primary healthcare centres, 17 medical fitness centres and its 6 specialty centres.