• 9/28/2021

    Qatar, 28 September 2021: Under the global theme, "Use Heart toBeat," the Heart Hospital (HH) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) observes World Heart Day by educating the public on recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and providing advice on how to prevent or reduce the risk of this disease. Also, providing them with tips on how to improve their heart health by doing regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

    Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, they are accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable diseases’ deaths, making CVDs the world's number one killer. Statistics recently released by World Health Organization show that an estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85percent were due to heart attack and stroke.

     "WHD is an excellent opportunity for us as healthcare professionals to encourage the public to take preventative steps and make lifestyle changes to avoid any cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and any other condition related to the same. Cardiovascular disease adversely affects the lives of many people worldwide. Over the years, Qatar's public health sector has made significant progress to improve care for people with heart conditions. Still, we aim to do even more, said Senior Consultant Cardiologist at the Heart Hospital Dr. Omar Altamimi. 

     He further added: "By taking all necessary precautions and protective measures to combat COVID-19 successfully, the Heart Hospital's medical teams continued to provide treatment to various patients, including emergency therapeutic catheterization to treat heart attacks during the difficult time of the pandemic. We urge people to be more attentive to their heart health as most CVDs can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors such as partaking in physical exercises, stopping smoking, quitting alcohol, and eating a healthy diet. Also, have their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked frequently.

    In addition to HMC's practical awareness efforts to increase public understanding to reduce the risk of this disease, Dr. Altamimi emphasized the importance of the most up-to-date techniques used for patients with CVD at HMC. He pointed out that the Heart Hospital has been using the therapeutic coronary angiographic method to treat emergency acute heart attacks around the clock to remove clots and reopen blocked coronary arteries using stents implantation for many years. In 2020, the HH treated more than 1000 severe and acute cases through this innovative and modern technique.

    "With state-of-the-art equipment supported by the Ambulance Service, Emergency Departments, and many other facilities across the organization, our highly professional, specially trained teams of healthcare professionals are committed to looking after patients who require specialist cardiac care and providing them with the safest, most effective, and compassionate care", Dr. Altamimi concluded.

    Celebrated on 29 September every year, World Heart Day is the most significant global awareness-raising platform for cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, to help people live longer and healthier.

    For more information about Heart Hospital, please visit the HMC website @ https://bit.ly/3g6E5F7

    and to learn more about heart conditions, please click the link https://bit.ly/3yPCWt5