| Experts
emphasise prevention and early detection of Coronary Artery Disease
“Early detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is now
possible, thanks to advancements in technology.” This was stated by Dr
Sajid Dhakam, Consultant Cardiologist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH),
speaking at a seminar on heart disease held recently in Quetta. In his presentation
on the topic ‘Heart Attack- Prevention and Management’, Dr Dhakam
described signs and symptoms of angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack)
and reported that emphasis is now increasingly on prevention and early detection.
Dr Dhakam explained that CAD is caused by atherosclerosis, which
narrows and blocks the vessels supplying blood to the heart muscles, which results
in angina and myocardial infarction. He also said that modern invasive techniques
such as balloon dilatation of narrow arteries (Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
or PTCA), and ‘stenting’, offer good results in selected patients.
Dr Dhakam outlined preventive measures required to reduce the
rate of mortality. According to the World Heath Organization, cardiovascular
diseases are responsible for one quarter of total deaths worldwide. He noted
that the mortality rate due to CAD has declined in some industrialised countries
but unfortunately continues to rise in many developing countries. Listing cigarette
smoking and a sedentary lifestyle as main risk factors for CAD-related premature
death, he further explained that to prevent CAD it is necessary to exercise
regularly, avoid smoking, and avoid a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.
Dr Shahid Sami, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at AKUH in his presentation
on ‘Surgical Management of Heart Attack’, explained surgical treatment
options for patients with restricted blood supply to the heart muscles. Dr Sami
also highlighted the safety of bypass surgery and advancements in technique.
He concluded with an explanation of the various types of heart diseases which
are amenable to surgical treatment.
As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment to
create awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised
over 200 ‘Signs, Symptoms and Care’ programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad,
Quetta and the UAE, benefiting more than 40,000 people. Similarly, Aga Khan
University Hospital’s Patient Welfare Programme offers financial assistance
to those patients who are unable to afford the medical cost of treatment. In
2005, 74 per cent of all patients treated at AKUH were from low- to-middle-income
groups. Since the inception of this welfare programme in 1986, over Rs 1.4 billion
has been disbursed to more than 250,000 needy patients.
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