Doha: Heart Hospital’s Heart Failure Clinic received over 1,700 patients with heart failure during 2017, accounting for close to 9,000 visits to the hospital over the span of a year.
“Since its official opening in 2015, the Heart Failure Clinic has received patients of many different nationalities through referrals from health centers, other departments within HMC hospitals, and from private sector hospitals and clinics. Most of the patients we see at our clinic are over the age of 70. In fact, patients below the age of 60 years make up only 20 to 25 percent of the total number of patients that we treat,” Consultant Cardiologist at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Heart Hospital and Head of the Heart Failure Clinic, Dr Amr Badr said.
In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of patients seeking medical attention for heart failure, Dr Badr added.
“The Heart Failure Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including an electrocardiograph, radiography, and ultrasound equipment, as well as cardiac assessment and re-evaluation devices.
“Apart from providing state-of-the-art services and quality equipment, we counsel patients on how to take their medication and educate them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” Dr Bader noted.
He added that in recent years, Heart Hospital and specifically the Heart Failure Clinic, has introduced a number of new services and programs to improve the quality of care provided to patients. Heart failure in its early stages can often be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
However, as the disease progresses, the heart becomes weaker, and treatment becomes more complex.
One program introduced by the Heart Failure Clinic that is providing care to patients with congestive heart failure is the short stay service.
This service provides targeted care for patients who require brief hospitalisation but do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic heart disease that affects the heart muscle.
It hinders the heart’s ability to pump sufficient amount of blood to meet the body’s needs.
Common signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and tiredness, and feet and leg swelling.
Coronary heart disease, which is the result of coronary artery disease, is a common form of heart failure.
It can lead to a heart attack or stroke, especially if the patient has diabetes and is a smoker,” Dr Bader said. Dr Badr stressed the importance of early diagnosis of heart disease as a strategy to prevent complications.
“We encourage our patients to be their own health advocate and to make lifestyle choices that will protect their health.
“Eating well, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting a sufficient amount of sleep are all important elements of maintaining good health.
“Small actions like limiting one’s consumption of salt, walking to strengthen the heart muscle, not smoking, and trying to limit exposure to stress and anxiety can all go a long way towards protecting one’s health,” Dr Badr said.
Chairman of Cardiology at Heart Hospital, Dr Nidal Ahmad Asaad added that patients should speak with their physician if they suspect they have a heart condition.
Dr Asaad added that anyone experiencing signs of a heart attack should seek immediate medical attention.
“Patients who experience heart failure may require treatment for cardiac arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heart rhythm). Today we have many heart-assistive technology tools at our disposal. Each year, we provide implantable cardiac devices to between 150 and 180 patients,” said Dr Asaad.
Dr Asaad added that Heart Hospital is committed to continuing to improve and provide new services and treatment options to patients with heart disease.
“We have introduced a system of remotely monitoring patient implants while they are in their home.
“This allows us to detect any defect in their device and take immediate action,” Dr. Asaad said.
