Abu Dhabi-based Al Rahba Hospital, in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, has inaugurated a dedicated cardiology clinic.

A multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, technicians, dietitians, physiotherapists and cardiologists provides comprehensive patient care at the new clinic, which is situated at the ground floor of the outpatient clinic, where access to other departments, including an ICU unit, radiology and laboratory is also available, a statement said.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Experts estimate that by 2015, almost 20 million people will die annually from heart attack, strokes and other cardiovascular ailments.

Another study said that in the UAE, more than 25 per cent of deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease.

“Detecting cardiac changes early in a patient’s life can prevent complications later. Following this strategy, we have equipped the clinic with all the necessary tools to assess patients at risk and identify best treatments,” said Dr Margit Oremek, consultant cardiologist at Al Rahba Hospital.

“Our aim is to offer the highest standard of holistic care before serious problems develop. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. and patients are advised to make appointments.”

Research conducted by the WHO indicates that residents of the UAE are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to a lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits.

According to the organization’s findings, even children aged between 13 and 15, usually the most active and healthy group, are at risk – with 78 per cent getting less than the recommended amount of daily exercise. – TradeArabia News Service