By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Heart diseases professor at Kuwait University Dr Mohammad Zubaid, who is also a member of the Kuwait Heart Foundation’s board of directors, provided insights into an ongoing study conducted by the heart foundation. Dr Zubaid mentioned that the study, set to conclude in two months, commenced in May. Its primary goal is to monitor and follow up on heart attack cases admitted to Kuwait hospitals, focusing on treatment and patient care.

This extensive study encompasses 4,000 patients of both genders, with a special emphasis on 1,000 women who have heart disease. Dr Zubaid elaborated on the sidelines of the "Because You Are Different" awareness campaign, a collaboration between Kuwait Heart Foundation and health experts, that this campaign seeks to raise awareness about non-classical symptoms of heart attacks that affect women and bridge the existing knowledge gap concerning women's heart health. Dr Zubaid emphasized that the study's outcomes would provide crucial information regarding age groups, associated risks and types of diseases affecting women.

These findings would be instrumental in guiding healthcare strategies. He expressed his gratitude to all participants involved in this important endeavor. Endocrinologist and diabetes consultant Dr Waleed Al-Dhahi, who also serves as the Head of Kuwait Diabetes Society, underscored the global prevalence of heart diseases. While men are generally more susceptible to heart diseases, women who suffer from obesity and smoke face a higher risk than their male counterparts.

Dr Dhahi highlighted diabetes as a primary contributor to heart disease in the region, emphasizing that individuals with diabetes are four times more likely to develop heart disease than those without this condition. Dr Hanan Al-Fadhalah, director of the professional diploma program in general medical practice and the head of the general practitioner program committee at the health ministry, shed light on the committee's mission.

Their primary objectives include the professional development of primary healthcare doctors. This encompasses training newly appointed doctors and providing ongoing support for 12 months to ensure their readiness to serve at primary healthcare centers. Additionally, they organize lectures and workshops, covering various topics to facilitate professional development and keep doctors informed about the latest advancements in primary care.

Head of the internal medicine team at Ahmadi Hospital Dr Rashed Al-Hamdan, who is also a member of the Kuwait Heart Foundation, drew attention to the unique challenges faced by women concerning heart and blood vessel diseases. These diseases are particularly worrisome due to the lack of awareness regarding symptoms that differ from those experienced by men. Dr Hamdan pointed out that women in the Middle East are more susceptible to heart diseases due to high obesity rates, with 30 percent affected, in contrast to 16 percent among men.