Dr Amr Badr, consultant cardiologist at Heart Hospital and head of the Heart Failure Clinic, said in recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of patients seeking medical attention for heart failure.
“Since its official opening in 2015, the Heart Failure Clinic has received patients of many different nationalities through referrals from health centres, 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 make up only 20 to 25% of the total number of patients that we treat,” said Dr Badr.
According to Dr. Badr, 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,” he noted.
He added that in recent years, Heart Hospital and specifically the Heart Failure Clinic, has introduced a number of new services and programmes to improve the quality of care for 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 programme 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 a 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,” he explained.
Dr Badr also stressed the importance of early diagnosis of heart disease as a strategy to prevent complications.
Dr Nidal Ahmad Asaad, chairman of cardiology at Heart Hospital, added that patients should speak with their physician if they suspect they have a heart condition. He added that anyone experiencing signs of a heart attack should seek immediate medical attention.
“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,” said Dr Asaad.
Dr Amr Badr, consultant cardiologist
Heart Failure Clinic at Heart Hospital, part of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), received over 1,700 patients with heart failure in 2017, accounting for close to 9,000 visits to the hospital over the span of a year.
