Cardiology Department and Academic Affairs in King Abdul Aziz Hospital – Al Ahsa held the Annual Cardiology Update Symposium for the fourth year which attracted a large number of doctors, nurses and technicians from different disciplines over two days, the symposium included topics on the latest studies in the field of cardiology medicine and surgery.
The Regional Executive Director of National Guard Health Affairs - Eastern Region Dr. Ahmed Al Arfaj said that "this symposium is being held for the fourth year, and we felt the interest by the participants since the first year who requested conducting such event on a regular bases as it helps in achieving good results, as it adds new experiences in the field of cardiology which all departments and divisions deal with.
He explained that "the symposium attracts international and local speakers, distributing their high experiences to participants in scientific complex ways" adding, "This event is a part of continuous series of programs and events that we are keen to conduct because of its positive impact on developing and upgrading the work environment which ultimately reflects on the quality of service provided to our patients."
For his part, the Head of the Cardiology Department and head of the organizing committee Dr. Anwar Jelani said that the papers presented in this symposium contain a rich amount of information, including updates on heart diseases in adults and methods diagnosing, treating and preventing such heart diseases “, he also added: " another paper talked about ways to diagnosis congenital heart diseases in adults as well as ways in treating and diagnosing infective endocarditis which is an infection of the heart valves."
Dr. Anwar Jelani also added "the symposium also discussed many topics such as heart diseases that lead to Ischemic Strokes (Clots) and the ways to diagnose and treat them, cardiovascular diseases prevention methods and the latest international recommendations in this regard and methods of selecting suitable patients for the minimally invasive aortic valve replacement the through a side catheter without surgical intervention."
Furthermore, the symposium included a number of hands-on workshops that covered many topics according to Dr. Jelani "ways of dealing with patients with Atrial fibrillation, ways to deal with heart disease in diabetics or patients who suffer from high lipids, in addition to a workshop for medical students and nursing on the principles of ECG."
Finally, it is worth mentioning that Dr. Jelani noted that "the symposium highlighted the media lack of interest on heart disease and its causes," adding, " National Guard Health Affairs is keen on spreading awareness through three axes: individuals, family and social awareness and we achieved good results, we have reached schools and shopping malls through regular campaigns to promote a culture of take care of your health and heart.”
The symposium was accredited with 10 CME hours by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS).