The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi has launched a cholesterol (lipid) disorders clinic as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of heart diseases.
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Rashid Khalani said the clinic which is the first specialized lipid clinic in the country has been started due to the increase in heart disorders caused by the adoption of Western lifestyle that is more characterized in people’s diet and physical inactivity.
“We do not want to wait for you to get heart disease but want to manage the risk factors before they advance to become heart disease. This will ultimately be more convenient and cheaper,” said Khalani.
The CEO was speaking today during the launch held at the Hospital’s grounds, announcing that the hospital was continuously innovating and conducting solution-based research with the patient interests at heart.
The launch of the clinic is an addition to the hospital’s list of heart services portfolio that has contributed to the organization’s recognition as an accredited cardiac care center of excellence in East and Central Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Clinic’s Lead Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Mzee Ngunga appealed to members of the public to go for regular checkups, especially if a first-degree family member who is below 40 years or 50 years for women, has experienced a heart attack.
“Good cholesterol management will reduce incidences of heart attacks caused by blocked heart arteries which has become common among our populations,” said Dr. Ngunga.
He added, “It will also offer patients a longer life expectancy without requiring more complex medications that we normally prescribe for patients who have survived heart attacks.”
Dr. Ngunga also disclosed that once a patient is diagnosed with a lipid disorder, the treatment is usually lifelong.
Dr. Bernard Samia, President of Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), who was the Chief Guest at the launch disclosed that current trends have shown a rising burden of hypertension in the country, with figures ranging between 16 and 21 percent, with urbanization and social demographic differences playing a huge role in these figures.
“The question we have to keep asking ourselves is how do we take care of the risk factors so that our patients get the right diagnosis, and treatment and take care of the complications,” he said.
Dr. Samia said the Lipid disorders data obtained from the clinic and others countrywide will help medical practitioners in the treatment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
While lauding the Hospital for the achievement, he called for collaboration from both the private and public sectors to enhance research and interventions to advance cardiovascular health.
“As KCS, we have had several studies to look at cardiovascular diseases, we have many hospitals that support us in this endeavor and I am happy that with the launch of this clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital will be part of the list,” he stated.
The Lipid Disorders Clinic is run by a multi-disciplinary team of cardiologists, family physicians, nutritionists, specialist nurses, and pathologists ensuring optimal care to the patients.
Patients have access to an assessment of cholesterol to determine the specific lipid abnormality, genetic tests to determine the underlying genetic defect, analysis of the results by an experienced team of cardiologists and family physicians for patient-centered management, appropriate dietary advice, and education on how to maintain cholesterol at acceptable levels.
The launch of this clinic is an addition to the hospital’s list of heart services portfolio that has contributed to the organization’s recognition as an accredited cardiac care center of excellence in East and Central Africa.
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