As one of the first private hospitals in the Emirate of Sharjah to offer high-risk and end-to-end cardiac treatments, Zulekha Hospital continues to combat the nationwide threat of heart disease through its innovative life changing cardiac solutions.
This week, at its Cardiac Center of Excellence, Dr. Anil Bansal, the hospital’s renowned Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, successfully performed a life changing stenting procedure 14 years after a patients bypass surgery.
The majority of cardiac arrests are a result of blockages arising due to cholesterol deposition in the arteries. However, patients who have also undergone a bypass are even more susceptible to this reoccurring. Sixty eight year old Mr. Hashim this week successfully underwent a Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) 14 years after his Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) in 2003.
The patient had a known history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia accompanying the coronary artery disease. The examination revealed the right bundle branch block with ST-T changes.
“Grafts are naturally prone to blockages within five to seven years of a CABG surgery and Mr Hashim has cautiously sailed through 14 years. There were three grafts that were almost completely blocked and the stenting was carried out to open the arteries,” said Dr. Bansal.
The procedure done in this case, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) may significantly limit the need for repeat CABG years which may have a higher risk of complication.
“To avoid grafts from being repeatedly blocked, one has to manage existing risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure and be open to healthy lifestyle changes which are integral to prevention of cardiac complications. For example refraining from smoking, having a healthy low fat diet and of course increasing physical activity,” he continued.
Speaking of his experience, Mr. Hashim said, “I am feeling much better after the procedure and I’m grateful to the medical team at Zulekha Hospital who have been very supportive through the course of my treatment. I have been able to resume to my normal life and can walk and breathe without any difficulties. I have known Zulekha Hospital since the early 70s when I lived in the same area and witnessed the excellent quality of work being done through the years.”
In line with the UAE Vision 2021, Zulekha Hospital Group is striving to meet a nationwide goal to reduce the number of lifestyle diseases such as CVDs to ensure fuller and healthier lives of its residents. Through its new dedicated Cardiac Center of Excellence the hospital offers innovative, affordable cardiac solutions to combat Cardiovascular Diseases which according to the World Health Organisation is reported to be responsible for 30% of deaths in the UAE.
The group has been consistently offering free health checks and hosting wellness initiatives under their campaign “No More Excuses” for communities in the UAE with an aim to educate the community on early detection and prevention of cardiac diseases. Mandatory insurance coverage has seen insurance providers offer improved packages for those who indulge in healthy practices in comparison to those who do not have exercise or healthy food habits as priorities.