Dr. Alia Al Ruwaili, Senior Consultant Family Medicine and Lead Physician at PHCC’s Al Wajbah Health Center, stated that the celebration of World Heart Day aims to raise public awareness to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases. It also allows community members to make positive changes in their lives, helping them maintain their health and vitality.

Engaging in regular physical activity, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, undergoing regular check-ups, and avoiding constant stress and anxiety are all factors that contribute to heart health. Everyone is advised to undergo periodic screenings to measure blood sugar and cholesterol levels, monitor blood pressure, and avoid obesity and weight gain to maintain cardiovascular health.

Maintaining heart health and following preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular diseases are crucial for lowering mortality rates, as heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2000, the number of deaths due to heart diseases reached 2 million, rising to 8.9 million by 2019.

Dr. Al Ruwaili further added that PHCC, as the leading provider of primary care in Qatar, makes significant efforts to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and prevention. This is achieved through the provision of a comprehensive range of health services, including but not limited to the Integrated Community Cardiology Service (ICCS), Wellness Centers, Healthy Lifestyle Clinics, Health Educators, and Nutritionists, as well as the Annual Health Check-up Service.

The ICCS, provided in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, contributes to the early detection and timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. It also manages patients with signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, ultimately improving their quality of life, reducing future complications, and enhancing self-management for those with conditions that can be managed in primary care. This contributes to providing more convenient care closer to patients’ homes.