The critical role of early detection and healthier lifestyles in reducing the burden of heart disease was highlighted yesterday as leading specialists gathered in Bahrain for a major medical conference.
Organised by BDA Conferences and Exhibitions in co-operation with the Royal Medical Services, the two-day Cardiovascular Diseases Conference brought together heart health experts from across the kingdom and abroad at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, Manama.
Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant-General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, and Government Hospitals chief executive officer Dr Mariam Al Jalahma attended.
Speaking during a session titled ‘Lower, Earlier, Longer: The New Approach to LDL-C Reduction’, consultant cardiologist Dr Subhi Akleh stressed the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), particularly in patients with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as ‘bad cholesterol’.
“There are different approaches to primary prevention based on a patient’s LDL-related cardiovascular risk,” said Dr Akleh.
“Low risk is between zero per cent and 3pc, borderline risk is between 3pc and 5pc, intermediate risk is between 5pc to 10pc and high risk is above 10pc.
“Depending on the level of risk, doctors may recommend lifestyle modifications, discuss treatment options, assess additional risk factors or prescribe medication.
“For patients in the borderline and intermediate categories, it is crucial to evaluate risk enhancers. This includes the patient’s age, ancestry, and underlying diseases.
“The earlier we identify the risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, the greater the chance to prevent it and improve long-term outcomes.”
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) occurs when fatty plaque, largely made up of cholesterol, builds up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow and stiffen. Over time, the plaque restricts blood flow to the heart, brain and limbs. In some cases, fragments can break away and form clots, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise.
Dr Akleh outlined eight key pillars for measuring and improving cardiovascular health, with a strong focus on prevention.
“It starts with a heart-healthy dietary pattern, such as adopting a Mediterranean diet,” he said.
“Also important is around 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or roughly 30 minutes a day, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
“Keeping fasting blood sugar and average blood glucose levels within the normal range is equally important, and regular testing is recommended.
“People should aim for an optimal body mass index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 24.9 and get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
“Avoiding smoking, vaping and all other nicotine products, while minimising exposure to second-hand smoke, is also crucial.
“Finally, blood pressure should be maintained below 120/80 mmHg, and LDL cholesterol levels should be monitored regularly.”
The conference is bringing together physicians, consultants, and specialists in cardiovascular medicine from Bahrain and several other countries. It is being held as part of efforts to support the continued development of the healthcare sector in the kingdom, promote medical education, and keep pace with the latest developments in cardiovascular medicine. It also provides a scientific platform for specialists to exchange expertise and discuss key challenges and clinical cases encountered by healthcare professionals across different levels of care.
During the opening ceremony, Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre (MKCC) CEO Major-General Dr Fuad Abdulkader said that the conference reflects Bahrain’s commitment to medical education and knowledge exchange.
“The first edition focuses on practical, case-based discussions that address real challenges in daily clinical practice,” said Maj-Gen Dr Abdulkader.
“It aims to support clearer clinical decision making, strengthen collaboration, and improve the quality of healthcare to patients.
“We hope this marks the beginning of a distinguished and sustainable scientific journey, and that it continues to serve as a platform for learning, collaboration, and advancement in cardiovascular care.”
Meanwhile, conference president Dr Husam Noor said the event was conceived after healthcare professionals recognised the need for a broader approach to patient care.
“We wanted to go beyond cardiology guidelines and the latest studies to focus on everyday clinical practice and practical decision making,” said Dr Noor.
“Healthcare begins long before patients reach cath labs or cardiology clinics. It starts across a wide range of medical specialties.
“That is why our theme is Practical Decision Making across Medical Specialties.
“The spirit of inquiry and learning guides us, helping us build on existing knowledge, challenge assumptions and seek better outcomes for our patients.
“Over the next two days, let us share our knowledge, experience and different perspectives, bringing Bahrain’s healthcare institutions closer together.”
The conference’s inaugural session, ECG Made Simple: Patterns Every Physician Must Recognise, was presented by professor of medicine and cardiology Dr Taysir Garadah.
Other pivotal lectures included Seeing the Heart Clearly: A Guide to Modern Cardiac Investigations by Dr Fajer Almoosa, Pulmonary Embolism: The Great Masquerader by Dr Fawaz Bardooli and Cardiac Medications in Pregnancy by Dr Wafa Alhayki.
Today’s sessions start with a lecture on Atrial fibrillation Simplified: A Guide for Busy Physicians by Dr Ahmed Sallam at 8.35am.
Other lectures include Interpreting Cardiac Biomarkers by Dr Mahmoud Saraya, Pre-Operative Cardiac Evaluation by Dr Tajammul Hussain and Aortic Aneurysm by Dr Martin Maresch from Slovakia.
Three symposiums will be held from 9am to noon – Role of Dual SGLT 1 and 2 in Heart Failure Management, The New Generation of hs-cTnT Gen 6 and finally Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Management for Better Outcomes.
Each session will last approximately one hour.
For more information, visit @royal.medical.services or @bdacenter on social media.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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