The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

In order to create a support system for cardiac patients and help them manage their condition better, RAK Hospital has launched a free “Healthy Heart Wellness Programme” for the UAE residents at the hospital premises.

The programme aims to educate and counsel patients recovering from heart attacks, angioplasty, stenting and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), while introducing them to physical activity that can help them prevent recurrent cardiac issues. This is a comprehensive programme where the patient will be counselled by dieticians, nutritionists, doctors and therapists for the best possible outcome.

The personalised programme guides patients in understanding their heart condition and physiology, educating them on exercises that are best suited for their condition, heart healthy nutrition, medication, stress management, weight loss, smoking cessation, cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes management. Moreover, it helps the patients learn how to exercise safely, improve stamina and strengthen muscles. Each patient’s exercise programme is based on his/her abilities, needs and interest.

In the UAE, nearly 30 per cent of the population suffers from heart diseases, counted as one of the biggest causes of death.

As per American Heart Association, around one in five people who have suffered a heart attack will have a recurrent attack within the next five years. Another research indicates that cardiac wellness and recovery programmes can reduce chances of a repeat heart attack by 47 per cent, whereas 42 per cent of the patients are less likely to die within an average of eight years. Studies have also endorsed that such programmes reduce the chance of death by heart attack or bypass surgery by 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

“Any cardiac event is a life changing experience in the life of an individual, not to mention traumatic,” said Dr Mukesh Nathani, Medical Director and Head of Department of Cardiac Sciences at RAK Hospital, “Often, cardiac patients are at a loss on how to deal with it, particularly when it comes to changing dietary habits, starting exercise programmes and managing risk factors. They either tackle them with far too much enthusiasm, breaking the momentum mid-way, or lapsing into their previous lifestyle without even trying. One of the biggest challenges many of them face is how to quit smoking.’