RAK Hospital sets up two complimentary intensive heart screening camps leading to the World Heart Day

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, September 1, 2016:  Responding to the constant rise in cardiac cases in the UAE, RAK Hospital, UAE’s premier institution for cardiac care, has set up two free heart screening camps in Ras Al Khaimah. The RAK Ghalilah Medical Centre and Al Hamra Medical Centre will offer complimentary screening of blood pressure, random blood sugar, BMI and ECG, followed by consultation with a leading cardiologist at RAK Hospital. The Healthy Heart Screening Camp will be open to public on Saturdays and Sundays until September 25, 2016, barring Eid holiday weekend. 

“With the World Heart Day, just around the corner, we felt this was high time that people focus on their cardiac health,” said Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director of RAK Hospital, “Our main aim of the exercise is to draw the public’s attention towards other diseases such as obesity, diabetes, stress and blood pressure that are precursors of heart diseases, and nipping these in the bud will actually save hundreds of lives.”

“We are running an intensive drive focusing on educating public on the different aspects of cardiac-related issues. For example, as part of this campaign which runs until September end, we are also offering a zero-profit intensive heart screening package for just AED 399, which would ordinarily cost AED 2750. We hope to reach out to as many people as possible with the belief that every little contribution counts towards creating a healthier population,” added Dr Raza Siddiqui. 

Recent studies in the UAE have unearthed alarming facts related to cardiac health of the country’s residents. As per this year’s news reports, heart disease stands as the second biggest cause of death among women after cancer. Moreover, due to rise in obesity – almost one-third of the UAE school-going population is overweight – doctors are seeing increasing number of young people suffering from heart-related diseases. Around one-fourth of the deaths are caused by heart attack, adds reports. 

Dr Mukesh Nathani, Senior Specialist and Head of Cardiology Department, RAK Hospital, said: “A fast-paced lifestyle, lack of physical activity, smoking, and constant exposure to stress are few of the biggest reasons behind the increase in the rate of heart disease. To top it all, we have not realised the importance of regular screening that can actually be a forewarning and help put us on the right track of a healthier lifestyle. While such camps are useful for one and all, they are particularly significant for people suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Regular screening is all the more important after the age of 40 in people who have these risk factors”. 

Visitors can make prior appointment from 9am to 9pm and 9am to 5pm at Al Ghalilah and Al Hamra Medical Centres respectively. For further convenience they are advised to carry their previous prescriptions and medical records.