7th Gulf Heart Association Conference opens in Dubai

The three-day conference is being held at the InterContinental Festival City and is a platform for regional experts to discuss all aspects of Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD) and ways to improve cardiac care.

H.E. Humaid Mohamed Al Qutami, UAE Minister of Health and H.E. Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, attended the opening ceremony. This is the first time the annual conference is being held in Dubai and over 500 physicians from all over the world were present at the conference.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority said, "Conferences such as this one reflect the collaboration between various establishments and healthcare organizations from around the region and the world. This conference is a platform where experts in the field of cardiac care can discuss the latest international research and development in the field of Cardio Vascular Diseases ( CVD)."

His Highness added that the conference provides a good opportunity for experts to share their knowledge and skills and encourages continuous education and training in cardiology.

His Highness said that it is the strategic approach of the government of Dubai to encourage the development of human resources and to support educational programs in healthcare. Conferences such as this one provide a platform for such activities.

His Highness also added that in the past few years, Dubai has witnessed a tremendous development in both diagnostic and therapeutic methods of treating cardio vascular diseases. He said that this reflects the importance of international collaborations in battling diseases.

Dr. Abdul Hay Al-Awadhi, Vice-President of Gulf Heart Association said, "It has always been the endeavor of our organization, from the time it was established in 2002, to actively create patient awareness across the GCC region about prevention and treatment of cardiac diseases. We have also focused on being up-to-date with the latest in cardiac surgeries."

Al-Awadhi said that organizing a central registry for CDV in the GCC has been one of the achievements of the Gulf Heart Association.

He said after this conference, a regular symposium will be held in the region beginning this November.

Dr. Obaid Al Jassim, Director of the Dubai Heart Centre and President of the Conference said, "Cardio Vascular Diseases is considered as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, which affects all age groups and leads to fatality. Given that lifestyle plays an important role in preventing this disease, it is very important that conferences such as these create public awareness about preventative methods and lifestyle modification. In the next three days, we shall discuss the latest developments and technology in preventing and treating cardio vascular diseases."

He also mentioned that the conference will discuss some of the latest medical papers which include topics such as treating congenital heart disease.

On the last day of the conference, a walkathon will be held to promote the concept of lifestyle modification and create awareness about the importance of regular physical activity.

The theme of the walkathon is 'Gulf United against Cardiovascular Disease' and people are welcome to join the walkathon that will take place around the premises of the InterContinental Hotel from 17:00 hrs to 18:30 hrs on April 11, 2009.