Tabuk Cardiovascular Convention addresses health crisis in KSA and MENA countries

Aspiring to build bridges of knowledge and sharing of expertise among cardiologists across 13 MENA countries, and to keep track of advances in the field of cardiology, the 1st Tabuk Pharmaceuticals Cardiovascular Convention(TCC) attracted an elite assembly of over 100 preeminent cardiology experts on various heart related topics of crucial interest to practitioners all over the world.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their deadly impact in Saudi Arabia and the rest of MENA region were the major topics discussed.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) remain the number one cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that by 2030, 25 million people will die from CVDs, with 80% of deaths taking place in low-to middle income countries like those in the MENA region.

In MENA alone, up to 45% of all deaths are attributed to CVDs and the number has been increasing over the past 20 years, leading to a true public health crisis.

Dr. Ghormallah Al-Zahrani, consultant cardiologist and Head of Adult Cardiology at Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Riyadh, highlighted the following during the event: "What we observe is not encouraging, as risk factors that increase cardiovascular diseases incidence such as sedentary life styles, smoking, and diabetes are increasingly widespread in the community and the end result is unfortunately more advanced cardiac disease cases than in the past."

In MENA, diabetes alone, which is often associated with heart disease, will claim the lives of 290,000 people. In Saudi Arabia, one in four citizens has diabetes and often does not even know about it.

Dr Rachid Ezzikhe, MD, Corporate Marketing Officer of Tabuk Pharmaceuticals, commented: "As aleading manufacturer and distributor of heart medicines in the region, we feel that one of our responsibilities is help address the current health crisis, as it represents a heavy burden on our countries. This annual cardiology convention is an opportunity for experts from the entire MENAregion to share the latest advances and research in their fight against CVDs. We are proud to be hosting it and to play our part in the management of this health issue."

Dr Rachid Ezzike, MD, added: "Tabuk Pharmaceuticals' approach is to focus on both prevention and treatment of entire disease entities, rather than specific conditions.
While providing medicines that can slow the progress of disease and prevent complications is one of our core activities, we also feel strongly about the significance of our educational role, to help prevent diseases from appearing in the first place."