To address cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death worldwide, Gulf News has launched Heart Matters, a four-part vodcast series created in partnership with King’s College Hospital London in Dubai. Released to coincide with World Heart Day, the series aims to provide vital information on cardiac health.
The initiative highlights the critical need for greater awareness and preventive care. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), lifestyle and environmental changes can prevent approximately 80 per cent of heart problems. The series features informative conversations with leading cardiologists and surgeons from King’s College Hospital London in Dubai, covering risk factors, symptoms, treatment advances, and preventive strategies.
Expert Insights Across Four Episodes
Each episode focuses on a specific area of cardiovascular health, offering expert guidance. The first, titled Heart of the Matter, features Dr Masood Khan, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, who explores major risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, and family history.
In the second episode, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Dr Babar Bashir Chaudhri explains the differences between heart attacks and heart failure. He also discusses the latest surgical techniques and emphasises why early intervention is crucial for saving lives. The third instalment with Dr Mehmood Butt, Head of the Cardiovascular Department, clarifies complex procedures, from CT-angiograms to minimally invasive valve replacements, and details innovations like TAVI and shockwave therapy. The hospital is a key part of a city that is also attracting significant investment in specialised medical services.
The final episode features Dr Layla Al Marzooqi, a Specialist Cardiologist and Aeromedical Examiner. She highlights the specific risks faced by individuals with diabetes and outlines the steps they can take to protect their heart health.
By combining professional insights with practical advice, Heart Matters is designed to help listeners make positive lifestyle changes, seek regular screenings, and take proactive steps to maintain their cardiovascular well-being. The first episode was released on 19 September and is available on the Gulf News website and other leading podcast channels.
