The 1st Annual Cardiology Update

The 1st Annual Cardiology Update was held at the Rehman Medical Institute on Saturday, 30th July, 2005. The event was held at the RMI auditorium and it commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. This was followed by the opening address by Mr. Muhammad Saleem Jan, CEO, RMI. He spoke about the continual efforts by RMI to provide healthcare services to the people of the province. RMI’s efforts to provide training and development opportunities not only to its own staff members but other healthcare professionals in the province were outlined.

Dr. Abdul Rahim Khan, Consultant Cardiologist at RMI spoke about Acute Coronary Syndrome. It was stressed that initial assessment of patients presenting coronary symptoms should be cautious and accurate. Identification of heart attack and administration of timely treatment can save lives. He also talked about the importance of a healthy lifestyle which can delay the onset of disease in the genetically predisposed population.

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Miqdad Ali Khan from the Michigan State University, USA. Dr. Miqdad presented an overview of interventional cardiology. Dr. Miqdad enlightened the audience with latest advances in Interventional Cardiology. He talked about various new types of balloons, stents and procedures which have revolutionised the treatment modes and improved the quality of life for cardiac patients. The speech was followed by a Q&A session.

Prof.Faiz-Ur-Rehman, Consultant Physician from the Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar spoke on the topic of Lantus (Basal Insulin).

Dr. Masood Sadiq, Consultant Pardiatric Cardiologist from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore apprised the audience that innumerable children remain undiagnosed because of insufficient diagnostic methods and for awareness amongst clinicians about Congenital Heart Diseases. Most of the defects are treatable and regular check-ups with the Paediatric Cardiologists are mandatory.

Dr Sadiq also gave an Overview of Paediatric Interventional Cardiology, and dilated on various procedures carried out in congenital defects and valvular problems in children. Hence, the child can be saved from miseries and lead a useful life in the society.

Dr. Niaz Ali, Cardiac Surgeon at RMI talked about RMI’s experience in Cardiac Surgery. He said the journey of Cardiac Surgery in RMI began on 27th February, 2002, when Prof. Muhammad Rehman performed the first closed heart surgery on a 9 year old girl followed by two successful open heart procedures the next day. So far, 1848 Cardiac Surgical procedures have been performed with progressively increasing trend each year. Outcomes of cardiac procedures are comparable to the results of any international cardiac centre.

Dr. Mohammad Zahidullah, another Cardiac Surgeon at RMI spoke about the Current trends and future of coronary artery surgery in Pakistan. He indicated an upward trend of cardiac bypass grafting despite availability of angioplasty and stenting due to improved technique, durability of grafts and cost effectiveness. Coronary Surgery on beating Heart/Off Pump Bypass Surgery has been performed at RMI by Dr. Zahidullah. A brief film and slides were show to the audience.

The closing address of the seminar was made by Prof. Muhammad Rehman, renowned Cardiac Surgeon and Chairman RMI. Prof. Rehman thanked the speakers for making the event a success. All the speakers were presented with souvenirs by Prof. Rehman on behalf of RMI.