‘Chattogram has more heart patients than other districts’

In comparison to other districts of the country, Chattogram has more heart patients and the port city certainly is at high risk of heart diseases.

The warning came from Dr AKM Fazlul Hoque, managing director, Chattogram Metropolitan Hashpatal [MT1] on Tuesday during a press briefing organised by the Heart and Vascular Centre of the hospital on the occasion of World Heart Day.

Hoque said there was a time when residents of Chattogram had to go to Dhaka or outside of the country for better treatment of heart-related ailments but the condition has improved now.

"Chattogram Metropolitan Hashpatal played a pioneering role in introducing world-class healthcare for heart patients in the city at a low cost. We were also the first to introduce a well-rounded service for heart patients," Hoque added.

During the briefing conducted by Dr Irfan Chowdhury, chief coordinator, Heart and Vascular Centre of the hospital, the speakers said that every year at least 1.86 crore people die from heart diseases around the globe, adding that, currently there are at least 25 crore heart patients worldwide who are at higher risk due to Covid-19.

Following hygiene rules and having a healthy diet can prevent the risk of heart diseases, the speakers added.

Dr Sarwar Kamal, chief cardiovascular surgeon of the hospital, who was present during the briefing, said, "Our hospital has all the latest medical equipment and a skilled cardiac surgery team. We offer a wide range of surgeries for heart patients."

Dr Abdul Mottalib, chief cardiologist of the hospital, highlighted several services provided by the hospital during the briefing. MA Hashem, lab director of the hospital, said delivering accurate reports at all times is one of the top priorities of the hospital.

During the press briefing, among others, Dr Akhter Hossain, senior cardiologist, Dr Mujibul Haque, medical director, and several officials were present.