• The condition is more prevalent among women, especially during and after pregnancy.
• The seminar organized by the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center of the Ministry of Health, aimed to raise awareness about atrial fibrillation, its symptoms, and treatment options.
Dr. Samah Al-Khuraji, head of the cardiology department at Adan Hospital and an electrophysiology specialist, stated that 50% of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Kuwait are also suffering from hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.
Dr. Al-Khuraji made this statement during an awareness seminar organized by the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center of the Ministry of Health, aimed at educating the public about atrial fibrillation under the slogan “Regulate Your Heartbeat, Protect Your Heart.”
Atrial fibrillation, a common cardiac arrhythmia, is characterized by rapid heartbeats that can lead to blood clots, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious heart-related complications, according to the Mayo Clinic.
During the seminar, attended by Dr. Fawzia Al-Kandari, a cardiac electrophysiologist, alongside experts from the Gulf region and the United States, Dr. Al-Khuraji explained the seminar’s focus on recognizing AF symptoms and discussing available treatments. Special attention was given to women who experience atrial fibrillation during and after pregnancy, elderly patients requiring careful management, and cancer patients who may also suffer from AF.
Dr. Al-Khuraji emphasized that atrial fibrillation is one of the most prevalent arrhythmias in Kuwait, affecting around 1 in 3 people. This condition significantly increases the likelihood of stroke, and she urged individuals experiencing symptoms like dizziness or unexplained fatigue to seek medical attention immediately.
A recent study conducted at Adan Hospital on 350 AF patients showed that 50% of them also suffered from chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Interestingly, 50% of the study participants were women, and most had healthy heart muscles, though weight gain of 30-40% was common among them.
The seminar featured specialists from various medical fields, including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, and geriatrics. This interdisciplinary approach enriched the discussions and offered comprehensive insights into managing AF across different patient groups.
