High heart failure rate in Kuwait: 80,000 people affected

• Dr. Al-Humood announced launch of First National Forum to address failure of vital organs, including heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.

• The forum is jointly organized by University of Chicago Medicine and Kuwait Medical Association (KMA), with support from Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

• Heart failure poses a greater risk than cancer in some cases, with mortality rates reaching 48% within five years of diagnosis.

• Ministry of Health and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences marks a major step towards improving quality of healthcare in Kuwait.

Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Failure Specialist, Dr. Khaldoon Al-Humood highlighted that heart failure affects an estimated 80,000 people in Kuwait. Of these, around 4,000 are in advanced stages of the condition, requiring specialized and advanced medical interventions.

As a growing concern, Dr. Al-Humood emphasized that heart failure is one of the most significant health challenges in Kuwait. According to statistics, the disease affects approximately 2% of the total population, with the prevalence rising sharply to 10% among individuals aged 65 and older.

Dr. Al-Humood announced the launch of the First National Forum dedicated to addressing the failure of vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. This event is organized in collaboration with the University of Chicago Medicine and the Kuwait Medical Association (KMA), with support from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

The forum is scheduled to take place next Saturday morning, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, with over 300 local and international doctors and experts participating.

Dr. Al-Humood emphasized that the forum aims to tackle challenges doctors face in diagnosing and treating organ failure. It will also focus on enhancing patient care both before and after organ transplants.

The forum will also highlight about the latest scientific developments in the field of organ failure, featuring contributions from a distinguished group of local and international specialists.

Regarding critical cardiac issues, Dr. Al-Humood pointed out that heart failure poses a greater risk than cancer in some cases, with mortality rates reaching 48% within five years of diagnosis. This is significantly higher compared to 30% for colon cancer and 10% for breast cancer.

Importantly, Dr. Al-Humood highlighted that severe cases of heart failure often necessitate advanced interventions, such as mechanical heart pumps or heart transplants, which play a vital role in saving lives.

Dr. Al-Humood praised the Ministry of Health for its significant role in supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of healthcare services in Kuwait. He emphasized that the Ministry plays a pivotal role in facilitating the organization of scientific events like the forum, which contribute to the development of medical infrastructure and the professional growth of local healthcare personnel. This reflects positively on the quality of patient care in the country.

About financial constraints, Dr. Al-Humood stressed that the forum will go beyond the medical aspects of organ failure and treatment, also addressing the economic implications of seeking treatment abroad that places a significant burden on the state budget.

Dr. Al-Humood added that the Ministry of Health is committed to developing Kuwait’s local healthcare infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in localizing advanced medical services. This will reduce the reliance on treatment abroad, making high-quality healthcare more accessible within the country to a larger segment of the population.

Highlighting further about the forum, Dr. Al-Humood explained that it will target a diverse group of medical professionals, including doctors specializing in cardiology, nephrology, respiratory medicine, and hepatology, as well as organ transplant surgeons, immunologists, and nurses. The goal is to provide a comprehensive platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Dr. Al-Humood concluded by inviting all doctors and specialists to attend this significant medical event. He emphasized that the organization of the forum, with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, marks a major step towards improving the quality of healthcare in Kuwait. The forum will also focus on developing innovative strategies to enhance patient care and reduce the economic burdens on the state budget