Comprehensive patient care targets one of the leading causes of death in the UAE

Abu Dhabi - February 07, 2011-In response to the rising incidence of heart disease in the UAE, Al Rahba Hospital in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, has inaugurated a dedicated Cardiology Clinic. A multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, technicians, dietitians, physiotherapists and cardiologists provides comprehensive patient care at the new clinic, which is situated at the ground floor of the outpatient clinic, where access to other departments, including an ICU unit, radiology and laboratory is also available.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Experts estimate that by 2015, almost 20 million people will die annually from heart attack, strokes and other cardiovascular ailments. Another study said that in the UAE, more than 25 percent of deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease.

"Detecting cardiac changes early in a patient's life can prevent complications later. Following this strategy, we have equipped the clinic with all the necessary tools to assess patients at risk and identify best treatments. Our aim is to offer the highest standard of holistic care before serious problems develop. The clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. and patients are advised to make appointments through the hotline: 02-5064108," said Dr. Margit Oremek, Consultant Cardiologist at Al Rahba Hospital.

Research conducted by the WHO indicates that residents of the UAE are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to a lack of physical activity and poor dietary habits. According to the organization's findings, even children aged between 13 and 15, usually the most active and healthy group, are at risk - with 78 percent getting less than the recommended amount of daily exercise. The research results paint a grim picture and indicate that physical health and fitness of the UAE residents rapidly deteriorate.

A high incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure and dangerously high serum cholesterol levels, has been measured in the population of the UAE. Health authorities and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) are determined to support healthy lifestyles and the finest possible care for high-risk patients.

The 163-bed hospital in Abu Dhabi, which is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), has recently hosted 'National Women's Health Conference', where it brought together over 500 health care professionals and regulatory community members to discuss important issues in the area of women's health, including coaching and awareness building.

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About Al Rahba Hospital
Opening in 2003, Al Rahba Hospital is a 163-bed, advanced secondary-care general hospital managed by Johns Hopkins Medicine International. It is part of the SEHA HealthSystem and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA). Al Rahba Hospital was the first public hospital in the UAE to be accredited by Joint Commission International in 2006 and was reaccredited in 2009. The hospital was rated The Best Public Hospital in Abu Dhabi with the highest "Customer Satisfaction Rate" in a survey conducted by Daman in May 2009.

The organization delivers diagnostic and curative services primarily in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery, Dentistry and Emergency Medicine.In addition, Al Rahba Hospital provides other specialized services, including 24 Hour Accident and Emergency Services, Dialysis, Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Lab Medicine, Radiology, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy.

For more information, please visit us at www.alrahba.ae.  

About the SEHA HealthSystem and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA)
SEHA is health in Arabic. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC- whose marketing identity is SEHA - is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which together make up the SEHA HealthSystem.  SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing our customers and communities world class healthcare.  SEHA has partnered with internationally recognized hospital managers to achieve these goals.  These include Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, VAMED, Vienna Medical University, Bumrungrad International and Fresenius Medical Care.  SEHA owns and operates 12 hospitals with 2,644 beds, 62 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks.  SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with 16,500 doctors, nurses, ancillary care and administrative personnel in its employ.  Visit our website at www.seha.ae.

About Johns Hopkins Medicine International
Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHI) facilitates the global development of the Johns Hopkins Medicine mission: to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. As the international access point to thousands of Johns Hopkins experts in medicine, nursing, public health and health care administration, JHI coordinates treatment for out-of-town patients who travel to Baltimore and for local patients with limited English proficiency. It also provides services in hospital management, health care consulting and clinical education through strategic alliances and affiliations in the Middle East, Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia.

For further information please contact:
Rashad Al Ghadban
PR Account Manager
O2 Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 3122 777
Mob: +97150 9682628
rashad.g@o2pr.net

© Press Release 2011