Aga Khan Sets Up Cholesterol-Disorders-Only Clinic

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi has launched a cholesterol (lipid) disorders clinic as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Speaking during the launch of the clinic, the hospital CEO Rashid Khalani noted that the hospital was continuously innovating and conducting solution-based research with the patient interests at heart.

“This is the first specialized lipid clinic in Kenya and we started it because of the realization that heart disorders are on the increase as a result of our adoption of a Western lifestyle that is more characterized by our diet and physical inactivity.”

“We do not want to wait for you to get heart disease but want to manage the risk factors before they advance to become heart disease. This will ultimately be more convenient and cheaper. “

Dr Mzee Ngunga, the Lead Interventional Cardiologist for this clinic noted that “good cholesterol management will reduce incidences of heart attacks caused by blocked heart arteries which has become common among our populations. It will also offer patients a longer life expectancy without requiring more complex medications that we normally prescribe for patients who have survived heart attacks.”

He added that once a patient is diagnosed with a lipid disorder, the treatment is usually lifelong.

“It is therefore important for individuals to go for regular checkups, especially if a first-degree family member who is below 40 years or 50 years for women, has experienced a heart attack,” said Dr. Ngunga.

The Chief Guest at the launch Dr. Bernard Samia, President of Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), lauded the milestone by Aga Khan University Hospital and called for collaboration from both the private and public sectors to enhance research and interventions to advance cardiovascular health.

“As KCS, we have had several studies to look at cardiovascular diseases, we have many hospitals that support us in this endeavor and I am happy that with the launch of this clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital will be part of the list. Lipid disorders data obtained from this clinic and others countrywide will help inform our treatment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases.”

“Current trends show a rising burden of hypertension in the country, with figures ranging between 16 and 21 percent, with urbanization and social demographic differences playing a huge role in these figures. The question that we have to keep asking ourselves is how do we take care of the risk factors so that our patients get the right diagnosis, and treatment and take care of the complications”, said Dr. Samia.

The Lipid Disorders Clinic is run by a multi-disciplinary team of cardiologists, family physicians, nutritionists, specialist nurses, and pathologists ensuring optimal care to the patients.

Patients have access to an assessment of cholesterol to determine the specific lipid abnormality, genetic tests to determine the underlying genetic defect, analysis of the results by an experienced team of cardiologists and family physicians for patient-centred management, appropriate dietary advice, and education on how to maintain cholesterol at acceptable levels.

The launch of this clinic is an addition to the hospital’s list of heart services portfolio that have contributed to the organization’s recognition as an accredited cardiac care centre of excellence in East and Central Africa.

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