Global leading Cardiovascular Diseases Institutions gather at Middle East Symposium for the first time

The Middle East’s Cardiovascular Regional Experts Symposium – iCaRE – has returned for its third edition, gathering leading regional and international experts to share the latest reference points in cardiovascular disease management, as well as best practices and success stories from their fields. At the heart of the discussions were the latest diagnostic methods and tests to detect this non-communicable disease and the participants’ role in their prevention.

For the first time in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East at large, leading American and European Guidelines Experts came together in the UAE to present the latest clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease cases and provide recommendations. Moreover, since the symposium’s debut in 2017, the comprehensive program also presented practical best practices in the field from centers of excellence across the region including the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Egypt. 

“We are very pleased to be here and support such initiatives that are aligned with the government’s dedication and commitment towards a healthier UAE. The wellbeing of our citizens is a top priority and iCaRE will help the UAE find solutions to reaching our goal of providing the highest quality of healthcare to our people,” said Prof. Abdullah Shehab, Secretary General of the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Vice president Gulf intervention Society.

Cardiovascular diseases refer to various diseases and of the heart and blood vessels and include heart attacks, strokes and cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death globally and more people die annually from these diseases than from any other cause. Of these deaths, 85 percent are from heart attacks and strokes.[1]Cardiovascular diseases place a heavy burden on countries in the Middle East, largely due to the high prevalence of risk factors in the region, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and sedentary lifestyles.[2]In the UAE, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, contributing to 40 percent of total adult mortality.[3]

Prof. Shehab said: “Cardiovascular diseases are a serious concern for our nation, hence the importance of symposia like iCaRE, as they provide the opportunity for local and regional healthcare professionals to come together, contribute, and learn about the most recent advances available in the region. They help the UAE continue to work towards improving the lives of patients and providing world-class healthcare.”  

Held in Dubai to cardiovascular experts from the region, iCaRE is presented by Roche Diagnostics Middle East FZCO (RDME), the leading IVD partner, as it remains dedicated to addressing and providing solutions regarding the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This platform is focused on promoting heart health and to finding effective actions and solutions regarding heart failure. This is aligned with the UAE government’s Vision 2021, which aims to achieve a world-class healthcare system and reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease per 100,000 by 25 percent by 2021.[4]

“We are proud to host this platform as it provides a platform for the experts in the region to come together and discuss the latest developments in combatting cardiovascular disease. A testament to its importance is seeing experts in cardiovascular diseases implement the best practices discussed and return to present how they have elevated patient care in their institutions. The collaboration we share today is crucial to continue benefiting patients and our communities in the Middle East.” Commented Harald Wolf, General Manager at Roche Diagnostics Middle East.