KUWAIT CITY, Sept 29:  The Secretary-General of the Heart Association, Dr. Rashid Al-Awish, announced today that the Association has conducted a significant study on "heart diseases in Kuwait" covering the period from May 15, 2023, to August 2024. The study uncovered a total of 7,600 cases of heart attacks, strokes, and angina pectoris.

In a press statement released in conjunction with World Heart Day, which is celebrated annually on September 29 in collaboration with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Cardiac Center, Dr. Al-Awish detailed the findings. He reported that of the 7,600 cases, 6,239 were male, accounting for 82%, while 1,363 were female, representing 18%.

The statistics indicated a troubling trend, with 43% of those affected being current smokers, while 13% were former smokers. The study also found that 2,206 cases, or 29%, involved Kuwaiti nationals, while approximately 5,396 cases, representing 71%, were among residents. The death rate associated with these cases stood at 1.9%, which is consistent with global averages. Notably, 70% of the patients were hospitalized for only three days, and 15% required ambulance transportation to medical facilities.

Dr. Al-Awish emphasized the concerning fact that 51% of those diagnosed with heart diseases also had diabetes, with an average age of 56 years among the patients studied. He announced that the Heart Association will continue its observance of World Heart Day from September 29 to October 26, providing free blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol tests to the public. The celebration aims to raise awareness about heart health and promote collaborative efforts to combat cardiovascular diseases while reducing health complications for individuals and society.