American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Ltd
Cardiology Services
Comprehensive Cardiology Services in Nigeria
As reported by Dr. Nnenna Ezeigwe, the National Coordinator for NCDs at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), cardiovascular diseases account for 11% of over 2 million deaths in Nigeria yearly.
However, the main problem is that many people are living with conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease without being aware of them.
At AHD, one of the services we provide is the diagnosis, maintenance, and treatment of heart and blood vessel disorders. Through various tests, we diagnose and our experts treat several conditions by performing procedures such as angioplasties and pacemaker
insertions, among others.
We help our patients lead healthier lives and build sustainable habits
Our Cardiology Services
Check out the services we offer in our Cardiology Unit at AHD below.
- Diagnostic Services
- Interventional Cardiology
- Electrophysiology Services
- Heart Failure Management
Diagnostic Services
The first stage of cardiac care is identifying the specific problem so the surgeon can develop a tailored treatment plan. At AHD, we have advanced technologies and methods that aid our diagnostic processes.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is a test where we record the patient’s heart electrical activity. This allows us to diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
With this method, we track heart rhythm, evaluate related heart disease symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting, and diagnose heart diseases such as heart attack and angina.
Monitoring the health of the heart is very important, and as the name suggests, we place electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to the ECG machine, and you must lie still while the machine records.
If you experience chest pain, dizziness, chest pounding, fluttering heartbeat, or have a family history of heart disease, don’t hesitate to seek an ECG diagnosis to rule out possibilities.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a simple method of using ultrasound to create images of the heart, allowing the cardiologist to easily monitor the structure and function of the heart. This is a non-invasive and painless method, and there is no reason for concern. This method is used when the cardiologist needs to investigate further to determine the heart issue the patient has, especially when they suspect possible heart disease
Stress Testing
Holter Monitoring
This involves wearing a small device that monitors the rhythm of your heart. This is usually recommended by the doctor for about one to two days, during which the device will record your heart’s activity.
The Holter monitor is mostly recommended if the ECG does not provide enough information. If the Holter monitor does not record all that the doctor needs, it may be recommended for a longer duration. Holter monitors can be in the form of a smartwatch, which you wear without concern. This way, the doctor can actively monitor and explain why the patient’s heartbeat is irregular or why they fainted suddenly.
Cardiac CT and MRI
These are imaging tests that our doctors use to diagnose heart conditions. In this case, the heart muscle, pulmonary veins, and coronary arteries are evaluated. The CT technique is used to create a 3D model of the heart, perform calcium screening, and conduct a non invasive coronary angiography. Meanwhile, the Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to create images of the heart and detect issues like muscle damage, infection, inflammation, protein buildup, and iron deposits. The choice of which test to use depends on what the doctor believes the problem is and which tool is better suited for a specific issue.
Interventional Cardiology
This is a minimally invasive method that the doctor uses to treat heart conditions using catheters. It is a technique that does not require surgery and helps restore blood flow and improve heart function. The catheters are used to repair damaged or weakened vessels, treat narrowed arteries, and perform angioplasty and stenting. It has several benefits, including being minimally invasive, reducing complications, allowing quicker recovery, and requiring less hospital stay.
Before interventional cardiology is performed, there are steps and techniques the doctors take, which we list below.
Coronary Angiography
The first step in preparing for an interventional cardiology process is carrying out diagnoses with X-rays and dyes. This is known as coronary angiography, which is used to identify blockages in the arteries that can be treated with interventional cardiology. This procedure is carried out in an X ray lab. Through a catheter, the dye is injected into the blood vessels and guided to the heart. Xray images are taken to show how the dye moves through the blood vessels and to identify the location, extent, and presence of artery blockages. With coronary angiography, we diagnose problems such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, and others.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
This is a type of interventional cardiology used to open blocked coronary arteries using a catheter. With a stent keeping the artery open, the cardiologist inserts the catheter into the blood vessel through the groin or wrist, then locates the blocked artery. The cardiologist will inflate a balloon to push away fatty tissues and open the blockage, increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing chest pain.
This is not a painful process, and patients can be discharged the same day after the procedure. This method is also known as balloon angioplasty and stenting.
Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting
This is a type of interventional cardiology used to open blocked coronary arteries using a catheter. With a stent keeping the artery open, the cardiologist inserts the catheter into the blood vessel through the groin or wrist, then locates the blocked artery. The cardiologist will inflate a balloon to push away fatty tissues and open the blockage, increasing blood flow to the heart and reducing chest pain.
This is not a painful process, and patients can be discharged the same day after the procedure. This method is also known as balloon angioplasty and stenting.
Electrophysiology Services
To diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), the electrical activity of the heart needs to be analyzed using electrophysiology studies (EP studies) and catheter ablation. The doctor assesses and manages heart rhythm disturbances by examining the electrical signals in the heart, and with thin catheters, they record detailed electrical activities. With this method, abnormal tissues are destroyed, and normal heart rhythm is restored. There are several conditions we diagnose and manage with this service at AHD.
Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Management
Cardiac arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats abnormally, either too fast or too slow. This can happen because the electrical impulses in the heart are not functioning properly. Sometimes, symptoms may be noticeable, while at other times, there may be no symptoms. This condition is often corrected with catheter ablation and diagnosed with the ECG and Holter monitor.
Pacemaker and ICD Implantation
Another technique used to treat heart rhythm problems is pacemaker and ICD implantation. This involves inserting a device under the collarbone to monitor and regulate the heart’s rhythm. This is done with a small incision on the skin after numbing the area. Wires are then inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the heart, where the leads are connected to the device. After this procedure, patients are advised to use a sling for 24 hours, keep the wound dry, avoid heavy work or driving for 6 weeks, and always attend follow-up check-ups.
The pacemaker is a device that regulates heart rhythm and uses a battery that can last for 15 years. It sends small pulses to pace the heart continuously, whereas the ICD is for monitoring heart rhythm and sending an electric shock to correct abnormal heart rhythms. The ICD batteries last for 5-7 years.
Heart Failure Management
To help patients manage their heart conditions, we employ several approaches, including medication management, therapies, treatment plans, and lifestyle modification advice.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
As mentioned earlier, we carefully carry out every procedure for diagnosis so we can easily create specific and personalized treatment plans for our patients with cardiological conditions. clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG), and imaging as previously listed, we determine the heart problem the patient has, its cause, and its severity.
Some treatment plans involve medications like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Medications are carefully titrated to fit the patient’s response.
For those with implanted devices and those at risk of death, we provide device therapy like the ICD to help them improve.
Lifestyle Modification Support
Individuals managing a heart condition are encouraged to live healthily, so we promote a good diet and regular exercise, including regular follow-up appointments.
Our cardiologists, nurses, dieticians, psychologists, pharmacists, and social workers are always available to provide adequate support for patients during this process. We primarily encourage patients to exercise regularly, stop smoking, and monitor their weight. The level of exercise to be undertaken is recommended by the doctor.
We don’t just help patients manage their lifestyle; we also help them understand what is happening with their bodies and the importance of adhering to all directions from the cardiologist.
Even after treatment, we advise our patients to attend their scheduled clinic visits, allowing us to monitor their medication intake and continuously assess their status
Advanced Cardiac Procedures
Our cardiac procedures at AHD have been properly vetted to meet the current standards and trends of cardiac care
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Using small incisions that are not invasive, we treat cardiac conditions. These methods are easier, less complicated, less painful, cause less tissue damage, and have a shorter healing period. Instead of opening the heart to perform surgery, a catheter is passed through small incisions on the chest to the affected area where treatment is performed.
This method is used to treat several conditions, including coronary heart diseases and other heart problems.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
This method is a minimally invasive cardiac surgery used to replace a diseased aortic valve with an artificial one using a catheter. This method treats aortic stenosis and improves blood flow to the heart. Because it is minimally invasive, there is no wound, patients recover quickly, and there is less risk and physical strain. We mostly recommend this method for elderly patients diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis, as it is risky for them to undergo open-chest surgery.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
This is another minimally invasive technique used to repair aortic aneurysms. In this process, a stent graft is inserted into the affected area with a catheter, allowing the doctor to seal the aneurysm within the blood vessel. This process ensures a reduced risk of heart attack or death during the procedure.
Why Choose American Hospital Dubai Nigeria for Cardiac Care?
Of the many options available, why choose us?
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities
We never cease to keep track of what is new in the medical world so we don’t miss out on
new technologies and techniques for carrying out treatments that improve patients’ lives.
At AHD, we have the latest diagnostic and treatment tools like angiography, minimally
invasive methods and other complex procedures
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Do you know why the doctor always asks you if a particular disease runs in the family? That is because when it comes to cancer, treatment for genetic cancers differs from that of non-genetic cancers.
Hence, we run genetic testing and special counselling so we can provide the correct treatment options and targeted therapy solutions.
Expert Cardiologists with International Experience
At AHD, we have selected experts who have excelled internationally and are well-versed in using advanced technology to treat heart-related conditions. Our cardiology team includes not just cardiologists; they are supported by experienced nurses, surgeons, and psychologists because we believe in providing wholesome and personalized services to
our patients.
We continuously put our specialists through intense clinical trials where they discover new
treatment methods, understand more conditions, improve existing ones, and gain new guidelines for treatment
Patient Support and Rehabilitation
A very important step in our cardiac care process is support and rehabilitation. These processes ensure our patients can maintain good cardiovascular health after their diagnosis or treatment to avoid further complications or future problems. We offer three programs at AHD, which you can read about below.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
In cardiac rehab, we provide patients with custom-made programs that help improve their health and reduce the risk of heart attack. This program is primarily available for our outpatients and includes exercise training and emotional support. We ensure we educate patients on the lifestyle changes they should make to reduce the risk of heart disease, such as quitting smoking and eating healthily while participating in exercises recommended by the doctor .
In this program, each patient is given a plan that helps them recover significantly. Even for individuals who were not admitted for treatment after a diagnosis but have a family history of heart conditions, we often recommend that they participate in our rehabilitation program.
For patients with heart disease, they need to undergo vetting with the doctor before beginning the rehabilitation program. We also monitor patients throughout the process to avoid any form of injuries or complications while exercising.
Cardiac rehabilitation at AHD usually takes about three months, but some programs may extend longer. Our cardiologists, nurse educators, nutrition specialists, exercise specialists, mental health specialists, and physical and occupational therapists are all on deck to help you through this phase.
The rehabilitation program involves:
- A medical evaluation: Before you are recommended for this program, the team works together to assess your physical ability and limitations. They are also present during exercises to watch for any complications.
- Physical activity: This is the most important part of the rehabilitation process. The heart is often strengthened by physical activity, which is why it is crucial to engage in these activities and maintain good cardiovascular health. Yoga, cycling, and walking are good examples of physical activities during rehabilitation.
- Lifestyle education and support: Eating healthy and living well are very important factors for someone looking to avoid cardiovascular diseases. We also support patients who are going through emotional challenges and encourage them to consult the doctor in charge of their treatment when they notice any signs of depression.
Cardiac rehab is a program that helps individuals who have undergone treatment or diagnosis to lead healthier lives.
Nutritional Counseling
For every concern related to cardiac care, we have specialists attending to them, and the patient’s diet is a very important aspect. Hence, we have nutritional specialists who are responsible for addressing proper nutrition depending on the stage of treatment. We prioritize not just the treatment but also the ability to resume regular activities and lead a balanced life. Having a proper diet plan can significantly contribute to ensuring better cardiovascular health.
To help patients monitor their diet and avoid excessive weight gain, our specialists provide:
- Tailored dietary plans based on cardiac condition
- Education on the types of food the patient should eat
- Guidance on the kind of lifestyle they should maintain to easily adapt mindful eating and sustainable eating habits Their work goes beyond prescribing meal plans; they also check the patient’s status to ensure the options are helping the patient improve
Psychological Support Services
When undergoing any major surgery, patients are likely to experience several emotional phases, and support from specialists during this stage helps them stay afloat to complete the treatment process. Many patients experience stress and find it hard to cope with the fear, frustration, and depression they encounter during rehabilitation. Therefore, they need to be paired with mental health professionals who will guide them through processes such as deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety. Our experts also motivate patients to set realistic goals. We encourage family and friends to support patients, as this helps them navigate the process more easily.
When the right support systems are available to patients, they recover faster and lead better lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experiencing symptoms of heart disease can be confusing, as many of these symptoms are similar to ordinary bodily issues due to stress. However, in cases where symptoms become severe, unbearable, and persist despite medication, it is advisable to visit a qualified specialist or book an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- Chest pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper belly
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating even when you are not physically active
- Palpitations (pounding or racing heart)
- Unexplained fatigue
- Dizziness
- Inability to exercise
- Swelling in the lower body
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
Report to the clinic right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Cardiovascular diseases are highly preventable, and the most effective means of prevention is adopting a healthy lifestyle. The more your lifestyle leans towards health and balance, the higher your chances of avoiding cardiovascular complications.
You can achieve this by adopting the following methods:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding air pollution
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Managing stress
- Monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar, while
focusing more on whole grains and lean proteins.
To help our patients achieve the best results, we conduct a comprehensive cardiac consultation that explores all aspects of their health history so we can recommend the best treatment options.
Here’s what to expect:
- A question and answer session: The cardiologist will conduct a detailed review ofyour medical history, symptoms, and any concerns you may have.
- A physical examination: The cardiologist will use information from the first session to determine which tests you need. You will undergo some diagnostic tests, such as the ECG to check your heart rhythm and an echocardiogram for a heart ultrasound.
- Reviewing the results: Once test results are available, the doctor will review and interpret each one for you while also developing a personalized treatment plan. Based on these results, the doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, and carry out any other procedures relevant to your condition.
Key Points to Note for Your Consultation:
- Make sure to ask the doctor as many questions as you have so you are clear on what to do (be exhaustive). Find out the causes of your condition and how to best avoid them. Also, inquire about lifestyle changesand the various procedures and options available.
- Be open-minded and share your medical history, goals, concerns, and symptoms with the doctor. Hiding important information can lead to risky complications.
