𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

By Tshering Yangden

The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, in partnership with Bangla Interventional Therapeutics (BIT) of Bangladesh, hosted a significant international conference on cardiology on December 30, 2024. The event aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, focusing on the latest advancements in the management of cardiovascular diseases. The conference brought together experts from various parts of the world to foster collaboration and exchange ideas on current trends in cardiology.

Given the growing concern over cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the country, the conference provided a platform for both local and international cardiology professionals to discuss cutting-edge developments in the field. The event facilitated the sharing of the latest research, innovations, and techniques in heart disease management, offering medical professionals the opportunity to learn from renowned experts in the field.

Around 140 participants attended the conference, including 23 international guests, comprising faculty members, healthcare consultants, and practitioners from across the globe. This diverse gathering created a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas, contributing to the development of more effective healthcare strategies.

Cardiovascular diseases have become a major public health challenge in Bhutan, where the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is on the rise. Among the most prevalent conditions are rheumatic heart disease and coronary artery disease (CAD), both of which contribute to the growing burden of chronic diseases in the country.

According to the National Health Survey 2023, the risk of developing CVDs increased significantly, with the rate rising from 3.7% in 2019 to 5.1% in 2023. These alarming figures emphasize the need for urgent action to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart diseases in Bhutan.

Dr. Mahesh Gurung, an Interventional Cardiologist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), stressed that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are closely linked to heart problems. He emphasized the importance of early identification and intervention to prevent the progression of these diseases.

Educating the public about healthier lifestyles, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and reducing salt intake, could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Gurung’s comments draw attention to the significance of preventive measures to promote heart health within the population.

An official also noted that sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, and excessive salt consumption can increase the risk of heart problems.

The conference, which spanned one and a half days, featured a comprehensive program of scientific sessions and case presentations. These sessions covered a broad range of cardiology topics, including the latest advancements in diagnostic echocardiography, new management strategies for coronary artery disease, and cutting-edge treatments for heart failure. Renowned cardiologists from various countries led these discussions, offering participants valuable insights into the most up-to-date practices in cardiovascular care.

One of the key highlights of the conference was the focus on diagnostic innovations in echocardiography. As an essential tool in cardiology, echocardiography plays a critical role in assessing the function and structure of the heart. The conference provided an opportunity for professionals to learn about the latest techniques in this field, including the use of advanced imaging technologies that could help detect heart conditions earlier and with greater accuracy.

This was particularly important in a country like Bhutan, where timely diagnosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

In addition to diagnostic advancements, the conference also covered management strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. CAD remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing in Bhutan. Effective management of CAD requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, interventional procedures. Experts shared their experiences in managing CAD patients, discussing the most effective approaches to reduce the burden of this disease and improve patient outcomes.

Heart failure, another common cardiovascular condition, was also a key focus of the conference. As the global population ages, the incidence of heart failure continues to rise. New treatment options and management protocols for heart failure have emerged in recent years, and the conference provided a platform for cardiologists to explore these advancements. Participants gained insights into the latest evidence-based strategies for managing heart failure, improving the quality of life for patients, and preventing disease progression.

Bangla Interventional Therapeutics (BIT), a major global platform for interventional cardiologists, supported the conference. BIT has earned a reputation as one of the leading cardiovascular summits in South Asia, bringing together experts from both Eastern and Western countries. The collaboration between BIT and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences aimed to further strengthen the exchange of knowledge between these regions, ultimately advancing the field of cardiology. BIT’s role in organizing the conference highlighted its commitment to enhancing the education and expertise of healthcare professionals in the region.

The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Bhutan emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to heart health. The conference marked a critical step in addressing these challenges and offered a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to acquire the latest knowledge in cardiology. By bringing together experts from around the world, the conference contributed to the development of more effective healthcare strategies and the implementation of best practices in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Rixzin Jamtsho, Director of the Medical Education Centre for Research, Innovation, and Training (MECRIT), stated, “For Bhutan, hosting an international cardiology conference was not only an opportunity to improve the skills of local professionals but also a chance to raise awareness about the growing cardiovascular disease crisis. The nation is at a crossroads in terms of healthcare, with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases posing a significant challenge to the healthcare system. The conference helped address this crisis by fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to combat cardiovascular diseases in Bhutan and the wider South Asian region.”

The International Conference on Cardiology, organized by the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan in collaboration with Bangla Interventional Therapeutics (BIT), proved to be a landmark event in the field of cardiology.

With a focus on the latest innovations in diagnostics, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases, the conference provided healthcare professionals with valuable insights and practical knowledge that they could apply in their practice. As the incidence of cardiovascular diseases continues to rise in Bhutan and globally, this event represents an important step in shaping the future of heart health and improving patient outcomes through education and collaboration.