Cardiac health a concern for all

Updated 23 December 2012
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Cardiac health a concern for all

Dr. Hani Najm, a cardiac surgeon at the King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center in Riyadh and vice president of the Saudi Heart Association, will highlight his concerns about the heart health of the Saudi population at the 5th Middle East Cardiovascular Disease and Intervention Conference in Dubai on Jan. 28-31. Najm will be speaking extensively on this topic and share the Kingdom’s experience with the international audience at the conference.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, he also discussed his worries about cardiac health in the Kingdom. He pointed to the lifestyle here as one of the major reasons for the high incidence of cardiac disease.

With the high incidence of lifestyle diseases in Saudi Arabia, cardiac health is a concern for the population. What steps are being taken to educate people on the prevention of cardiac disease?
Cardiovascular diseases have become one of the most alarming disease threats in the Kingdom. Statistics show that a quarter of the population is diabetic, and an even higher percentage suffers from hypertension. Similarly, 6-7 percent suffers from high cholesterol and coronary disease, both of which are a major cardiovascular burden that will require specific preventative measures to combat the risk factors.
Currently, cardiac care in Saudi Arabia is sophisticated and advanced, but we do not have in place the necessary preventative measures that would adequately control the risk factors. More recently, laws have been passed banning smoking tobacco in public areas, and although these laws are being enforced, we may not have seen enough real action so far.
An important factor that could lead to a drop in disease rates and prevention of these conditions is the drive to educate the public about heart disease. This has mainly been conducted by the Saudi Heart Association via media campaigns, education programs, and the distribution of brochures and information packages.
Public awareness should target different sectors of the population – school children, working adults, senior citizens – to educate them on how to control their weight, control carbohydrate and sugar intake, in addition to monitoring and learning how to avoid hypertension.
“Moreover, to successfully implement a public awareness program of this magnitude, there is a need for a more systematic approach to the issue – something currently lacking in Saudi Arabia. The heart health of the general public should be the responsibility of the civil society; however, currently only the medical society is actively tackling this issue from a professional education and scientific perspective at conferences such as the 5th Middle East Cardiovascular Disease and Intervention Conference taking place at Arab Health 2013.
The Saudi Heart Association is hosting outreach programs in malls along with educational lectures; these types of initiatives need to be identified and spread amongst all sectors of society.
Is obesity not a concern for cardiac health, as it is also part of the Saudi lifestyle and a major cause of diabetes?
Obesity in general is associated with multiple medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension and what you call a metabolic syndrome, but if all these associated diseases are not present, then obesity itself is not directly related to cardiac health. This means overweight people without any of the other major risk factors for heart disease may not develop heart disease just because they are overweight.

What are the latest statistics on the incidence of cardiac disease in Saudi Arabia?
We have some statistics that have concluded there is a prevalence of cardiac disease, such as coronary heart disease, in around 6 percent of the population. A quarter of the Saudi population suffers from diabetes, around 27 percent from hypertension, and 35-40 percent suffers from hypercholesterolemia; all of which will add up to an increasing level of cardiac diseases in the Kingdom.
There is an important issue worth mentioning in terms of incidence of cardio disease, which is that 50 percent of the population is still below 25 years of age. There is a high-risk profile, and we expect a rise in cardiovascular illness in the next 15-20 years, when most 25-year-olds will be aged 40-50, and that is when the manifestation of cardiovascular disease occurs.
If we do not control the risk factors in the young population immediately, it won’t matter how many advanced cardiac centers we have, as it will not cover the number of cardiovascular patients.
So, as we can see, the incidences of conditions that may lead to cardiovascular illnesses are on the rise. Unfortunately, there are bad habits within the Saudi society that have been acquired culturally and socially, such as smoking water pipes. This has become prevalent in homes and in public despite control from the government. Cigarette smoking is also prevalent in schools, and the rates are increasing alarmingly.

What are the reasons of extreme hypertension in the Kingdom? Is it because of the lifestyle, food, environment, or other reasons? How can awareness help in diminishing heart problems?
Hypertension is prevalent in the Kingdom for all the reasons mentioned above, in addition that diabetes, which is very closely related to hypertension, is highly common in the people of Saudi Arabia. These are all acquired risk factors for heart diseases, due to the sedentary lifestyle, improper eating habits, as well as the environmental and generic factors that contribute to all this.

How well is the Kingdom doing in terms of offering world-class cardiology care for its patients?
Cardiac surgery in general follows very strict detrimental factors for outcome. This means the outcome of surgery is measured either by major outcomes such as death, or minor outcomes such as morbidity or complications. These outcomes are measured very carefully in heart surgery, and these are what we call ‘code risk-adjusted outcome’, so it is a risk-adjusted outcome based on the population.
In Saudi Arabia, in particular at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center, we use international benchmarks for cardiac surgery such as the STS (Society of Thoracic Surgery) Database, an American system; and the EACTS (European Association of Cardio Thoracic Surgery) Database. These produce a very robust number of statistics to benchmark the outcome of cardiac surgery across the world.
We have also started a nationwide cardiac surgery database that we are enrolling across all cardiac surgeries done in the country in order to benchmark the entire database of Saudi Arabia against what is happening in the rest of the world.

Does Saudi Arabia attract mostly foreign cardiac surgeons or does the country have the mechanisms to educate and train local surgeons?
Over the last 30 years, the government has made a tremendous effort to send young, bright Saudi doctors abroad to continue their education. All these doctors have returned with advanced sophisticated training from North America and Europe, and they now form a robust corps of cardiac surgeons as well as cardiologists, resulting in the most advanced cardiovascular care in Saudi Arabia.
Now, in addition to the presence of these physicians trained abroad and matured through this system, we have also local training. Certification for both cardiac surgery and cardiology is provided to allow for local certification in advanced subspecialties in cardiac surgery and imaging as well as cardiac catheterization.

What future developments do you foresee for Saudi Arabia in terms of its cardiology services?
I see an acute need for the organization of cardiovascular services, in particular the streamlining of cardiac services that are offered by different caregivers, i.e., the Ministry of Health, National Guard, private sector, universities, and so on. In order to lower the mortality rate for cardiac disease, we need to coordinate the services offered by different caregivers, so that a patient who is suffering from a heart attack can get to the closest hospital and receive intervention during the ‘golden hour’ (first 90 minutes) after the heart attack.
There have been some proposed solutions to network and integrate the advanced cardiac care in the Kingdom that are currently being discussed.

Why is it important for cardiology physicians to attend educational conferences and keep up with the latest research in the field?
As medical professionals, we need to keep up with the latest technologies, studies, and research papers that address our practices. This is a continuation of our education and training, because clinical trials as well as the way we manage patients change based on new sciences.
The only way to be able to acquire such knowledge is through meetings conducted in the region, such as the 5th Middle East Cardiovascular Disease and Intervention Conference at Arab Health 2013, where global leaders from all over the world are invited to give briefs of studies, consensus statements, and guidelines for the management of patients.
Physicians can attend the event and will be able to transfer the knowledge from the West to East. Additionally, there is regionally produced research that can be shared amongst the Middle Eastern countries as well as with the Western representatives.

Besides awareness, what should people do to avoid the problem of cardiovascular diseases?
The problem with awareness is that people are aware, but they do not act on what they know. If you asked people if exercise is good for your health, they would say ‘yes’; nevertheless, they do not exercise. Smoking is bad for your health – they would also say ‘yes, it is bad’ – but they will continue to smoke. The bottom line is: First, the actual piece of knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention should get to the public, but then practicing this becomes very difficult. Based on my experience, most people, at least in Saudi Arabia, may know that piece of knowledge of what helps to prevent cardiac diseases, but they do not practice it.

Email: life.style@arabnews.com


Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe

Updated 8 min 16 sec ago
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Recipes for success: Chef Ilias Doulamis offers advice and a tasty seafood recipe

DUBAI: Greek chef Ilias Doulamis is well-travelled and no stranger to the Gulf. Before taking on his current role, he worked at the Rosewood Al-Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh, the Grand Hyatt Muscat, and the Grand Hyatt Doha, among others — as well as restaurants in Paris and London. Now, he is the culinary director of the Conrad Abu Dhabi, and Hilton’s regional chef for the Arabian Peninsula.  

Here, Doulamis discusses the charms of citrus fruits, the importance of collaboration, and attention to detail. 

When you started out what was the most common mistake you made?  

Trying to do too much on my own. Early on, I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness. But since then I’ve learned that great kitchens run on collaboration and trust. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs? 

Focus on mastering the basics skills. They are the foundation of everything in the kitchen. 

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?  

Citrus! It instantly elevates a dish by adding brightness, balance, and depth. From orange, mandarin, lemon and lime right through to the most exotic sudashi, yuzu and pomelo, citrus is a magic ingredient. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food? 

I do, but I do it out of curiosity and passion — not judgment. And it’s not just the food. I notice everything: flavors, technique, the service, the ambiance, even the body language of the staff. All of these things are part of the experience of dining out. 

What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants? 

I’d say it’s lack of attention to detail — whether that’s the seasoning, the temperature, or the plating. Consistency is key to delivering a good experience, and it’s often the first thing to slip under pressure. 

What’s your favorite cuisine?  

I am from Kalamata and my favorite cuisine is Greek — hands down. It’s simple, honest food with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a deep connection to tradition. It’s really hard not to love! 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?  

A frittata. It’s quick, versatile, and always satisfying. You can toss in whatever’s in your fridge, and it’s still going to feel like a proper meal. 

What customer request or behavior most annoys you?  

Honestly, no request really annoys me. Guests have different tastes and needs, and part of our job is to make them feel welcome. It’s all part of the experience. 

What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?    

It’s tough to pick a favorite. I just really love cooking anything that lets me be creative and connect with people through food. That being said, I’m very lucky because my wife is an excellent cook too, so our kitchen is always full of inspiration and great meals. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?  

Some dishes are deceptively simple and incredibly hard to perfect. I’m thinking of things like a classic omelet, a risotto, or even fresh pasta. Simplicity really tests your skill. When there’s nowhere to hide, that when cooking can be at its most challenging. Your precision, timing, and technique have to be spot-on, and even the smallest misstep can throw everything off.  

As a team leader, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laid back?  

I’d say I’m firm but fair. Obviously, I believe in discipline and high standards, but I also believe in empowerment, mentorship, and leading by example. The best results always come from motivated team members who feel that they are respected and valued. 

Chef Ilias’ Greek-style citrus and olive oil marinated sea bass with fresh sea urchin 

Ingredients: 

Fresh amberjack  fillet, thinly sliced (sashimi-style) 

Fresh sea urchin (uni) 

Kalamata Extra virgin olive oil (high quality, fruity) 

Lemon and orange juice (freshly squeezed) 

Lemon zest 

Sea salt (preferably flaky) 

Fresh dill and chives (finely chopped) 

Cracked black pepper 

Instructions: 

Marinate the Fish: 
Arrange the sliced amberjack  on a chilled plate. Drizzle with a blend of lemon and orange juice, just enough to coat. Add a few drops of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a sprinkle of herbs. Let it marinate for 5–7 minutes. 

Top with Uni: 
Gently place fresh sea urchin lobes on top of the marinated fish. 

Finish & Serve: 
Grate a bit of lemon zest over the top, add a touch more olive oil, and finish with cracked pepper and a few micro herbs 

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Watch How’ cafe in Riyadh

Updated 16 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Watch How’ cafe in Riyadh

RIYADH: If you’re tired of overpriced cafes in Riyadh that look good but disappoint your taste buds, Watch How is a refreshing change.

This spot blends simplicity, quality and affordability — all wrapped in a calm, earthy atmosphere that feels like a slow morning in Europe. 

We started with their classic croissant for SR12 ($3.20) which was flaky on the outside, soft and buttery inside, with that perfect golden crispness.

Their cinnamon social for SR16 ($4.27) was warm, slightly gooey, and topped with just the right amount of icing — not overly sweet, just balanced.

The baked potato and cheese had a comforting, homemade vibe with creamy filling and a golden crust.

The ribbon cheesecake stood out with its rich cream cheese, jam swirls, and light biscuit base. And the French toast — a soft brioche soaked in vanilla custard, caramelized on the edges, and finished with powdered sugar — was indulgent but not heavy.

Their drinks are just as well thought out. The SR12 latte was smooth and bold, with a silky finish, while the matcha, which goes for SR23 ($6.13), had that perfect earthiness, not bitter, and frothed to perfection.

Watch How, with its welcoming staff, is a space that invites you to stay, sip, and enjoy without rushing.

So what’s the downside? The parking situation. It’s a small, popular spot — which means parking is almost impossible to find during busy hours. Not ideal if you’re in a hurry, but definitely worth the effort if you plan ahead.

For more, check their Instagram @watchhow.sa.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Isabel Mayfair’ Restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 15 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Isabel Mayfair’ Restaurant in Riyadh

  • The risotto zafferano — a concoction of carnaroli rice, bone marrow and a saffron emulsion — was creamy and the saffron was not too overpowering

In its first opening outside the UK, Isabel Mayfair has made its way to the Kingdom’s capital with a bang. The art deco, Gatsby-esque mansion is located in Riyadh’s bustling Al-Sulaimaniya district.

It offers terrace seating if you’re looking for a romantic spot or a girls’ night out-style cozy dinner.

We started with the tomato salad, which is a medley of seasonal tomatoes with labneh tahini dressing and red pickled onion — a fresh and simple way to kick off the meal.

We then opted for the lamb croquettes, made with slow-cooked lamb and served with aioli. The cheesy bites come in a crispy pastry with creamy filling and Parmesan snow. Although the appetizers were satisfactory, they were nothing out of the ordinary.

The risotto zafferano — a concoction of carnaroli rice, bone marrow and a saffron emulsion — was creamy and the saffron was not too overpowering. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of the local spice without too much of its complexity.

We ordered it alongside a 350 gram dry-aged rib eye steak, served with sweet potato puree and peppercorn sauce, which also pairs well with their smokey, roasted and grilled sweet potato and the broccolini with a spicy dressing and hazelnut. The steak was a definite highlight of the evening.

For desert don’t miss out on the tiramisu, which comes with an Instagram-worthy reveal. The sticky toffee pudding with warm toffee sauce and saffron ice cream is also a crowd-pleaser for a sweet ending.

Try not to miss their complementary cherry mocktail and sweet ’n’ spicy appetizer if you visit on a Wednesday.

 

 


How preventive healthcare is quietly driving sustainability in Saudi Arabia

Lifestyle habits like daily walks and wellness tracking may promote preventive care, easing healthcare’s environmental impact.
Updated 14 April 2025
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How preventive healthcare is quietly driving sustainability in Saudi Arabia

  • “Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to integrate health, wellness, and sustainability through a series of forward-looking initiatives aligned with Vision 2030,” said Zaher

RIYADH: As global conversations about sustainability expand, one sector is emerging as an unlikely player in the environmental movement: healthcare.

Experts say a growing shift toward prevention — rather than reaction — is not only improving personal health outcomes but reducing long-term resource strain on hospitals, supply chains, and the planet.

“Preventive care and longevity-focused medicine play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems,” said Dr. Walid Zaher, a Saudi scientist and founder of Rewind.

Dr. Walid Zaher, Rewind founder

“When individuals stay healthier for longer through early detection, lifestyle interventions, and personalized medicine, there is less need for resource-intensive treatments, hospitalizations, and pharmaceutical use — each of which carries a significant environmental footprint.”

According to Zaher, every reduction in high-intensity care translates to real-world savings in emissions, energy, and medical waste.

“Fewer medical interventions mean reduced energy consumption, lower emissions from healthcare facilities, and less medical waste,” he said. “By shifting focus from reactive to proactive care, we create a more efficient, sustainable healthcare model that benefits both people and the planet.”

Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to integrate health, wellness, and sustainability through a series of forward-looking initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.

Dr. Walid Zaher, Rewind founder

Dr. Ksenia Butova, founder of Detki Family Clinic and Molodost Clinic, agrees. She believes early diagnostics and family-centered wellness are not only medically superior — they are environmentally responsible.

“The costliest treatments — both financially and environmentally — come when disease is already in full swing,” she said. “Hospital admissions, emergency interventions, aggressive medications. But most of it can be prevented.”

She emphasized that check-ups today are no longer just routine, but predictive. “Conducting in-depth check-ups designed to detect diseases at their earliest, pre-symptomatic stages — or rule them out entirely — helps alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system,” Butova said.

Among the pillars of preventive medicine are targeted vaccination programs and ongoing wellness tracking — both of which lower overall consumption of antibiotics, emergency care, and overprescribed supplements.

“Nutrition science, mental health support, sleep optimization, hormone and micronutrient balancing — these are not ‘luxuries,’” Butova said. “They’re the new foundation of long-term health.”

The Kingdom is also investing in long-term well-being through national policy. “Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to integrate health, wellness, and sustainability through a series of forward-looking initiatives aligned with Vision 2030,” said Zaher. “From national events like Saudi National Sports Day to wellness-centered urban planning, the aim is to embed health and wellness into the fabric of daily life.”

On the technology front, digitization of care is helping clinics become more efficient and less wasteful.

“Clinics that operate paper-free are sustainable,” explained Butova. “Everything from scheduling and medical records to treatment plans and follow-ups becomes digital. Patients have easy access to their data, and doctors spend less time on bureaucracy and more time on meaningful care.”

She also noted that online consultations reduce traffic, emissions, and time lost to travel. “One Zoom consultation means one less commute through city traffic, one less plastic coffee cup, one less parking hassle,” she said. “It saves time, energy, and reduces our environmental footprint.”

Both experts also pointed to a growing trend: longevity tourism — the merging of high-end medical care with eco-conscious lifestyle services.

“Longevity tourism is increasingly becoming a natural extension of the broader eco-wellness movement — one that merges sustainable living with proactive health optimization,” said Zaher. “In regions like the Gulf, there’s a unique opportunity to position longevity tourism at the intersection of luxury wellness and sustainability.”

Butova confirmed the trend is already gaining traction. “People are flying to us from Russia and Kazakhstan for access to rare vaccines … From Europe, the UK, and the US, we welcome patients seeking comprehensive check-ups, personalized recovery programs, and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments,” she said.

Still, awareness remains a challenge. Both Zaher and Butova stressed the importance of education in shifting habits and norms.

“When we educate the public about the benefits of preventive health measures, sustainable diets, and active lifestyles, we can shift societal norms toward more eco-conscious behaviours,” Zaher said.

Butova added: “Public awareness is everything. Without awareness, even the most advanced medical system won’t work.”

Her clinics run webinars, host “health school” events for families, and engage with communities through live Q&As. “One of the most important missions of healthcare professionals is raising awareness about obesity and metabolic health … That shift alone changes lives and reduces wasteful, unconscious consumption,” she said.

At a time when sustainability often means sacrifice, these experts argue that in medicine, it is quite the opposite: the more proactive the system, the less wasteful it becomes.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Almay Cafe’ in Riyadh

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Updated 14 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Almay Cafe’ in Riyadh

  • The friendly and attentive staff further enhanced this inviting experience, making me feel right at home

Sip coffee amid waterfalls and lush greenery at Almay Cafe in Riyadh, which offers a tranquil and picturesque ambiance that stands out in the bustling city.

Upon entering the cafe, I was captivated by the atmosphere. With gentle sounds of flowing water and verdant plant life all around, it felt like stepping into a tropical rainforest, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or a casual meeting with friends.

I settled into a cozy spot and ordered a latte that was smooth and flavorful. The freshly baked croissant practically melted in my mouth.

The friendly and attentive staff further enhanced this inviting experience, making me feel right at home.   

However, my visit was not without disappointments. One area where Almay Cafe fell short was its limited menu options. With such a stunning environment, I was expecting a wider variety of beverages and food items. The cafe offers only a few types of coffee and minimal snacks.

Almay was, regrettably, not as family-friendly as I might have hoped. During my visit, I was celebrating a friend’s birthday with her children, but we were asked to leave as children were not allowed.

While these issues did put a slight damper on my experience, I still appreciated the ambiance that Almay offers.   

For those seeking a unique experience surrounded by nature, Almay Cafe is worth a visit.