CAIRO - High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because in most cases it has no symptoms and therefore people need regular check-ups, especially after the age of 40. Increasing blood pressure rates lead to heart attacks and affects the brain and kidney as well as causing strokes. According to Dr Adel el-Attribi, head of the cardiac diseases department in Ain Shams University's school of medicine, hypertension afflicts 25 per cent of Egyptians. While the condition is easily treated, 15 per cent of those suffering from hypertension do not respond to the treatment, he remarked at a recent conference. Dr el-Attribi added that a study conducted recently showed that nerves feeding kidney artery produce hormone discharges resulting in high blood pressure, but this condition can be controlled by using a special catheter. This technique has contributed to decreasing high blood pressure by 30 degrees in six months and is effective with cases that have not responded to medication. This study was highlighted during the proceedings of the 39th conference of the Egyptian Society of Cardiology held recently in Cairo. During one conference session, Dr Ahmed Nassar, professor of cardiology, Ain Shams University stated that stem cells could be used through a special laboratory technique to treat patients who suffer from acute thrombosis and heart attacks. He explained that stem cells could treat damaged heart muscle that has been exposed too several acute thromboses and reform the damaged cells; consequently, the heart could resume its ability to pump blood efficiently. Dr Saeed Khaled, professor of cardiac diseases, Ain Shams University noted that the conference focused on research in the field of congenital defects in children, cardiac diseases in women, and new medication to treat heart clots and angina as well as updated diagnostic methods. He referred to specialisations of the Ain Shams cardiac department, such as dealing with the illnesses accompanying cardiac diseases including diabetes and kidney diseases. According to Dr el-Attribi, cardiac diseases are related to risk factors some of which cannot be controlled such as a family history of heart disease. However, there are controllable risk factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes and hypertension. He stressed the importance of people, particularly those above the age of 40, regularly exercising and practising sports (avoiding violent activities) to regulate the blood circulation and the rehabilitation of patients suffering with cardiac diseases, especially when recovering from heart attacks. Dr el-Attribi added that a healthy diet, such as the traditional balanced and relatively fat-free Mediterranean diet (using olive oil), is required for a sound heart. Fats represent a danger to the heart through their accumulation in the arteries forming sclerosis.
