The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, has launched a dedicated lipid disorders clinic to address the growing concern of heart disease in Kenya.
This specialized clinic aims to provide comprehensive care for patients with abnormal cholesterol levels, focusing on early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment plans.
“This is the first specialized lipid clinic in Kenya, and we started it because of the realization that heart disorders are on the increase as a result of our adoption of a Western lifestyle characterized by poor diet and physical inactivity,” said Rashid Khalani, CEO of the Aga Khan University Hospital.
“We believe in proactive care. We don’t want to wait for patients to develop heart disease; we want to manage risk factors beforehand. This approach is ultimately more convenient and cost-effective in the long run.”
Dr. Mzee Ngunga, the clinic’s lead interventional cardiologist, emphasized the importance of cholesterol management in preventing heart attacks.
“Good cholesterol management will significantly reduce the incidence of heart attacks caused by blocked heart arteries, which has become increasingly common in our population,” Dr. Ngunga said.
“This will also improve patient life expectancy and reduce the need for more complex and invasive treatments.”
The clinic emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together cardiologists, family physicians, nutritionists, specialist nurses, and pathologists to provide comprehensive patient care.
Services include cholesterol assessments, genetic testing, expert analysis of results, personalized treatment plans, dietary advice, and education on maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Dr. Bernard Samia, President of the Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), commended the hospital’s initiative. “As KCS, we have conducted numerous studies on cardiovascular diseases, and we recognize the vital role of such specialized clinics,” Dr. Samia said.
“Data collected from this clinic and others will be invaluable in informing our treatment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases across the country.”
Dr. Samia also highlighted the rising burden of hypertension in Kenya, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management.
“Current trends indicate a significant increase in hypertension prevalence, ranging from 16 to 21 per cent, influenced by factors like urbanization and social demographic changes,” he stated.
“We must prioritize identifying and managing risk factors to ensure our patients receive the right diagnosis, treatment, and care.”
The launch of the Lipid Disorders Clinic further solidifies the Aga Khan University Hospital’s position as a leading cardiac care centre of excellence in East and Central Africa.