The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi has launched a cholesterol (lipid) disorders clinic as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Speaking during the launch of the clinic, the hospital CEO Rashid Khalani noted that the hospital was continuously innovating and conducting solution-based research with the patient interests at heart.
“This is the first specialized lipid clinic in Kenya, established in response to the rising cases of heart disorders due to the adoption of a Western lifestyle, characterized by dietary changes and physical inactivity,” Khalani said.
“We aim to manage risk factors before they progress to heart disease, ensuring early intervention that is both convenient and cost-effective.”
Dr. Mzee Ngunga, the Lead Interventional Cardiologist at the clinic, said proper cholesterol management reduces heart attack incidences caused by blocked arteries.
“It also improves life expectancy without requiring complex medications that are typically prescribed for heart attack survivors,” Dr. Ngunga said, adding that lipid disorder treatment is lifelong.
He urged individuals to go for regular checkups, particularly if they have first-degree relatives under 40 to 50 for women who have suffered heart attacks.
Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) President Dr. Bernard Samia lauded the milestone and called for collaboration between the private and public sectors to enhance cardiovascular research and interventions.
“As KCS, we have conducted multiple studies on cardiovascular diseases, supported by many hospitals. With this clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital joins the list of contributors to lipid disorders data, which will inform treatment and prevention strategies,” Dr. Samia said.
He noted that hypertension rates in Kenya range between 16 and 21 per cent, influenced by urbanization and socio-demographic factors.
“Current trends show a rising burden of hypertension in the country, with figures ranging between 16 and 21 per cent, with urbanisation and social demographic differences playing a huge role in these figures. The question that we have to keep asking ourselves is how do we take care of the risk factors so that our patients get the right diagnosis, and treatment and take care of the complications”, said Dr. Samia.
The Lipid Disorders Clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, family physicians, nutritionists, specialist nurses, and pathologists.
Patients will have access to an assessment of cholesterol to determine the specific lipid abnormality, genetic tests to determine the underlying genetic defect, analysis of the results by an experienced team of cardiologists and family physicians for patient-centred management, appropriate dietary advice, and education on how to maintain cholesterol at acceptable levels.
The launch of this clinic is an addition to the hospital’s list of heart services portfolio that have contributed to the organization’s recognition as an accredited cardiac care centre of excellence in East and Central Africa.
