On the afternoon of November 23, Vinmec Times City International Hospital organized the second meeting of its Gather for Heart Failure Patients with the participation of many cardiovascular experts. The meeting has provided its members with a wealth of useful information.
More than 60 club members were former patients who received cardiovascular examination and treatment services at Vinmec Times City Hospital and those interested in heart failure. Throughout the meeting, the members share their thoughts and concerns while also listening to Vinmec experts’ advice on treatment and healthcare. For the first time, the meeting welcomed the participation of Associate Professor Do Doan Loi - Vice President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, Senior Advisor of Vinmec Hospital System, and Dr. Vikram Palanivel from the University of Pennsylvania - one of the top 8 universities in the US.
Experts share essential knowledge regarding heart failure, which includes: early detection, treatment compliance, appropriate lifestyle, and advanced diagnostic and treatment methods at Vinmec. Associate Professor Do Doan Loi talked about the prevention of heart failure, its risk factors, and current treatment options for heart failure. With experience in providing daily patient care, Specialist Level 2 Doctor Pham Tuyet Trinh, Head of Inpatient Unit, Cardiovascular Center of Vinmec Times City International Hospital, shared some guidelines on nutrition, exercise, psychology, and how to discuss with family members to help patients live "peacefully" with their illness for a long time.
At the age of 75, with a long history of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure for many years, Mr. Nguyen The Ban underwent coronary artery bypass surgery at Vinmec Times City Hospital in September 2019. After this major surgery, Mr. Ban's health has improved significantly. He has been a member of Vinmec’s Club for Heart Failure Patients since its establishment, and he has always wanted to gain more knowledge about staying healthy.
“I want to send my deepest thanks to the doctors and nurses at Vinmec Cardiovascular Center. In addition to treating patients, they also organize events where we can receive very specific advice and guidance. When I returned home and told my family about what I learned, everyone liked it and encouraged me to attend meetings regularly”, said Mr. Ban.
Heart failure is a consequence of many common diseases, such as hypertension, coronary artery, diabetes, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, etc. The disease causes many disastrous results, especially in the later stages, such as severe symptoms, negative impacts on quality of life, and high mortality.
In Vietnam, heart failure is a burden for patients, families, and society. However, the community's understanding of heart failure remains modest, and the treatment methods at many medical facilities have not been updated, affecting the control and treatment of this disease.
In such a context, to improve management and treatment quality for patients, Vinmec Times City has established the Heart failure specialist clinic. When patients are diagnosed with heart failure, they will have their health monitored regularly and receive treatment and care according to standard American guidelines. The clinic will also strengthen education and communication programs, thereby raising awareness and understanding of heart failure in the community.
Vinmec's Club for Heart Failure Patients is a result of such a communication program. Its meetings will be organized quarterly to continuously update guidance on diagnosis and treatment and provide a platform to share lifestyle advice with heart failure patients.
