RIYADH — Physicians and hospital systems in Saudi Arabia now have access to an innovative program that leverages the latest science and technology to provide education, resources and practical tools needed to prevent cardiovascular diseases in individuals at risk throughout the country. The American College of Cardiology (ACC), working with the Saudi Heart Association (SHA), on Tuesday launched a series of forums for physicians on cardiovascular disease prevention. The forum focuses on common risk factors for cardiovascular disease and proven strategies to help patients mitigate risk. Topics include risk assessment techniques and treatment guidelines. On stage, speakers from the United States joined local Saudi speakers for lecture style presentations and audience discussion. The audience includes cardiologists and general practitioners viewing not only in-person at the Riyadh broadcast venue, but also virtually from sites in Jeddah and Dammam. "As René Dubos famously stated, we need to ‘think globally, act locally.' To be effective in changing the culture around treating and preventing heart disease, you have to reach clinicians where they live and practice and beyond a single intervention," said Daniel José Piñeiro, MD, FACC, Chair, American College of Cardiology Assembly of International Governors. "We are committed to working with our colleagues in Saudi Arabia to implement this program in a way that achieves maximum impact and furthers the college's mission to prevent cardiovascular disease and improve patient care on a global scale." "Treatment of cardiovascular disease will always be a top concern, but at the Saudi Heart Association we are shifting our focus more and more toward prevention. We are pleased to partner with the ACC to highlight and promote this crucial approach to patient care among physicians throughout Saudi Arabia," concluded Prof. Hussam Al Faleh, president of Saudi Heart Association. The program is part of a larger ACC cardiovascular disease prevention program designed to reach thousands of doctors not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in Egypt, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China. Program curricula are customized to local healthcare challenges and needs through extensive consultation with ACC's network of international chapters, as well as surveys and outreach among local healthcare professionals. Subsequent forums in this series will explore the implications of specific risk factors and health conditions on cardiovascular disease prevention. The program, supported by Pfizer, aligns with a broader effort in Saudi Arabia, known as Vision 2030, to improve healthcare access, quality, and patient outcomes. "Cardiovascular disease is a major burden in Saudi Arabia. We are confident that this collaborative effort between Pfizer, the Saudi Heart Association, and the American College of Cardiology to address primary prevention is an important step to improve the health and well-being of individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease in Saudi," said Dr. Mohamed Fathy, medical director of Pfizer Saudi Limited. "The global partnership between Pfizer and the ACC to address cardiovascular educational needs underscores our commitment to decrease the global burden of this disease," said Salomon Azoulay, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, Pfizer Essential Health. "We are excited to bring our program to Saudi Arabia as part of our efforts to improve cardiovascular patient outcomes globally."
