Durdans Hospital introduces good heart, good health screening

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in Sri Lanka. 

Heart disease includes stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the most common.

The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among individuals, along with poor nutrition and eating habits and rising cholesterol levels, is a lethal concoction for the heart. 

However, heart disease is preventable, and the key to managing heart and vascular disease is managing risk factors such as high total cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and smoking.

Consultant cardiologist at Durdans Heart Centre, Dr. Naomali Amarasena says, “Regular screenings are important, because they may help to find risk factors in the earliest stages, when they can be treated appropriately. The treatment could include lifestyle changes and medications, as determined by the physician.”

The frequency with which screening should be done against heart disease depends on the risk profile of the patient. Dr. Naomali further explains: “There are risk models where you can assess a person’s risk. If it’s a low risk individual even once in five years may be appropriate whereas a high-risk individual should increase the frequency. This further depends on age and family history.”

By bringing together cardiac services onto one site, Durdans Heart Centre has established itself as Sri Lanka’s leading centre of excellence for adults with congenital heart disease. Affiliated with global leaders in cardiac care, Durdans Heart Centre has performed the highest number of beating-heart surgeries in the country since its inception, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its modifications in all types of adult and pediatric cardiac cases.