Distinguished Chinese cardiologist Dr. Zhang Xingwei has outlined ambitious proposals for improving Antigua’s cardiac care capabilities during a visit that included both academic engagement and high-level governmental discussions.

Expert Insights at UWI

Dr. Zhang, who serves as President of the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University and Director of the Hangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, delivered a guest lecture at the UWI Five Islands Campus cafeteria on Thursday, focusing on cardiovascular health in the under-30 demographic.

The veteran cardiologist, who has performed over 8,000 coronary interventions, identified several key challenges and opportunities for Antigua’s healthcare system.

Demographic Challenges

Reflecting on changes since his tourist visit seven years ago, Dr. Zhang highlighted a significant demographic challenge: “Usually, a cardiology team will need at least 300,000 people… only 100,000 people is not enough for a cardiological team.”

Key Recommendations

Dr. Zhang outlined several crucial proposals:

Infrastructure Development

• Establishment of a Chest Pain Centre with a catheterization laboratory
• Development of a coronary care unit for managing critical conditions
• Equipment upgrades for local clinics to handle mild chest pain cases

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Health Monitoring
   • Annual check-ups
   • Stress tests using medical treadmills
2. Dietary Control
   • Emphasis on vegetables and protein
   • Focus on fish and seafood
   • Reduced fat and salt intake
3. Exercise Regime
   • Minimum twice-weekly exercise
   • Varied physical activities beyond walking

Healthcare Partnership Prospects

During his week-long visit, Dr. Zhang explored potential partnerships between:

• Hangzhou Normal University
• Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC)

The Ministry of Health has reportedly responded positively to these initiatives, with plans to enhance diagnostic capabilities across local clinics while maintaining the hospital as the primary cardiac care facility.

Medical Insights

Dr. Zhang shared valuable clinical observations, including:

• Heart disease symptoms can manifest unusually, such as throat discomfort or dental pain
• The importance of specialized diagnostic facilities for accurate diagnosis
• The critical role of catheter-based interventions in treating blocked coronary arteries

“I find people working for government are working very hard,” Dr. Zhang noted, “and eager to make big progress.”

The visit marks a potential turning point in Antigua’s cardiac care capabilities, with proposed partnerships and infrastructure developments promising to enhance the nation’s healthcare services.

Source: Observer NewsCo Ltd