Preventive Cardiology

Empowering Patients to Prevent Heart Disease through Education, Lifestyle Modifications, and Early Detection

Discover our initiatives, research, and personalized programs dedicated to heart disease prevention.

Introduction

The Preventive Cardiology Department is dedicated to providing comprehensive care focused on the prevention, early detection, and management of heart disease. Our team of expert cardiologists, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists work together to provide personalized, patient-centered care.

Through early screening, advanced diagnostics, and lifestyle counseling, we help our patients lower their risk of cardiovascular events, ultimately improving heart health and quality of life.

Mission and Expertise

Preventing cardiovascular disease through early detection and proactive interventions.
Advancing the field of preventive cardiology through research and evidence-based strategies.
Promoting heart-healthy lifestyles through nutrition counseling and exercise programs.
Offering comprehensive screening for high-risk individuals to prevent heart disease.

Areas of Expertise

Cardiovascular risk assessment and early detection.
Hypertension and cholesterol management.
Lifestyle interventions (nutrition, exercise, and stress management).

Smoking cessation programs.
Diabetes management and prevention of cardiovascular complications.

Departmental Committee

Team Members and Roles

Name	Qualification	Role
Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhar Ali Chaudhry	MBBS, FCPS (Medicine), FCPS (Cardiology), CHPE (NUMS), OJT Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation (USA)	Head of Department
Dr. Shazia Fatima Malik	MBBS, Dip. Cardiology	Preventive Cardiologist
Dr. Wajiha Waqar	MBBS, Dip. Cardiology, MCPS (Family Medicine)	Preventive Cardiologist
Miss Shagufta Naseer Abbasi	MSc Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy	Clinical Psychologist
Miss Sidra-tul-Qudsia	B.Sc (HONS) H.N.D., M.Sc (HONS) H.N.D., PGD Applied Psychology, B.Pharmacy	Clinical Dietitian
Miss Maryam Zahid	MSc Food and Nutrition, Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics, MS Public Health	Clinical Dietitian
Dr. Pakeeza Batool	DPT, MS Cardiopulmonary Rehab Therapy	Physiotherapist (Partly Involved)
Dr. Anoosha Aziz	DPT, Specialized in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation	Physiotherapist (Partly Involved)

Strategic Decisions

Expansion of the department in terms of infrastructure, human resources, and facilities.
Establishment of protocols and SOPs for streamlined operations.
Training of doctors and paramedical staff by renowned preventive cardiologist Dr. Khurram Nasir from Houston, Oklahoma, focusing on cardiac rehabilitation establishment.
Development of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program for entitled and CNE patients.

Novel Procedures

Two procedures are to be performed in AFIC in the near future for cardiac rehabilitation enrolled patients:

CPET (Cardiac Pulmonary Exercise Testing): This procedure will evaluate the level of cardiorespiratory fitness in the form of VO2 max (maximum oxygen capacity used by exercising muscles), which is the most important marker for prognosis of cardiorespiratory fitness in cardiac patients. Pre and post-cardiac rehabilitation (CR) VO2 max of patients will be assessed through this test. It will also provide the AHA fitness level of the patient.
Body Composition Analysis: This test will be done by a machine that estimates body fat percentage, muscle mass, waist-to-hip ratio, and visceral fat area. It will help assess the prognosis of patients pre- and post-cardiac rehabilitation, especially after exercise prescriptions and nutritional interventions.

Research Contributions

Our department is at the forefront of research in preventive cardiology, focusing on innovative techniques for early detection, lifestyle interventions, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

To see patient response to preventive measures in pre discharge lectures observational study
To see tolerance of high intensity statin (Rosuvestat 40 mg) in cardiac patients diagnosed with IHD and Post PCI and Post CABG both
Published Publications
The Predictive Value of CHADS-VASC Score in No-Reflow Phenomenon in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Management Of Infective Endocarditis In Tertiary Cardiac Care Hospital PAFMJ AFIC, 2016
The Predictive Value of CHADS-VASC Score in No-Reflow Phenomenon in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention PAFMJ Suppl 2022
Assessment of Lung Function using Spirometry and Radiological findings in Post Tuberculosis Cases Life and Science, 2020
Spectrum of Cardiac Arrhythmias During Initial 48 Hours of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients and their Association with in-Hospital Outcome PAFMJ, 2022
In-Hospital Outcome of Early Versus Late Coronary Intervention in Patients Undergoing Thrombolysis after Acute Myocardial Infarction PAFMJ AFIC, 2022
Emerging Role of 3.0 Tesla Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiating Cardiac Masses PAFMJ AFIC, 2022
Curative Benefit of Submucoperichondrial Resection Operation on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients of Deviated Nasal Septum PAFMJ, 2021
Patterns of LAD Involvement in Individuals Till 40 Years of Age Presenting as Acute Anterior Wall ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction and Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention PAFMJ, 2018
Procedural Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, An Updated Analysis of AFIC/NIHD CTO-PCI Registry PAFMJ, 2018
Frequencies of Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia in Patients of Malaria: A Hospital-Based Study PAFMJ, 2010
Treatment of Refractory No-Reflow in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; Role of Intracoronary Verapamil (A Case Report) PAFMJ, 2022
Dietary Perception and Knowledge Among Cardiac Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital Outpatient Department Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2024
Improving Nutritional Status of Children Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Mobile Application Post-Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2023
Cardiac Rehabilitation as a Dedicated Clinical Service: Recent Achievements and Remaining Challenges PAFMJ, 2022
Assessment of Dietary Pattern in Association with Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Middle Adolescents in Rawalpindi PAFMJ, 2022
The Effect of Artificial Intelligence on the Nutritional Status of Children After Cardiac Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial iProc, 2022

Achievements

Pioneering heart disease prevention programs in the region.
Collaboration with top universities and research institutes to advance preventive cardiology.
Accredited by leading health organizations for excellence in cardiovascular care.
Providing outreach programs for underserved communities to reduce heart disease prevalence.

Community Projects

Our department of Preventive Cardiology actively participates in various initiatives to raise awareness about primary and secondary prevention of cardiac and non-communicable diseases. These projects are designed to educate and inspire communities to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Collaboration with PANAH

Partnering with PANAH for annual events such as World Heart Day, Tobacco Day, and Mental Health Day. Preventive cardiologists from our team deliver lectures and talks to spread critical awareness about heart health and disease prevention.

Awareness Talks with Riphah University

Hosting yearly sessions with Riphah University to address non-communicable diseases. These programs focus on prevention and management strategies, benefiting students, faculty, and the wider community.

Health Awareness in Schools

Dietitians from our department regularly visit schools to give lectures on healthy dietary habits, encouraging children to embrace balanced nutrition and make informed lifestyle choices.

Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology / National Institute of Heart Diseases