My acquaintance with cardiology and catheterization consultant Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rashdan is limited. I have met him only once for a few minutes. However, from family and friends, I know that he is a distinguished cardiologist who is kind and is highly skilled in his work.
Recently, Dr. Al-Rashdan has been active in sharing informative interviews and short videos, in which he clarifies many aspects of heart health that patients often overlook. He revealed that heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death, surpassing even cancer and road accidents.
Dr. Al-Rashdan highlighted that conditions such as diabetes and obesity have a particularly dangerous impact on the coronary arteries. He also emphasized that the heart never stops working from before birth until death, with its valves opening and closing approximately 100,000 times a day. Dr. Al-Rashdan explained that many people with high blood pressure feel anxious when their readings are elevated. This anxiety is often unnecessary, as the high reading may result from testing under improper conditions.
Complete relaxation is essential, free from worry or distractions, and certainly not during meals or after an argument. He also noted that some people worry about losing muscle mass during weight loss, but this concern is generally unfounded, as some muscle loss is a natural part of the process. Muscle can be preserved by increasing protein intake and performing weight training exercises. Dr. Al-Rashdan emphasized that blood pressure medications are beneficial and come in various forms with different effects. He indicated that 90 percent of people with high blood pressure require two types of these medications to control their blood pressure, and some may need three.
Dr. Al-Rashdan went on to explain that acid reflux is often misdiagnosed. In many cases, it is not caused by the esophagus but by blocked arteries in the heart, particularly in people with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, smokers, and the elderly. These individuals should monitor their condition by having their coronary arteries checked. He said the common belief that cholesterol medication must be taken before bedtime is both unnecessary and unhealthy, as modern medications are often more effective when taken in the morning.
Dr. Al-Rashdan also noted that coffee is not only safe for the heart but can be beneficial, and it is recommended to drink it daily in moderation. Some may comment on this advice by asking — what if future research shows that coffee is not beneficial for the heart? The answer is simple. Medical science was not as advanced ten years ago as it is today. Modern science can now produce precise research results that were previously unavailable. Until new evidence emerges, the latest discoveries, medical or otherwise, remain the best course of action.
By Ahmad alsarraf
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