Abstract
Background: The numbers of Hajj pilgrims are increasing yearly. During Hajj period of 1428H (2007G), cardiac problems have been reported as one of the commonest causes of admissions in hospitals. However, the data regarding the commonest presentations and types of cardiac diseases were not reported in the literature. Objectives: To identify the cardiovascular diseases in Hajj pilgrims for the year 1429H (2008G) In Mena Hospitals. To determine the proportion of heart diseases most common among the pilgrims, with a focus on patients with heart failure (HF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). It is known that patients who suffer from HF have elevated some of cardiac enzymes, that originated the idea of this research is trying to reach an early signs in patients with HF and try to diagnose their condition and refer them to a cardiologist early to treat and prevent complications of the disease. Methods: Analysis of the data was carried out for all patients, who were admitted at Mena Emergency Hospital over a period of 15 days in Hajj season 1429H (2008G). A questionnaire has been filled out and blood samples were taken from all patients admitted to Coronary care unit (CCU) and cardiology wards in the hospital. Results: A total number of 507 patients were admitted to the hospital including 120 patients with heart diseases, 85 of them were admitted in CCU and 35 in cardiology ward. The patients suffering from various cardiac diseases were in the following order: heart failure cases 70%; ischemic heart disease 20%; and valvular heart disease 10%. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) was significantly increased in all patients with heart failure. By analyzing the questionnaire in patients who have HF with high BNP we found that 80% of them admitted to the hospital after they perform physical effort and more than 50% of them had started the symptoms they have after they throwing pebbles. Conclusions: Most common cardiac diseases were found in hospitalized patients for Hajj 1429H, belonging to different countries over the globe. Circulating levels of the BNP can help in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and provide prognostic information not only in patients with HF but also the general population and other patient groups. The BNP test is used as an aid in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of heart failure (HF). BNP testing on clinical outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnea could be helpful and may lead to a decrease in admission rates and decrease in mean length of stay. The BNP test is also useful for the risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndrome. [Abdulhalim Salim Serafi and Abdulmonim Ahmad Alqasim. Cardiovascular Diseases in Mena Hospital during Hajj (1429H) at Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):591-596] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 83