By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Writer

acadet@tribunemedia.net

As heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in The Bahamas, raising awareness about inherited cardiac disorders has become increasingly vital.

The team at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, a neighbouring healthcare provider to The Bahamas, is committed to educating Bahamians on the importance of understanding their family’s cardiac health history. 

In an interview with Tribune Health, Dr Tom Nguyen, director of minimally invasive valve surgery and chief medical executive of the institute, shed light on how knowledge of genetic heart conditions can help prevent severe outcomes, alongside new advancements in treatment.

Dr Nguyen believes common inherited cardiac disorders include arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and high blood pressure. These conditions, he said, can significantly impact heart function and overall health. 

“Arrhythmias can cause irregular heartbeats, while congenital heart disease involves structural abnormalities present at birth. Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood, and high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Dr Nguyen.

He highlighted the importance of being aware of your family’s cardiac health history, as it helps identify potential risks early on. 

“A family history of heart disease can indicate a higher likelihood of developing similar conditions, making regular check-ups and proactive management essential. Understanding these risks enables individuals to take preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes and early screening, to better manage their heart health,” said Dr Nguyen.

He said early detection is key to managing inherited cardiac disorders effectively, and identifying these conditions before symptoms develop allows for timely intervention, which can prevent or minimise damage and improve outcomes. Dr Nguyen said advances in diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatments have significantly enhanced the health institute’s ability to detect and address these issues early, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

“Minimally invasive heart surgeries involve smaller incisions and less trauma to the body compared to traditional open-heart surgeries. This approach often results in shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and fewer complications, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly. Advancements include minimally invasive valve replacement procedures and the use of bioprosthetic tissue valves. These methods offer reduced recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional open-heart surgery,” said Dr Nguyen.

He said access to advanced cardiac treatments can be facilitated through avenues like international medical centers, telehealth services, and collaborations with local healthcare providers. Dr Nguyen said increased awareness and education on available treatments can help improve access and outcomes.

Dr Tom Nguyen, MD, is an internationally recognised minimally invasive heart surgeon at Baptist Health. He is Barry T Katzen medical director endowed chair at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, and a professor of surgery at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

He is also board-certified in thoracic surgery and believes that small incisions make a big difference. His outcomes score is in the top 98.7 percent in the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.