The Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Cardiology Center has a vascular surgery survival rate of over 99%. Photo: Juventud Rebelde

CAIBARIÉN, Villa Clara.—Cuba has achieved a heart surgery survival rate of over 95%, including coronary and vascular operations and those linked to congenital heart defects, a figure which places the island among the most advanced countries in this field. The information was provided during the Cardiovilla 2015 International Congress, which is being held in the Euro Star Hotel in Cayo Santa María.

According to statements by Dr Eduardo Rivas, president of the Cuban Society of Cardiology, the result corresponds to the will of the Cuban government to improve the population’s quality of life, together with the efforts of the existing cardio-surgical network across the country.

He also revealed the excellent results in pediatric heart surgery, with a high rate of effectiveness, as a result of early diagnosis of sick children, with immediate intervention before the disease develops.

He stressed that heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Cuba, hence the importance of the work carried out by the 600 doctors who make up the Society of Cardiology in combating these conditions.

The president of the Cuban Society of Cardiology acknowledged the work of the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Cardiology Center, which hosted the event, an institution that has the best indicators of the country in the majority of the measurable parameters in this field, including a survival rate for vascular surgery of over 99%.

The event, which brings together cardiac surgeons and other specialists, began on Thursday, October 8, and will continue until Saturday morning. 278 delegates from 21 countries are attending, to discuss various topics of interest related to the specialty, Dr. Raul Dueñas, director of the Cardiology Center, based in Villa Clara, explained.

Among the main topics to be addressed are cardiac and vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac imaging and all areas relating to preventive care.

The event will also see the presentation of products from several leading international firms in the manufacture of equipment and supplies for the treatment of heart disease.