PESHAWAR, Nov 28: Doctors at a seminar urged participants to carry out scientific research with a view to provide best possible treatment to patients with cardiac disorders.

"It is high time that we arrange seminars, workshops and symposiums to create public awareness regarding preventive measures against heart problems, which are spreading at an alarming speed," said Dr Abdul Samad, chief executive of the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), while speaking at the concluding session of a workshop held here on Saturday.

The workshop - Advanced and basic life support course -was held under the auspices of the cardiology ward of the LRH, wherein 30 people, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, took part.

Dr Samad was of the view that the life style of people had changed, which had exposed them to host of coronary diseases. He said most of the cardiac patients died despite undergoing expensive treatment regimes.

"The only solution lies in the fact that we should impart training in cardiology to medical professionals with a view to spread awareness among people and also ensure best possible treatment," he said, adding that prevention was a best choice.

Cardiologist Dr Mohammad Hafizullah stressed the need on sensitisation of the people on the factors contributing to heart disorders. He said smoking, unbalanced diet and lack of exercise affected hearts.

"The western countries had overcome the growing number of cardiac patients only through proper medical education. Our problem is that lack of health education is taking its toll," he said.

Another cardiologist, Dr Adnan Gul, said the purpose of the course was to prepare hospital staff to treat patients in a better way. He said the even the most serious patients could be saved, if the staff was trained on modern lines.

Cardiologist Dr Hikmatullah Jan said they had been trying to impart training to additional staff because the number of patients was increasing. "For this purpose, the cardiology department has chalked out a programme under which short and long-term courses would be arranged for the staff," he said.