According to medical records from health clinics and hospitals nationwide, around 15,000 heart attacks a year are recorded in the Dominican Republic. Just over half are fatal, usually because the victims do not receive treatment in time.
According to Dr. Jose Manuel Puello, the director of Collective Health at the Ministry of Public Health, more patients would be saved if they get to the hospitals in time and are treated within the first 90 minutes after the attack occurs. Statistics show that fewer than 10% of attacks that are attended in the first 90 minutes have fatal consequences, as reported in El Caribe.
Puello announced a workshop on 25 and 26 February 2015 to instruct the general public and doctors and health professionals on how to prevent, deal with a heart attack and reduce mortality.
The seminar will take place at the Santo Domingo Sheraton Hotel in coordination with the Cardiovascular Center of Cedimat and with the sponsorship of Dr. Mario Garcia of the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.