At the International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science 2026, a compelling oral presentation by Dr. Abdul Wahed Sidiqi of Kabul University of Medical Sciences brings forward rare and valuable data on congenital heart disease (CHD) from Afghanistan—a region where evidence has been historically limited.
This hospital-based study from Kabul demonstrates that childhood heart disease is not driven by biology alone, but is deeply influenced by socioeconomic status, parental health, and maternal nutrition.
🔑 Key Insights from the Study (In Points)
📊 Study Framework
Hospital-based case–control design
Conducted at Ariana Medical Complex, Kabul
Study duration: February–August 2025
Participants:
203 children diagnosed with CHD
211 children without CHD
Data captured using a 109-item structured questionnaire
Statistical rigor ensured through odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
🏠 Socioeconomic Determinants
Parental education emerged as a decisive factor:
Children of illiterate parents faced significantly higher CHD risk
Household income showed a strong inverse relationship with CHD:
Lowest-income families experienced the highest burden
Extended family living arrangements were associated with increased risk, highlighting household-level influences
👨👩👧 Parental Health & Lifestyle Factors
Elevated CHD risk linked to:
Maternal hypertension prior to conception
Underweight paternal status
Fathers being unemployed or self-employed before conception
Reinforces the importance of both maternal and paternal health before pregnancy
🥦 Nutritional Findings During Pregnancy
Poor maternal nutrition significantly increased CHD risk
Protective dietary practices included:
Folic acid supplementation
Calcium and vitamin D intake
Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables
Highlights nutrition as a modifiable and cost-effective preventive strategy
🌍 Broader Public Health Significance
CHD in Afghan children is strongly associated with preventable and modifiable factors
Findings support:
Strengthening antenatal and preconception care
Integrating nutrition programs into maternal health services
Aligning healthcare, education, and social welfare policies
Emphasizes prevention as a realistic solution in resource-limited settings
👨⚕️ About the Presenter
Dr. Abdul Wahed Sidiqi is a pioneering cardiologist in Afghanistan and founder of Ariana Hospital and Ariana Medical Complex. A Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology, he has introduced echocardiography training, BLS, and ACLS programs nationwide and has received international recognition, including the Best Oral Presentation Award (Cardio Hub 2025).
📅 Conference Snapshot
Event: International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science
Dates: March 26–28, 2026
Format: Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
Venue: Singapore
🔗 Website: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/
📝 Abstract Submission: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/abstract-submission
🎟️ Registration: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/register
#CongenitalHeartDisease #PediatricCardiology #MaternalNutrition #ChildHealth #GlobalHeartHealth
#CardiologyResearch #CardiologyConference #PublicHealthEvidence #HealthcareEquity #CardioScience2026




