Cardiology Basics
This word means high blood pressure.
Hypertension
How do you greet someone politely for the first time?
Hello, nice to meet you. / Good morning, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
Name one food that is good for heart health.
Oats, fish, nuts, fruits, or vegetables.
What tests do you recommend for a patient with suspected heart failure?
I would recommend an ECG, an echocardiogram, and blood tests including BNP levels.
What is the capital of Rwanda?
Kigali
This test records the electrical activity of the heart.
An electrocardiogram (ECG)
What do you say if you don’t understand an accent?
I’m sorry, could you repeat that more slowly, please?/ I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?
What type of fat is considered healthier for the heart?
Unsaturated fats (found in olive oil, nuts, avocado).
How do you decide which patients need medication versus lifestyle changes first?
It depends on the severity of their symptoms, their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall risk factors.
What languages are spoken in Rwanda?
The official languages are Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili.
Name one symptom of heart failure
Shortness of breathe, fatigue, swelling in the legs, rapid heartbeat
How do you ask for directions politely?
Excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to [place]? / Can you help me find [place], please?
This nutrient helps reduce cholesterol levels.
Fiber (especially soluble fiber from oats, beans, fruits)
What is the best way to monitor a patient after a heart attack?
We follow up with regular check-ups, blood tests, ECGs, and sometimes stress tests, depending on the patient.
What is Rwanda famous for in terms of wildlife?
Rwanda is famous for mountain gorillas, especially in Volcanoes National Park.
This word means reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Ischemia
How do you order food and ask what’s in it?
I’d like the [dish], please. Could you tell me what’s in it? / What ingredients are in the [dish]?
How do you explain that small changes can still improve heart health?
Even small changes, like walking more, eating more vegetables, or reducing salt, can make your heart stronger and healthier over time.
How do you explain the risk of heart disease to younger patients?
I explain that lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking habits can affect their long-term heart health, even if they feel healthy now.
What is a traditional Rwandan dish?
A traditional dish is Isombe, made from cassava leaves and sometimes served with plantains or rice.
Explain ejection fraction in one clear sentence.
Ejection fraction shows the percentage of blood the heart pumps out of the left ventricle with each beat.
What do you say if you missed your bus or train?
Excuse me, I just missed my bus/train. Could you tell me when the next one comes?
Give simple dietary advice to a patient with high cholesterol.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. Try to eat less fried food, red meat, and foods high in saturated fat.
What are the common side effects of statins, and how do you manage them?
Common side effects include muscle aches and mild digestive issues. We monitor liver function and adjust the dose if necessary.
What is Rwanda’s nickname because of its geography?
Rwanda is called the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ because of its hilly landscape.