History of creation
The department was organized as the department of internal diseases of the faculty of advanced medical training in 2002 on the initiative of the famous scientist-therapist, academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Kazakhstan, doctor of medical sciences, professor, the first head of the department Seisembekov Telman Zeynullovich. The main activity of the department until 2019 was the training of specialists and advanced training of doctors of the therapeutic profile. Subsequently, the department was merged with the department of internal diseases of the bachelor's degree and internship and in 2020 it was allocated as a separate department of cardiology. From 2002 to 2022, the department was headed by MD, Associate Professor Zhusupova G.K. Since 2023, the department has been headed by the Chief freelance arrhythmologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President of the Kazakh Society of Arrhythmologists, Member of the Committee of National Societies EHRA ESC, Head of the Arrhythmology Center of the BMC UDP, MD, Professor Ayan Suleimenovich Abdrakhmanov. Under the supervision of A.S. Abdrakhmanov, 6 PhD and 2 master's theses were defended; author of more than 100 scientific papers.
On October 4, 2024, by the decision of the Academic Council of the «MUA» NJSC, the Heart Rhythm Research Institute was established. The Chief Freelance Arrhythmologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, President of the Kazakh Society of Arrhythmologists, Member of the Committee of National Societies EHRA ESC, Head of the Arrhythmology Center of the BMC UDP, MD, Professor Ayan Suleimenovich Abdrakhmanov was appointed Director.
The clinical activities of the Research Institute are carried out at five clinical sites of the department: Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital No. 1, Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital No. 2, Medical Center of the UDP RK, Central Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the NNMC. The employees of the department provide consultations and supervision of patients, effectively introduce new methods of diagnosis and treatment. The main areas of scientific activity are the study of molecular genetic, clinical and therapeutic features of diseases of the cardiological profile. Since 2018, the department has trained 6 PhDs and 8 Masters of Medicine. Currently, 6 dissertations for the PhD degree are being completed.
The mission
of the Research Institute of Arrhythmology is to use knowledge, accumulated experience and corporate intelligence to create an advanced center for scientific research, diagnostics, treatment and education in the field of cardiac arrhythmias.
The goal
is to provide high quality educational services and medical care based on cutting-edge scientific research and to ensure public awareness of cardiac arrhythmias.
The tasks set:
organization and implementation of high-level educational and scientific-methodological work, conducting scientific research, introducing innovative technologies, using advanced methods of treating arrhythmias, creating simulation centers and laboratories for practical training of doctors in catheter ablation skills, implantation of devices and other methods of treating arrhythmias.
Functions
Research:
1) Carrying out fundamental and applied research in the field of arrhythmology.
2) Research and implementation of innovative technologies, such as navigation mapping, ablation and implantation of devices, in the treatment of arrhythmias.
3) Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of new methods of treating arrhythmias in real clinical practice.
4) Development of new methods of diagnosing and treating arrhythmias.
5) Study of molecular genetic mechanisms of arrhythmia development.
6) Analysis of prevalence, features of the course and outcomes of various forms of arrhythmias among the population of Kazakhstan.
7) Identification of risk factors for the development of arrhythmias, their correlation with demographic, social and clinical indicators.
8) Forecasting trends in changes in the epidemiological situation for arrhythmias based on statistical research and modeling.
9) Transferring the results of fundamental research into clinical practice in order to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of arrhythmias.
10) Creating interdisciplinary teams that bring together scientists, clinicians and engineers to jointly develop new methods and technologies.
11) Creating databases for monitoring and analyzing treatment results, long-term patient observation and developing national recommendations on arrhythmology.
Clinical practice:
1) Implementation and standardization of advanced methods of arrhythmia diagnostics, including electrophysiological examination, navigation mapping and high-resolution electrocardiography.
2) Creation of specialized diagnostic departments, centers and laboratories equipped with modern equipment.
3) Application of advanced methods of arrhythmia treatment, including catheter ablation, implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as new pharmacological approaches.
Follow-up patient monitoring:
1) Development of a remote monitoring system for patients with implantable devices and life-threatening arrhythmias.
2) Organization of regular consultations for patients with chronic forms of arrhythmia to monitor and correct treatment.
3) Creation of a patient database for long-term monitoring, analysis of treatment results and prediction of outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Approach:
1) Strengthening ties with related specializations (cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, pediatric cardiology, resuscitation) for an integrated approach to patient treatment.
2) Preparation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for patients with concomitant diseases.
Education and advanced training:
1) Development of educational programs in arrhythmology for medical universities, adapted to modern standards and scientific achievements.
2) Preparation and conduct of training sessions, according to the developed State Educational Standards
3) Implementation of interactive teaching methods, including virtual laboratories and simulators.
4) Conducting regular courses and trainings on current issues of arrhythmology for doctors of various specializations.
5) Organization of internships in leading clinical and scientific centers abroad.
6) Creation of simulation centers and laboratories for practical training of doctors in catheter ablation skills, device implantation and other methods of treating arrhythmias.
7) Conducting master classes and practical training with the participation of leading experts from Kazakhstan and other countries.
8) Organizing competitions and olympiads in arrhythmology to stimulate interest in the specialty among young doctors.
Achievements
Since the establishment of the department, a large number of physicians of the therapeutic profile have undergone advanced training at the department, doctors have been trained in the specialties of "Cardiology", "Functional diagnostics", "Pulmonology", "Endocrinology". Doctors and candidates of sciences have been trained, 6 doctors have been trained and received PhD degrees and 8 doctors have received master's degrees in medicine. Graduates of the residency of the department, cardiologists successfully work in various medical institutions of Kazakhstan.
The department took part in the international clinical study of phase 3 SIGNIFY, first conducted in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2009, and in the international clinical study QUALIFY in 2013.
In 2016-2017, the department carried out the research project "Improvement and implementation of the point system for establishing disability taking into account the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)" funded by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In 2018-2020, the department participated in and successfully completed the implementation of the grant project of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan initiated by Professor T.Z. Seisembekov. "Comprehensive prevention and reduction of mortality from major cardiovascular diseases in the context of primary health care, taking into account the climatic, meteorological and environmental factors of the region." Since 2015, an annual school on "Clinical Electrophysiology and Interventional Arrhythmology" has been held - a conference for cardiologists with a demonstration of current modern operations and lectures from leading arrhythmologists from Europe, the USA, Turkey, Russia, China, Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Since 2019, all members of the Kazakh Society of Arrhythmologists have been full members of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and since that year the school has been called “EHRA in Kazakhstan”.
Under the supervision of Abdrakhmanov A.S. 6 PhD and 2 master's theses were defended; author of more than 100 scientific papers;
2018–2020 – Global Cryo AF Register;
2016–2018 – Registry of remote monitoring of patients with implanted Re-Homing devices;
Since 2021 – ALLARA Registry for ablation without fluoroscopy;
In 2012, for the first time in Kazakhstan, catheter ablations were performed in children, including infants;
For the first time in Kazakhstan, catheter ablations without fluoroscopy were introduced in pregnant women and electrode extraction in patients with suppuration of the bed and electrode fractures;
On August 22, 2017, for the first time in the history of the CIS, a Micra VR (Medtronic) leadless pacemaker was implanted in a patient with grade 3 AV block;
2019 - for the first time in the CIS, operations were performed with the HD-Grid multipolar electrode;
2020 - for the first time in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, a subcutaneous defibrillator was implanted;
August 12, 2021 - for the first time in the CIS and Turkey, a Micra AV (Medtronic) leadless pacemaker with a 2-chamber stimulation function was implanted;
August 17, 2021 - for the first time in the CIS, pulmonary vein cryoaballation operations were performed with the POLARx cryoconsole (Boston Scientific);
October 19, 2021 - for the first time in the CIS and Eastern Europe, operations were performed with the EnsiteX (Abbott) navigation system;
2021 – received recognition and the title of Distinguished Member of the American Heart Rhythm Society (USA), Distinguished Member of the European Society of Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association.
2023 – completed scientific project of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan: “Gene polymorphism and sensitivity to new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in the Kazakh population”
Since July 2024 – President of the Heart Rhythm Society of the Silk Road Countries (Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia).
He is a member of the editorial board of the journals Heart, Vessel and Transplantation (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), Bulletin of Arrhythmology (St. Petersburg, Russia), Science and Healthcare (Semey, Kazakhstan)
Participates in regional and international clinical studies as a principal investigator:
1) prospective, international, multicenter, non-randomized study: «AALARA»;
2) prospective, international, multicentre, study: «Global Cryo AF study»;
3) CRP - Collaborative Research project "Identification and functional characterization of novel genetic mutations causing dilated cardiomyopathy in patients of Kazakhstan", co-director.
In 2023, the staff of the Department of Cardiology developed an Educational Program for a certification course in the specialty "Interventional Arrhythmology", which is aimed at mastering competencies in the field of interventional arrhythmology, improving the quality of diagnostic and treatment services. This program lays the foundations for the relationship between theory and practice.
On October 17-18, 2024, a summit was held under the auspices of the World Arrhythmia Society and the European Heart Rhythm Association "Central Asian Arrhythmia Summit" dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Astana Medical University, where leading arrhythmologists from all over the world gathered.
Also in 2024, a Roadmap for the development of arrhythmology service in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025-2027 was developed.
On March 17, 2025, a new clinical base of the Heart Rhythm Research Institute was established within the National Coordination Center of Emergency Medicine.
Based on this foundation, the Heart Rhythm Center was created. Its main activities include the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the conduct of scientific research in the field of arrhythmology.
The Head of the Heart Rhythm Center is Ayan Suleimenovich Abdrakhmanov, MD, PhD, Professor, FHRS, FESC, FEHRA, MBA, Director of the Heart Rhythm Research Institute.
Contacts
Astana, 14 Hussein bin Talal Street, National Emergency Medicine Coordination Center, 3rd floor, Heart Rhythm Center
6 Ryskulova Street, Multidisciplinary City Hospital No. 2,
3rd floor, Cardiology Department.
Tel.: 8 778 888 87 93
e-mail: abdrakhmanov.a@amu.kz
