Cardiology in Marrakech

Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart. It is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such conditions as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and much more. Doctors who specialize in this branch of internal medicine are known as a cardiologist.

What Does Cardiology Involve?

Cardiology involves tests, including electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart, exercise test to see the changes of heart rhythm, echocardiogram that provides an ultrasound picture showing the structure of the heart, and cardiac catheterization to collect data and help relieve a blockage. There are numerous different treatments within cardiology for various different heart disorders, such as valvuloplasties, angioplasties, stenting, congenital heart defect corrections, as well as coronary thrombectomies. Nearly all treatments for heart diseases are major surgery and are performed under general anesthetic. 

How Long Should You Stay in Marrakech?

Your length of stay in Marrakech depends on which procedure you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for several days and also to stay in the country for an additional fourteen days or until your cardiologist allows you to travel home.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

The recovery period can be different from one person to another, depending on your overall health and any complications. You should expect to progressively regain your energy and go back to your normal activity level in about four to eight weeks after treatment, particularly following surgical treatments. 

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, either with your cardiologist in Marrakech or in your home country. You must make some lifestyle adjustments after you recover, including eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake, to prevent future heart disease or complications. Your cardiologist may recommend you to get a cardiac rehabilitation, which will improve your health after treatment and help you recover after surgery.

What is the Success Rate for Cardiology?

Generally, the success rate depends on the specific procedure and your specific condition. Cardiology has helped millions of people around the world and if performed by experts, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, just like any other treatment, there are some risks to be aware of, such as bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm problems, blood clots, infection, valve dysfunction, and death.

Are there Alternatives to Cardiology?

Those who suffer from heart disorders do not have any other alternatives besides going to a cardiologist. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery or take any medication, you need to talk to your surgeon for the best alternative for your specific case.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Disorders of the heart can be dangerous, life-threatening, cause painful symptoms, and interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. After you have been treated by a cardiologist, you may be cured of your disease and your symptoms are relieved. 

Cardiology in and around Marrakech

About Marrakech

Located to the north of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. Found nearly a thousand years ago, this city is where Africa, the Middle East, and Europe fuse into one. It is widely known as the red city because of its famous red walls, alleys, and plazas. The city offers a rare opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in culture, where modern and ancient merge in a perfect balance. Just like many Moroccan cities, the medina in Marrakech is too beautiful to be missed. 

Marrakech has the perfect environment for relaxing and rejuvenating, which is one of the reasons why many medical tourists seek health treatments in this beautiful red city.  The medical facilities in the city offer outstanding quality with the latest technology and a wide range of treatments. Healthcare in this city is considerably cheaper than in Western countries and many people are also attracted to Marrakech because it is known to excel in modern plastic surgery. The most sought-after procedures are liposuction, nose jobs, breast lifts, and ear surgery. Other treatments such as dental care, spa, and wellness are also popular.

Popular Areas in Marrakech

This exotic city has everything for everyone, whether you want to indulge in its culture and history or have a luxurious and modern vacation.

• Djemaa El Fna is the most famous square in Morocco that attracts tourists from all around the globe. Often referred to as the heart of Marrakech, the square is a thrilling place to go shopping and get a closer look into the Moroccan culture. However, the real excitement starts when the sun sets and the square is transformed into an Arabian fantasy. It will be filled with fortune tellers, snake charmers, monkeys, and musicians, making it an interesting place to have fun and experience new things. 
• Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest madrasa in Morocco and one of the most important in North Africa. Built around 500 years ago, the Quranic learning center still retains its splendid beauty. It is said that up to 900 students have lived in the building to study law and theology. In 1960, it was turned into a museum and one of the most popular sights in Marrakech. Tourists can enjoy a striking view of architecture and decoration as its wall and columns have astonishing carvings, the large patio is made of marble, and the inner courtyard is decorated with mosaics.
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a must-visit for any fashion enthusiast and the museum exhibits selected masterpieces of haute couture clothing and accessories made by the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from 1962 until his retirement in 2002. Designed by Studio KO, the building itself is impressive with terracotta brick and earthen-colored terrazzo. The museum consists of a 150-seat auditorium, bookstore, a research library, and a terrace café.
• The Bahia Palace means brilliance in Arabic and it is a fascinating well-preserved historical site in Marrakech. It consists of a palace and a set of gardens which was built in the late 19th century. The building perfectly captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style.

Weather and Climate in Marrakech

Marrakech mostly experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Spring starts in March and ends in May, with flowers blossoming and the temperature is between 15 °C at the lowest and 28 °C at the highest, spring is one of the best times to visit the city. If you’re planning to visit during this season, note that April and May have occasional rain showers. June to August are the summer months which can get extremely hot and the average temperature is around 26 °C to 30 °C, but it can increase to 36.8 °C. It is best to stay in the shade from noon to 3.00 PM when the sun is at its hottest. 

The temperature will slowly decrease in the Autumn months of September to November. This season is also one of the best seasons to travel and have some outdoor adventures in the red city. Although the summer is remarkably hot, the winter in Marrakech is cold as the temperature sometimes plummets to 6 °C. This season runs from December to February and it is also the wettest season as rain is most predominant in December.

Getting Around in Marrakech

The main international airport serving Marrakech is the Marrakesh Menara International Airport. The airport operates domestic and international flights. It has two passenger terminals in one large building that serve flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Budget airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air provides affordable options to travel to and from the red city.  

Taxis are widely available throughout the city. It is also one of the most efficient and flexible ways to get to the main sites and there are two kinds of taxis in the city. The Grand taxis are old Mercedes cars that can carry up to six people and have a specific route with a fixed fare. Tourists can find the grand taxis at the bus station or Djemaa el Fna. Petit taxis are a private taxi, and the drive will take you anywhere. These taxis are metered and can be a little more expensive than the grand taxis. There are drivers who do not use the meter so you should bargain or ask the driver to switch the meter on before you get into one.

Buses are the most inexpensive way to get around. Tourists can find them in the central bus station of Place El Mouarabitene, and most buses will stop at the Djmaa el Fna. Tourists can pay the fare directly to the driver. If you want a more traditional and interesting way to get around, you can opt for the caliche and it is a horse-drawn carriage with a fixed price for the most common routes. 

Tourist Visas in Marrakech

There are around 66 countries granted visa-free access to Morocco for up to 90 days, including the European Union, Australia, China, Russia, and the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Mali do not require a visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization in advance. It is best to always check the current regulations at the nearest Moroccan Embassy or Consulate before applying for a visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and the exchange rate from 1USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs can be found all over the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in top-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be obligatory sometimes. 
3. Local Language: Modern Standard Arabic and Berber is the official languages and French is widely spoken. English is not common but there will be people who can speak English especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The majority of the population follows Islam. There are also people who follow Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith.
5. Public Holidays: Islam religious holidays such as Islamic New Year and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated in Marrakech.