ISLAMABAD: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the world, claiming 17.9 million lives a year. That’s a third of all deaths on the planet and half of all non-communicable-disease-related deaths.
These views were expressed by Dr. Asad Ali Saleem, Chief of Cardiology at Shifa International Hospital.
He said that around 85% of these deaths are due to heart disease and stroke, adding that looking after your heart means taking small but meaningful actions: eating a balanced diet, undertaking regular exercise & quitting smoking – all the things that make you not only healthier but also able to enjoy your life to the fullest.
He said that Pakistan’s population has one of the highest risks of coronary heart diseases in the world. In Pakistan, 30% to 40% of all deaths are due to CVDs. High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart diseases, he added. Despite its prevalence, it is possible to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases with lifestyle changes. For instance, 30 minutes of brisk walk along with a healthy diet can reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke, Dr. Asad Ali Saleem Stated.
Dr. Saeedullah Shah (Consultant Cardiologist SIH) said that 80% of premature deaths from CVD could be avoided if the four main risk factors; tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol were controlled. Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke kill 6 million people a year and are estimated to cause nearly 10% of CVDs. Exposure to secondhand smoke kills 600,000 people every year; 28% of them are children. Within two years of stopping smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced. Within 15 years, the risk of CVD returns to that of a non-smoker.
Dr. Mehmood Zeb (Consultant Cardiologist SIH) said that cardiovascular disease is caused by disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and includes coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, peripheral artery disease and heart failure. He stressed on quitting smoking to prevent CVD and also for early cure of patients with CVD. A healthy heart is vital for living life to the fullest, regardless of your age or gender.
Dr. Assad Akbar Khan (Consultant Cardiologist SIH) said that cardiovascular disease is the world number one killer today. But it doesn’t need to be this way. By making just a few small changes to our lives, we can reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improving our quality of life and setting a good example for the next generation.
He added that this year we’re asking people around the world to be Heart Heroes by making a heart promise… A promise to our families to cook and eat more healthily, A promise to our children to exercise more and help them to be more active, to say no to smoking and help our loved ones to stop, A promise as a healthcare professional to help patients give up smoking and lower their cholesterol, A promise as a policymaker to support policies that promote healthy hearts, A promise as an employee to invest in heart-healthy workplaces, A simple promise … for MY HEART, for YOUR HEART, for ALL OUR HEARTS.(INP)
