Unhealthy diets, inactivity chief reasons for heart diseases

CDA official says public awareness very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases


Our Correspondent September 25, 2017
To mark the World Heart Day doctors, students and health conscious people participated in a hike organised by Shifa International in Islamabad. Photos: express

ISLAMABAD: Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are among the top factors which lead to the prevalence of major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

This was stated by Shifa International Hospital (SIH) Consultant Cardiologist Dr Asad Saleem at a hike organised by the hospital to mark World Heart Day.

“Major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and use of alcohol,” Dr Saleem said.

A large number of doctors, university students and locals joined for the hike on Trail 3 of Margalla Hills. They held up placards highlighting this year’s theme ‘Share Your Power’. Sanaullah Aman, Member Environment and the executive director general of the CDA stressed that we should seriously think about what we can do to keep ourselves and our family safe, healthy and well.  “Each and every one of us is the most valuable resource of our beloved country.”



Aman added that public awareness was very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. He further said that most heart-related diseases can be successfully treated and complications avoided.

But for this, he suggested, there was a need for the government to join hands with the public, general physicians and policymakers in an effort to promote health education, especially related to heart diseases in Pakistan.

SIH Chief Operating Officer Aziz Jan said that the objective behind the hike was to educate people about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and how to prevent and control them.

He advised people to adopt a routine of physical activities such as walks and exercise for maintaining good health and for reducing the chance of disease, disability and premature mortality.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2017.

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