Cardiovascular disease top killer today: health experts

Call for choosing a healthy diet, being physically active and not smoking

ISLAMABAD: Residents of the capital on Saturday were warned against sedentary lifestyle and urged to indulge in outdoor activities, regular exercise and healthy diet to avoid cardiovascular diseases.

The myth that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the disease of the affluent does not hold true. Indeed the prevalence of this problem is universal without any class bounds and the consequences are frequently more devastating for those who live in impoverished third world countries.

On World Heart Day, cardiologists advised people to cook and eat more healthily, to exercise more often and encourage their children to be more active, to say no to smoking and help loved ones keep their hearts healthy and beating.



They were addressing a seminar on Saturday to mark World Heart Day. Doctors, medical students, patients and people from all walks of life attended the seminar. A free lipid profile test was also offered to the participants.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the world, killing 17.5 million people a year. That’s a third of all deaths on the planet and half of all non-communicable-disease-related deaths.

Around 80% of these deaths are in low and middle income countries where human and financial resources within the nation are too scarce to address the CVD burden, said Shifa International Hospital (SIH) Consultant Cardiologist Dr Asad Ali Saleem.

Dr Saleem 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. Controlling the major cardiovascular risk factors, by choosing a healthy diet, being physically active and by not smoking can prevent heart attacks and strokes and may help the heart to age more slowly.

He said the myth that it is the disease of the affluent does not hold true. Indeed the prevalence of this problem is abundant and the consequences are frequently more devastating for those who live in impoverished developing countries, he stated.

SIH Consultant Cardiologist Dr Yusuf Hasan 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. It’s about reminding yourself, the people you care about and individuals all around the world, “What can I do right now to look after my heart… and your heart?”



He added that this year we're asking people around the world to make a promise ... for my heart, for your heart, for all our hearts. A promise as an individual to cook and eat more healthily, to do more exercise and encourage your children to be more active, to say no to smoking and help your loved ones stop any unhealthy habits in their lifestyle. A promise as a healthcare professional to save more lives.

SIH Consultant Cardiologist Dr Saeedullah Shah said that when you look after your heart it means eating and drinking well, exercising, stopping smoking; all the things that make you not only healthier, but also feel good and able to enjoy your life to the fullest. World Heart Day plays a crucial role in changing all of this. It is a vital global platform that we, as well as our members and supporters, can use to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action now. Together we have the power to reduce the burden of, and premature deaths from CVD, helping people everywhere to live longer, better, heart-healthy lives.

Cooking and Home Décor Expert Kokab Khawaja who was the guest of honour at the event, shared healthy eating recipes for a healthier heart with the audience. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2018.