‘Heart diseases rise in absence of balanced diet, exercise’
PHOTO: FILE
Heart diseases are on the rise in Pakistan as people do not care for a balanced diet and exercise, like citizens of developed countries do, remarked health experts on Tuesday.
Separate awareness walks were organised at the Dow Ojha Campus, Dow Medical College (DMC) and Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital to mark World Heart Day.
DMC Cardiology Department Chairperson Prof Nawaz Lashari stated that it used to be elderly people who suffered from heart disease, but now it's rising among youngsters as well. He highlighted smoking and chewing tobacco as a major reason for this.
Prof Lashari stressed on healthy physical activity for good cardiatric health. "Every person should get in the habit of walking for 45 minutes daily as it can help prevent heart diseases."
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hypertension League General Secretary Dr Mohammad Ishaq said that the consumption of junk food in the country, the use of elevators, and other similar facilities that reduce physical activity, were also leading to cardiac issues. "We should use the stairs, it will not only help us control cholesterol but also diabetes," he said, while encouraging exercise and sports for children.
Exercise strengthens the heart, said Dr Ishaq, adding that 20 per cent of the country's population suffers from high blood pressure, 10 per cent has diabetes, and 30 per cent of the population is obese. These ailments lead to heart diseases, he remarked. The coronavirus has also increased the risk of heart complications, he observed.
With regards to the pandemic, Dow University of Health Sciences Registrar Dr Ashar Afaq urged people to maintain at least six feet distance with others, wear face masks and exercise daily. "By following these guidelines we will not only save ourselves from the disease but also our loved ones and society," he said.
It is the responsibility of parents, teachers and everyone, especially the media, to guide all towards a healthy diet and encourage exercise, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2020.