8% deaths in Pakistan attributed to cardiovascular diseases

KARACHI:

Cardiovascular diseases are affecting Pakistanis nearly a decade earlier than those in Western countries, due to unhealthy habits, said Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz Lashari, President of the Hypertension League, during a symposium on heart disease awareness. Organised by Dow University of Health Sciences and Help International Welfare Trust, the event highlighted the growing prevalence of heart diseases due to poor lifestyle choices.

Dr Lashari emphasised that heart ailments not only impact the heart but also the brain and kidneys. He stressed the importance of workshops and exercises for heart attack management. The symposium also saw contributions from experts such as Dr Muhammad Ishaque, Dr Ghulam Abbas Sheikh, and Dr Tariq Farman, who pointed out that adopting healthier lifestyles could significantly reduce heart disease rates.

Dr Khalid Bhatti, Associate Professor at NICVD, noted that 8% of deaths in Pakistan are due to heart diseases, primarily caused by obesity and smoking. He highlighted that smoking significantly narrows blood vessels, increasing the risk of both cancer and heart disease. Dr Bhatti also raised concerns over the rising use of modern smoking alternatives like e-cigarettes and vapes among young people.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Tariq Ashraf provided insights on accurately measuring blood pressure and highlighted the importance of lifestyle modifications to prevent heart disease. Dr Noman Kake Poto linked obesity to premature heart-related deaths, explaining how it leads to conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Other speakers, including Dr Kaleemullah Sheikh, stressed the importance of physical activity, advising at least 150 to 300 minutes of exercise per week to improve cardiovascular health.