ISLAMABAD: Health experts at a seminar at Shifa International Hospital on Monday underscored the need for adopting an active lifestyle to prevent cardiac diseases.

They said heart diseases were one of the leading causes of death among adults between the age of 40 and 60.

The seminar was organised to mark World Heart Day.

“Heart diseases are common, costly and deadly. Everyone must get their heart regularly checked to prevent cardiac disease,” said consultant cardiologist Asad Ali Saleem.

He explained that a certain level of cholesterol was essential for the human body to function properly but when the cholesterol level exceeded that amount, plaque built up. The blood cholesterol level should be kept at a healthy level, he added.

“The buildup of plaque narrows the arteries. As a result, clotting occurs impeding the blood flow. This is a very serious condition that can result in a heart attack,” said Dr Saleem.

He warned that if a person has diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, is obese or a smoker, the risk of heart diseases was higher.

He said patients should consult their physicians and get a recommended diet plan to keep their cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control.

“We should keep a check on consumption of fats and salt as these are the two main causes of high cholesterol and blood pressure,” he added.

Cardiologist Saeedullah Shah told the audience that obesity can also lead to heart diseases, so we should cut down our daily calorie consumption and adopt a more active lifestyle.

“Smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption can all contribute to heart diseases. People who smoke should especially try to quit smoking to prevent future problems.”

Ms Saba, a dietitian, recommended consumption of fruits, pulses, whole grains and nuts. The intake of sugar and salt should be limited and iodised salt is preferable.

Similar views were expressed by doctors at an event at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) where former Commandant of Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) Major General Azhar Kiani said that young people between the ages of 19 and 25 had started coming to hospitals with cardiovascular disease.

He blamed smoking and junk food as the major reasons for this alarming trend and added that lifestyle changes are needed among young people to prevent cardiovascular disease.

“Young people today are increasingly living unhealthy lives confined to their rooms with laptops and mobile phones. They don’t exercise enough and consume fast foods and sugary drinks, all of which contribute to increased cholesterol levels in the blood. As many as 800 patients come to the out-patient department of RIC which is reflective of the prevalence of heart disease,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC) also held a walk at Holy Family Hospital to mark the World Heart Day. A large number of doctors, medical students, paramedical and nursing staff members participated in the walk. Speakers reiterated the message that the rate of heart diseases prevalence is alarming and needs immediate attention.

Professor of Cardiology Fayyaz Ahmed Shah said that this fatal ailment can be prevented by taking a balanced diet and just walking for 40 minutes every day.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Raja Mehdi Hassan reminded the audience that every cigarette takes away 12 minutes from a person’s life.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2014