ISLAMABAD: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the world, claiming 17.9 million lives a year. That’s a third of all deaths on the planet and half of all non-communicable-disease-related deaths.

Around 85pc of these deaths are due to heart disease and stroke, Chief of Cardiology at Shifa International Hospital Dr. Asad Ali Saleem said.

“Looking after your heart means taking small but meaningful actions: eating a balanced diet, undertaking regular exercise and quitting smoking - all the things that make you not only healthier but also able to enjoy your life to the fullest,” he said.

In a statement, he said Pakistan’s population has one of the highest risks of coronary heart diseases in the world. In Pakistan, 30pc to 40pc of all deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are key risk factors for heart diseases.

Despite its prevalence, it is possible to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases with lifestyle changes. For instance, 30 minutes of brisk walk along with a healthy diet can reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Saeedullah Shah said that 80pc of premature deaths from cardiovascular diseases could be avoided if the four main risk factors; tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol were controlled. Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke kill 6 million people a year and are estimated to cause nearly 10pc of cardiovascular diseases.

“Exposure to secondhand smoke kills 600,000 people every year; 28pc of them are children. Within two years of stopping smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced. Within 15 years, the risk of cardiovascular disease returns to that of a non-smoker,” he said.

Health expert Dr Mehmood Zeb 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 cardiovascular diseases and also for early cure of patients with cardiovascular diseases. A healthy heart is vital for living life to the fullest, regardless of your age or gender.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2019