CARDIOVASCULAR diseases have become the leading cause of death in Pakistan, with Coronary Heart Disease and Myocardial Infarction being the most common of all diseases. Due to an increase in environmental factors such as pollution the risk of such diseases is increasing day by day. According to the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association and National Health Survey conducted in 2011, maximum risk of developing CHD is highest in Pakistan across the world. Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 30 to 40 per cent of all deaths, with an estimated of 200,000 deaths occur per year due to CHD.

A total of 100 patients, suffering from heart diseases from three hospitals of Lahore which included Ganga Ram hospital, Mayo hospital and Sheikh Zayed hospital were enrolled in the study for a period of three weeks. Around 57pc of the patients were reported to be smokers, including both genders, mostly above the age 40.

According to the survey, 41pc of patients suffered from myocardial infarction. Angina was the second highest disease as its ratio was 28pc. The ratio of Acute Coronary Syndrome, Ischemic and Dilated cardiomyopathy was 8pc, 7pc and 6pc respectively. Acute inferior wall MI patients were just 4pc. In females, Ischemic Heart Disease had the highest ratio whereas in males, it was dilated cardiomyopathy.

For the cure of these cardiac diseases, a combination of drugs were given. Among these combinations, Sustac, Lowplat plus, Digoxin, Vastral, Nexum were given to 15pc patients. The Loprin, Plavix, Rostev, Sivab, Lexapram’s combination was given to 18pc patients. And Ramipace, Nezkil, Gouric, Galsan were given to 21pc.

However, these diseases can be prevented by taking precautionary measures such as increased physical activity, healthy diet with low cholesterol and salt intake. As smoking is the leading cause of heart diseases, tobacco intake should be eliminated. Awareness should be raised among people through seminars discussing the causes and hazards of cardiovascular diseases along with its prevention.

Ramsha Masood and classmates at Kinnaird College

Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2018