KARACHI, Sept 30: As developed countries are witnessing a decline in heart related diseases, the situation is quite the reverse in underdeveloped ones, including Pakistan, where it is regarded as a major killer.

Adequate treatment facilities, controlling improper dietary habits, the allocation of substantial funds by the government, creating awareness among the masses for pursuing exercise related activities, and above all, running a sustained campaign against the menace of smoking in society, especially among the youth, are ostensibly the major factors which may help in lowering the ratio of heart related deaths, which currently stand at a precarious level.

In the wake of the prevailing critical phase of heart related diseases which is afflicting an overwhelming segment of the population in the country, and the as the cost of treatment has gone beyond the reach of the common patient, World Heart Day was observed on Monday at Arag Auditorium, Dow Medical College (DMC).

The occasion was organized jointly by the Department of Cardiology, DMC, and the Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK).

Prof Dr Mohammad Sharif, former Director National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Karachi and eminent heart specialist in his lecture highlighted changing trends of heart disease during the last few years the world over.

“In western countries, it is fast declining, while (it is) critically high in underdeveloped ones, which signifies a dangerous scenario and needs to be taken care (of) by health managers and planners of affected countries.”

Citing the example of Finland, he said that in the early 60s, it was regarded as one of the countries with maximum mortalities caused by heart related problems, but on account of pursuing effective strategies and executing proper planning, they succeeded in curtailing the deaths ratio substantially.

“If we continue pursuing (a) similar approach from now on, it would take us another 20 years to overcome the burden caused by the death of precious lives.”

Ironically, he said, in Pakistan, the number of young heart patients has been reported on the high side, and there appears to be no effort by the government to undertake measures to counter this situation. Besides, funds allocated in the health sector for mitigating the sufferings of the masses were never properly utilized, and the preventive role was always overlooked.

“There is no enhancement in (the) number of beds earmarked for heart patients (since the) early 50s at Civil Hospital, while the number of patients visiting the hospital for seeking treatment has gone up manifold during the period of time, while diagnostic facilities remain static” he pointed out.

While hinting at the high cost involved in different processes of heart treatment, he said that it involves a cost of Rs75,000 for conducting the angiography process, which is beyond the reach of a common person.

“We always take the plea of resource constrains, but in fact, countries with less GNP spend more on health and education if drawn a comparison with Pakistan. We do not need big institutions, but to upgrade existing ones for which (the) government should provide substantial funds”.

He lamented that the population of Karachi had crossed the 15 million figure, but only the NICVD and a small centre at CHK were available in the public health sector to offer any solace to the overwhelming number of heart patients.

Dr Sharif also underscored the exigency for the establishment of satellite centres and upgrading existing dispensaries across the province with the objective that the patient does not have to travel long distances during an emergency.

He also pointed out the lack of teaching facilities at the majority of medical colleges, and said that none of them are properly equipped to provide knowledge related to cardiology related problems.

Sindh Chief Secretary K.B. Rind, in his presidential address, said that Pakistan is listed among the few countries where the prevalence of deaths caused by heart related diseases is alarmingly high.

“The only way to counter this perilous situation lies in observing maximum precaution towards our dietary habits, avoid smoking and take to exercise, as we are living in a society afflicted by (a) lot of pressure, which directly affects our body.”

He lamented that most people take a healthy body and heart as granted, while in the current situation, its is incumbent upon all to look after not only our bodies, but all other related organs which contribute in ensuring working of the heart as normal.

Prof Soomro, Head of Cardiology Department, CHK, said that more than 50 per cent of maternal deaths in the country are caused by heart diseases. She termed this an alarming ratio.

“More than 5 per cent of schoolgoing children suffer from heart diseases, which is (a) most depressing situation” she added.

Dr Khalida said that weight control and stopping smoking can contribute significantly to the prevention of heart disease.

“Mothers should educate their children about (the) lethal aspects of heart disease and the habits which promote (it), as these measures would go a long way (in) imparting information to children from an early age, as there (is an) apprehension that by the year 2020, the number of patients suffering from heart diseases would double”.

Prof Illahi Buksh Soomro, Principal DMC, also spoke. Medical Superintended, Dr Naushad Sheikh and the representative of UNICEF, Sindh also attended.—PPI