On the World Heart Day, Medical experts across the globe stressed the need to create public awareness about the risk factors of heart disease and promote preventive measures. World Heart Day was marked on Sunday with the theme `Know Your Risk' which highlighted the ways to help people better understand their personal risk for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension.
Talking to PTV, Dr Akhtar Ali Bandesha, Heart Specialist at PIMS, said heart disease mostly occur between the age of 35 and 55. The disease occur due to blockade in the arteries that provide blood to the heart chambers. Smoking, stressful life style, excessive weight, high blood pressure and sugar were among the main reasons of heart disease, Dr Akhtar said.
Dr Akhtar Ali said that regular exercise, no smoking and a healthier diet, low in salt and fat and rich in fibres, fresh vegetables and fruit are essential to avoid heart risk. However, it is necessary to understand the reasons and preventive measures must be adopted to avoid the heart risk, he emphasised. Although the number of affected people by high blood pressure is predicted to increase by 50 per cent over the coming years. But the disease can be prevented by adopting suitable lifestyle changes, he opined. The level of risk for heart disease and stroke is a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable factors, of which high blood pressure is one of the most important.
Heart disease and stroke are amongst the world's largest killers. The day was marked with different activities including free heart health screenings, walks, runs, fitness events, public talks, scientific forums and exhibitions.