1
0
Heart attacks and strokes have emerged as a significant global health challenge, responsible for a staggering 3.9 million deaths annually in the South-East Asia Region, including India, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). This distressing revelation comes as the world observes World Heart Day on September 29th, aiming to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote actions to prevent, detect early, and manage heart health, with the theme for this year being ‘Use Heart for Action’.
WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global health challenge responsible for over 18 million deaths each year. The burden is particularly heavy in the WHO South-East Asia Region, where CVDs account for 3.9 million deaths annually, primarily due to heart attacks and strokes. This represents 30 per cent of all deaths in the region, with nearly half of these occurring prematurely, before the age of 70 years.”
The heart, the vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s functioning by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste. Compromised heart function can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Wazed highlighted that the high burden of CVDs can be attributed to modifiable lifestyle practices such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets high in salt, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. She stressed the importance of drug treatment for hypertension, diabetes, and high lipids to reduce acute CVD events.
In the South-East Asia Region, alarming statistics reveal that one in four adults has raised blood pressure, and one in ten has diabetes, yet less than 15 percent of individuals with hypertension and diabetes receive effective treatment, according to Wazed.
Dr. S Venkatesh, Lead Consultant – Interventional Cardiology at Aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru, underscored the significance of ensuring heart health for a long and fulfilling life. Early recognition of warning signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats is crucial for prompt medical intervention, potentially saving lives.
Experts are urging the public to increase awareness and adopt heart-healthy habits, emphasizing that a healthy heart not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also boosts energy levels and overall quality of life. World Heart Day serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to prioritize cardiovascular health for a healthier future.
