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AKUH 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' Programme |
Experts Stress Early Prevention of Heart Diseases
"Coronary artery disease is spreading like an epidemic in our population.
The treatment is very costly and majority of our population cannot
afford it. Efforts, therefore, should be made towards preventing this
disease."
This was stated by Dr Fateh Ali Tipoo, Consultant Cardiologist at
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, while giving a presentation
on 'Primary Prevention for Heart Disease'. Dr Tipoo was speaking at
the 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme organised by the University
Hospital on July 2, 2005.
He stressed the importance of weight control diet, physical activity,
cessation of tobacco use and control of hypertension, diabetes and
dyslipidemia. He said, "Overweight or obesity is the crux of the problem
and diet appears to be the major player." He informed the audience
that for a healthy diet, it is important to keep refined carbohydrates,
saturated fats and caloric intake low. "It should be balanced and
intake should follow moderation," explained Dr Tipoo. Physical activity,
especially aerobic exercises, is important for coronary artery disease
prevention. It controls risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol
and sugars. Dr Tipoo described tobacco use in any form as bad for
the heart and suggested its prohibition at all levels. Advising smoking
cessation programmes for smokers, he said, "Every third Pakistani
over the age of 45 has hypertension, which is a major risk factor
for coronary artery disease." Salt restriction, physical activity
and weight reduction are important for controlling blood pressure.
In diabetic patients, the risk of coronary artery disease is greater
by 20 per cent in 10 years. Again, diet and exercise are important,
in addition to drugs. The same is true for cholesterol control.
The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session in
which the panelists included the cardiology consultants: Drs Ata Khan,
Javed Tai, Khawar Kazmi, Sajid Dhakam, and Sohail Abrar.
As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment of creating
awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised
over 180 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad
and the UAE, benefiting more than 37,000 people.
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