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Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death in Pakistan
Karachi, September 25, 2005: Obesity is a worldwide health issue
and the scope of this is not limited to the developed world only.
Considering the rising trend of obesity and its role in causing
heart disease, the theme for World Heart Day 2005 is 'Healthy Weight,
Healthy Shape'. In this connection, a programme was organised by
Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, in collaboration with Pakistan
Cardiac Society and Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society.
The event featured a health mela including free blood pressure,
sugar, cholesterol and height and weight (Body Mass Index) checkups,
followed by a public awareness seminar where renowned specialists
addressed the general public on the topic.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr Khawar Kazmi, Head, Section
of Cardiology at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), said that
cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Pakistan.
Dr Kazmi gave reference of World Health Organisation's (WHO) worldwide
figures stating that a heart attack occurs in every three seconds,
and a stroke in every four.. He observed that, "Cardiovascular disease
is responsible for 18 million deaths around the world, 80 percent
of which occur in the developing countries. Being overweight or
obese, particularly if weight is carried around the abdomen, is
a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke, reducing the
likely age of a first heart attack by between four and eight years.
Maintaining a healthy weight and body shape dramatically reduces
this risk."
Dr Aamir Hameed, Senior Instructor and Consultant Cardiologist,
AKUH, said while speaking on 'Exercise for the Heart' that although
heart disease is a multifactorial entity caused by many risk factors,
lifestyles and environmental determinants, obesity is one factor
that affects all the other risk factors. He observed that, "Obesity
is on the rise in the world due to sedentary lifestyles coupled
with inappropriate eating habits. In Pakistan, we need to change
our mindset, and become a physically active and health conscious
nation."
Dr Salma Badruddin, Professor and Consultant Nutritionist, AKUH,
in her address titled 'Health through Diet' which was presented
by Dr Aisha Khan, emphasised that daily physical activities and
workout, intake of fat, grains, protein, and vegetables and salt
should be carefully planned. Dr Fahim Jafary, Assistant Professor
and Consultant Cardiologist, AKUH; Professor Azhar Faruqui, Executive
Director, National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD);
and Professor Abdus Samad of AKUH also spoke on the occasion, discussing
various measures to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
AKUH has been organising public awareness campaigns and health
activities on World Heart Day since the I inception of the programme
in 1999. These activities are a part of AKUH's 'Smart Heart Programme',
which continuously works for the prevention of cardiovascular disease
in the country.
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