Coronary heart disease contributes to the development of angina and heart attacks and is the leading cause of death in both the developed and developing world. An epidemic rise in its incidence has recently been noted in the developing world. Changing lifestyles with urbanisation is considered to be a key factor for this change.
Although the basis of this disease has not been completely understood, large scale research has identified certain risk factors that lead to heart diseases. The risk factors that can be changed or controlled include high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, such as high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking and tobacco use, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity. While there are chances that coronary heart disease can be significantly reduced by working aggressively on such modifiable risk factors, there is an increasing need to create awareness amongst the general public.
To address this need, the Cardiology Section of Aga Khan University (AKU) organised a Health Awareness Mela on September 28, 2003, on the occasion of World Heart Day. The mela was organized at Medical College Courtyard of the University from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. It will be open for general public and admission is free. Activities under this year’s theme ‘Women, Heart Disease and Stroke’, and included a seminar on various aspects of heart disease by consultants from different medical specialities. Stalls by pharmaceutical companies offered free blood pressure, blood cholesterol and sugar estimation. Physiotherapy/Cardiology rehabilitation teams from AKU offered tips on exercise and fitness.
Coronary heart disease contributes to the development of angina and heart attacks and is the leading cause of death in both the developed and developing world. An epidemic rise in its incidence has recently been noted in the developing world. Changing lifestyles with urbanisation is considered to be a key factor for this change.
Although the basis of this disease has not been completely understood, large scale research has identified certain risk factors that lead to heart diseases. The risk factors that can be changed or controlled include high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, such as high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking and tobacco use, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity. While there are chances that coronary heart disease can be significantly reduced by working aggressively on such modifiable risk factors, there is an increasing need to create awareness amongst the general public.
To address this need, the Cardiology Section of Aga Khan University (AKU) organised a Health Awareness Mela on September 28, 2003, on the occasion of World Heart Day. The mela was organized at Medical College Courtyard of the University from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. It will be open for general public and admission is free. Activities under this year’s theme ‘Women, Heart Disease and Stroke’, and included a seminar on various aspects of heart disease by consultants from different medical specialities. Stalls by pharmaceutical companies offered free blood pressure, blood cholesterol and sugar estimation. Physiotherapy/Cardiology rehabilitation teams from AKU offered tips on exercise and fitness.
