ISLAMABAD, April 7: It is alarming that youth and people below 40 years of age are coming to hospitals with cardiovascular diseases.

This was stated by cardiologist Dr Saeedullah Shah while addressing the participants of a health Mela organised by Shifa International Hospital to mark World Health Day here on Saturday.

Dr Shah said though hypertension was one of the serious issue it was manageable. When the size of blood arteries decreases they cause angina, while total blockage of arteries result in a heart failure. He suggested that blood pressure should not be checked while in anger or after heavy physical work. “Check it when you are sitting calm and then if it increases from 140 for three to four times then you can be at the risk of becoming a hypertension patient.” However, some medicines also cause increased blood pressure. He said losing every kilogramme weight decreased one point in blood pressure.

Dr Shah suggested healthy and simple lifestyle, use of simple food, cholesterol control, increasing use of fruits and vegetables, brisk walk for at least 30 minutes per day and quitting smoking and alcohol to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Abdus Salam said in heart failure or heart attack or any other emergency never try to diagnose the disease instead immediately contact the emergency service or any qualified doctor. He stressed that first-aid should be given to the patient before reaching the hospital.

Secretary Capital Administration and Development Division  Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said “every citizen should have complete heart screening and checkup once in a year to rule out possibility of any cardiac and other diseases so that he can play his role in the betterment of the country in most productive way”.

He said the capital was a city that offered a wide range of opportunities for physical activities and outing. There are dozens of tracks. He encouraged the citizens to utilise parks and other places and adopt simple and healthy lifestyle.