HEALTH organisations in many countries, especially in the United States, recognise February as the month of heart health awareness. The importance of heart health and significance of celebrating this month has been increased in the last few decades due to rising number of deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases.

Around 80 per cent of deaths are reported from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Heart Federation and the World Health Organisation endorse the month of heart health to bring forward accelerating factors for these non-communicable diseases and control them.

The main risk factors for the heart are sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, smoking, and air pollution. Physical activity is a foremost step for strengthening heart muscles, controlling weight, and keeping away high blood pressure, cholesterol and elevated blood sugar which are the leading causes of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week for a healthy lifestyle.

The role of a healthy diet in reducing the risk of developing coronary heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure and in controlling weight is imperative. A balanced diet is the only way to get all the nutrients necessary for growth and maintenance.

Smoking is a primary risk factor for heart disease; one out of every five smoking-related death is due to heart disease. According to AHA, quitting smoking can reduce 50pc chances of repeated heart attacks and other heart ailments.

Policy changes and public health actions by the government and private sectors are essential to create awareness for the masses to prevent heart diseases. Healthy physical activities and competitions, such as walking, running or cycling, should be promoted. Parks and community centres need to be equipped with exercising equipment to attract youngsters. A modified healthy lifestyle is the key to cardiac health.

However, there is also a need for early screening of heart diseases for public, while dietary guidelines should also be provided to support cardiovascular health and general wellbeing at all socio-economic levels for a healthy Pakistan.

Tabinda Ashraf Shahid
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2022