‘Heart disorders behind 50% adult deaths in Pakistan’

[Naveed Yaseen]

KARACHI: Vice Chancellor Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Professor Masood Hameed Khan stressed upon the need to increase awareness regarding the heart diseases and their prevention in Pakistan.

He was addressing a seminar on Wednesday at DUHS.

The seminar was organised by DUHS to mark the World Heart Day on the theme of ‘How to take care of our employee’s health’.

Chairperson, Department of Cardiology DMC and CHK DUHS Prof Khalida Soomro on the occasion said that we are celebrating the 9th year of World Heart Day in Pakistan which came as a reminder of urgent need to address the problem raised by cardiovascular disease in Pakistan, where more than 50 percent of adult deaths are due to cardiovascular disorder which also claims to be 30 percent of all deaths. This seems to be very a highly alarming ratio in Pakistan especially in the productive year of life.

Risk of heart attacks can be reduced with confidence by remaining active through exercise, maintaining an appropriate weight, taking a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish and low in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, and finally by abstaining from harmful acquired habits like smoking, she advised.

Prof Azhar Faruqi highlighted the importance of World Heart Day. He urged to raise awareness among the masses regarding the cardiovascular disease and its prevention.

Prof Abdul Samad informed the audience that physical inactivity is considered a primary risk factor for coronary artery diseases and contributes significantly to the ageing of the heart, as it can lead to overweight and obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Prof Hamid Shafqat stressed upon the diet and termed it as an important component. He said that to prevent a heart disease and stroke, regular exercise, no smoking and have a healthier diet are must.

Prof Mansoor Ahmed, Prof Muhammad Ishaq, Dr Bashir Hanif, Dr Asad Pathan and Dr Imran also spoke on the occasion.

Later, Prof Soomro presented shield to the speakers. ppi

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg12_6