“Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death globally. And, therefore, effective preventive measures against the disease need to taken in societies worldwide,” Dr Anees Thajudheen, consultant at the Heart Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said at a seminar in the city last week.
Delivering the keynote address on World Heart Day programme, jointly organised by Friends Cultural Centre (FCC) and Mediaplus, an advertising agency, Dr Thajudheen said more than 80% of the cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through medication, diet control, lifestyle modifications and regular exercise.
“Physical inactivity, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking and lack of proper health care are some of the major reasons for the spread of cardiovascular diseases worldwide,” said the health expert while speaking at the programme.
World Heart Day was observed by World Heart Federation to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. Together with organisations such as World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors which are tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are controlled.
“Changing your habits is the single most effective way to stop cardiovascular disease in its tracks. You can modify many of the major risk factors that put you at risk of developing this life-threatening disease,” said Dr Thajudheen.
He advised the members of the audience to follow a diet low in animal fat and cholesterol, but high in vegetables, fruits, and grains, exercise regularly and to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress levels and stop smoking.
Seeking treatment for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are some of the important steps for preventing heart diseases, reiterated the doctor. “A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of heart disease prevention which revolves around good habits, diet and exercise. Lifestyle changes such as these have been proved to lower the risk of heart diseases,” he told the audience.
Executive director of Friends Cultural Centre Habeeburahman Kizhissery chaired the programme. Abbas Olikkara, finance Manager of Green Chilli restaurant, Jobi Mathew, finance manager of Quality Lab, Suresh Kumar, chief financial officer of Acon Travels and Rahul Nair were guests of honour at the event.
World Heart Day is an annual event which takes place on September 29 every year. Each year’s celebrations have a different theme, reflecting key issues and topics relating to heart health. This year, the theme is Power Your Life.
The success of World Heart Day depends on the proactivity of organisations from around the world to help spread awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s No. 1 killer.
Amanulla Vadakkangara, CEO, Mediaplus, conducted the event. He referred to and agreed with the World Heart Federation’s message which says, “This World Heart Day, we want everyone to understand what they can do to fuel their hearts and power their lives. Your heart is at the heart of your health. And it’s easy to give it the care it deserves.”
Just a few simple steps such as eating more healthily, cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking can improve your heart health and your overall well-being, says the World Health Federation. The federation leads the global advocacy effort for action to prevent, control and reduce the global burden of CVD.
This includes calling for policies that will lead to better heart health, responding to consultations on relevant issues that affect CVD, speaking to decision-makers about the impact of their choices for people living with heart conditions and working with stakeholders to find solutions for common challenges facing the CVD community.
The World Heart Federation advocacy strategy is focused on achieving ‘25 by 25’. By the year 2025, they aim to reduce premature deaths from CVD by 25%. This ambitious target, they say, can however only be achieved with consistent, evidence-based advocacy directed at decision-makers, to encourage them to act in the interest of heart health.



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