Cardiac diseases are increasingly becoming the primary cause of death worldwide. Due to the epidemiological shift in the 20th century, it has become the leading cause of global disability.
According to international health predictions, cardiac diseases will remain the primary cause of mortality in 2030. To aware the general public of cardiac diseases, Rehman Medical Institute conducted a live session this week where two highly competent and experienced cardiac consultants were invited as guest speakers, Dr. Mazhar Mehmood and Dr. Syed Shah Khalid Mubarak.
Risk factors of heart diseases
According to Dr. Mazhar Mehmood, the significant factors leading to cardiac diseases are diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, tobacco usage, excessive fatty meals, and an unhealthy diet. Talking about increasing cardiac cases in KPK, he mentioned that diabetes and blood pressure are the major causes. One should take proper steps for its prevention such as major lifestyle modifications; otherwise, it will be alarming soon.
Symptoms
According to Dr. Shah Khalid Mubarak, the underlying illnesses of the heart and blood vessels are often asymptomatic until they become more severe with the manifestations of Myocardial Infarction and stroke, respectively. Pain or discomfort in the chest, specifically on the left side, the pain radiating to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or back are all signs of heart attack or Myocardial Infarction.
In addition, the person may have trouble breathing or are short of breath with dizziness or weakness and cold sweating on the forehead. Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw discomfort is more common in women than men. While the sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body, is the most typical indication of a stroke.
Statistics
According to World Health Organization, Cardiovascular Diseases claimed the lives of 17.9 million individuals worldwide in 2019, accounting for 32% of all deaths. Heart attacks and strokes were responsible for 85% of these deaths.
Low and middle-income nations account for about three-quarters of CVD mortality. CVDs were responsible for 38% of the 17 million premature deaths (before the age of 70) caused by non-communicable diseases in 2019.
Conferring to WHO data from 2016, about 250,000 people die each year in Pakistan due to heart diseases, accounting for 19% of all deaths. However, in only three years, the WHO has revealed a stunning 29% increase in total deaths related to heart diseases, totaling around 406,870 every year.
How to prevent it?
Both doctors insisted on abstaining from smoking and eating an unhealthy diet. Daily exercise and a healthy diet can prevent cardiac diseases. If anyone experiences the symptoms mentioned above, they must consult a relevant doctor. They are also strictly advised not to take any medication without proper consultation and recommendation from the doctor.
What does the Cardiology Department at RMI offer?
RMI Cardiology Department provides complete diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with cardiovascular disorders. It has a well-organized and well-equipped cardiology unit where well experienced and highly competent consultants offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment facilities to patients with cardiac disorders under one roof.
