Cardiovascular diseases are the #1 cause of death globally as more people die annually from these than from any other. An estimated 17.7 million people died from cardiovascular diseases last year, representing 31 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million deaths were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million due to strokes. The deaths by cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan have reached about 200,000 per year. “To decrease the mammoth burden of heart disease in Pakistan, there is a dire need to create more awareness and understanding among the general public on primary prevention of heart related issues,” Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre Cardiologist Dr Azhar Awan said while talking to a group of journalists visiting the hospital. He said that according to World Health Organisation, people in low and middle-income countries are affected the most and account for 80 percent of these deaths. Dr Azhar Awan said that important prevalent risk factors for these diseases are physical inactivity, high obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, unhealthy diet, smoking and alcohol consumptions. “Other determinants of cardiovascular diseases include poverty, stress and hereditary factors. It is alarming that around 33 percent of Pakistani population above the age of 45 has hypertension. It is also not true that it can only affect men as one third of women also die from heart disease every year however, many remain unaware of their risk and the necessary steps needed to reduce this risk,” he said adding that more often, heart disease symptoms are insidious and not always classic at times. Unexplained fatigue and getting breathless on minimal exertion could be a sign of underlying heart problems. Sometimes, most people don’t take their symptoms seriously and it is also our natural tendency to not act on them in the hope that they will just go away, which could be dangerous. He also talked about protecting heart health by adopting a healthy lifestyle. “To engage in physical activity or a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week is beneficial to help reduce heart attacks and strokes. Eating fruits, fish, nuts, vegetables, healthy oils and limiting salt also helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. One should avoid unhealthy drinks, butter and margarine for a better heart health,” he added. Talking about heart related services at Shaukat Khanum, Dr Awan informed that Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital is well equipped for diagnostic of these diseases having 2D echo, transesophageal echo, exercise stress testing, coronary computed tomography and MIBI scans. Dr Awan was of the opinion that other institutions and communities should create more awareness among public about cardiovascular diseases and its preventive measures. Comprehensive tobacco control policies should also be built and implemented across the country along with measures to encourage masses in joining healthy physical activities such as exercise and sports. If one observers any symptom of heart disease, they should immediately consult their doctor and start taking prescribed medication along with preventive measures. Published in Daily Times, September 26th 2018.