Prevention is better than cure, and most premature deaths from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) can be stopped if main risk factors are controlled by humans, said experts on Monday.
They said this during a seminar organized by Shifa International Hospital (SIH)in connection with world heart day which commemorated on September 29 every year with the aim to educate people around the globe about Cardiovascular Disease and heart disease.
“If one has risk factors like diabetes, smoking habit, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity with low or minimal physical activity and excessive salt intake, he or she is at high risk and must modify lifestyle and dietary habits to avoid serious cardiovascular complications,” said SIH Chief of Cardiology Dr Asad Ali Saleem. He said that accountable for nearly half of all Non-communicable diseases deaths making it the world’s number one killer claiming 17.9 million lives each year.
Consultant Cardiologist, SIH Dr. Saeed Ullah Shah said that coronary artery disease and valve diseases should not be confused as both conditions result from different complications. Angiography is a test used to find out coronary artery blockage, etc. He maintained that it is alarming that now people at a younger age are also coming with heart-related diseases. He also stressed the need to avoid tobacco usage, exercise regularly, and control weight.
Associate Consultant Cardiologist, SIH Dr. Kashif Jan explained that Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) commonly referred to as a hole in the heart is the most common heart problem that babies are born with and it happens during fetal heart development and is present at birth. He said that this condition can be improved with treatment but the timely diagnosis is important so that treatment can be given as early as possible.
