Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in South-East Asia, killing eight people every minute, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday ahead of World Heart Day on September 29.
This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” focuses on creating awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the importance of prevention and early detection.
“Every minute, eight people die due to cardiovascular diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Half of these deaths are premature, in people under 70 years,” said Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia.
The major risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity. WHO estimates that 85 percent of people with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not have their conditions under control. Urbanization and ageing populations are further increasing vulnerabilities, putting pressure on already limited health systems.
Despite some progress, such as public health facilities now providing protocol-based treatment to over 90 million people with hypertension and diabetes, challenges remain. Weak enforcement of health policies, inadequate regulations, and poor monitoring of unhealthy food and tobacco marketing continue to hinder progress.
WHO has urged both governments and individuals to take urgent action. For individuals, quitting tobacco, reducing salt intake, exercising daily, and managing stress are key steps for a healthy heart. For governments, enforcing strict tobacco control laws, reducing salt in foods, and eliminating industrially produced trans-fats should be top priorities.
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“A whole-of-society approach is essential to fight cardiovascular diseases and save lives,” Boehme stressed.
