The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the growing risk of heart disease in Southeast Asia. Every minute, eight people die from heart disease in the region, primarily due to high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes. The WHO has emphasized measures such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol to combat heart disease.

Every minute, eight people die from heart disease in Southeast Asia. Ahead of World Heart Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the growing risk of heart disease in the region.

The WHO stated that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Southeast Asia. World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29. The aim is to raise awareness about heart disease.

What did WHO say?

"Every minute, eight people die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the South-East Asia Region," said Dr. Katharina Boehm, WHO Officer-in-Charge for South-East Asia. 85 percent of people with high blood pressure and diabetes in the region have uncontrolled conditions. An ageing population and increasing urbanization are putting pressure on health systems that are already struggling with resource constraints.

He also pointed out shortcomings such as inadequate financial and regulatory measures, poor implementation of policies, poor monitoring of marketing, packaging and advertising restrictions on products that are harmful to health.

Calls for a holistic approach to tackle heart diseases

Emphasizing the need to increase public awareness, Dr. Katharina called for a holistic approach to combating heart disease. High blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets high in salt and fat, and physical inactivity increase the risk of heart disease.

Ways to prevent heart diseases

• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
• Use less salt.
• Daily physical activity, stress management

The government should prioritize these measures.

• Implementing salt reduction measures.
• Removing industrially produced trans-fats from the food supply.
• Enforce comprehensive tobacco control laws.

 PC:Jagran