Almost eight million Pakistanis are suffering from cardiovascular diseases and till date, 600,000 people die due to heart diseases every year, health professionals told Business Recorder. They said: "The numbers are rising fast and, most worryingly, the younger generation too is falling prey to these silent killers. However, there is much change we can bring by making minimal efforts towards improving our lifestyles."
Experts said high blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco dependency and other similar problems remain the prime causes for heart ailments. "We, at a national level, need to focus on preventive measures. One of our key needs is for dedicated research and public awareness centres that work extensively for this cause," added health experts.
In his message on the World Heart Day, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that cardiac problem is the biggest cause of death in the world. He said the role of organizations working for cardiac problems is important in addition to the job of the health department and added that holding of awareness seminars is also important.
Shahbaz further said that 100-bed state-of-the-art emergency has been established in Punjab Institute of Cardiology and cardiac wards are also being established in other hospitals. "Today, we should reiterate our commitment that all necessary steps will be taken to remain safe from the cardiac problems and to provide best healthcare facilities to the masses," he vowed.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017