Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has highlighted some simple steps that can help improve heart health and overall wellbeing as part of its new heart health campaign.
Launched on September 18, the campaign is aimed at reducing the impact of heart related illnesses in Qatar.
Heart attacks are one of the biggest causes of death in Qatar each year. Over 20,000 patients were admitted to the Heart Hospital in 2015 on account of heart attacks and other heart related conditions.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Qatar and across the world is on the increase and although it can often be treated, prevention is the best way to reverse this trend.
A healthy heart is a critical factor in living a healthy life and simple diet and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Omar al-Tamimi, director of Heart Hospital’s Emergency Department, highlighted some recommendations to improve heart health, advising that just a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
These include limiting the intake of ready-made snacks which are often high in sugar, fat; eating fruit and vegetables on a daily basis; reducing salt consumption; preparing meals at home for school or work and quitting smoking.
Other recommendations include increasing activity by limiting the time spent watching TV or using the computer, and getting involved in outdoor activities such as cycling, gardening, or walking; knowing the risk of CVD by consulting a healthcare professional who can measure the blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, weight and body mass index, and can also advise on a treatment plan if needed.
The campaign also recommends incorporating exercise at work by using the stairs, standing up to answer phone calls and having regular breaks to stretch or exercise for five minutes and encouraging children to be active by participating in a sport or exercise routine or simply by helping out in household chores.
These are part of HMC’s heart health campaign to help educate the public to recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, as well as information about heart conditions and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.