In recognition of World Heart Day (WHD), being marked today, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) reminds Qatar residents about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
WHD is the biggest global awareness-raising platform for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which includes heart disease and stroke. Its aim is to help people live longer, better, more heart-healthy lives.
CVD is the world’s number one killer and is responsible for 17.5mn premature deaths, and by 2030 this is expected to rise to 23mn. Heart disease can be prevented by making just a few simple daily changes, like eating and drinking more healthily, getting more exercise and stopping smoking.
HMC’s Heart Hospital is hosting today an event to highlight the day and raise awareness of maintaining good heart health among staff, patients and hospital visitors.
HMC’s heart health campaign is currently educating the public on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and provides advice on what to do if a heart attack is suspected. It also provides the public with tips on how to improve their heart heath by sharing information about heart conditions and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
Dr Abdulrahman Arabi, deputy chief of cardiology, pointed out that cardiovascular disease 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 combination of risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, lack of physical activity, hypertension and diabetes are considered to be the leading causes of CVD. This World Heart Day highlights the importance of understanding what we can do to power our hearts and therefore power our lives.”
The recommendations include limiting the intake of ready-made snacks which are often high in sugar, fat and salt; ensuring the intake of at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day; reducing salt consumption to one teaspoon a day and preparing meals at home for school or work.
Other suggestions are quitting smoking and 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.