In recognition of World Heart Day (WHD), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is promoting good heart health by reminding residents of Qatar to make healthy choices to protect themselves and their loved ones from heart ailments.
WHD is marked annually on 29 September and provides an opportunity for people around the globe to play their role in fighting cardiovascular disease (CVD), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. HMC’s Heart Hospital is today hosting an event to highlight the day and raise awareness of maintaining good heart health among staff, patients and hospital visitors.
CVD is the world’s number one cause of death. According to the World Health Organization, 31 percent of all global deaths occur due to different kinds of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Heart Hospital, explained that CVD can be prevented by learning about the common risk factors and addressing them as early as possible.
“Heart attacks and strokes mainly occur due to a blockage in blood flow to the heart or brain. This is most commonly due to the build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels taking blood to and from the heart and brain,” Dr. Al Khulaifi explained.
“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,” he said, adding that simple changes in diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference.
The focus of this year’s WHD is on creating healthy heart environments, urging individuals to make the right choices for their heart health.
Dr. Al Khulaifi highlighted some recommendations to lower the risk of heart diseases as specified by the Swiss-based World Heart Federation. These include:
- Limiting 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.
- Preparing meals at home for school or work.
- Quitting smoking and being a positive role model for children.
- Increasing activity by limiting the time spent watching TV or using the computer, and getting involved in outdoor activities such as cycling, gardening, or simply walking.
- Knowing your risk of CVD by consulting a healthcare professional who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, weight and body mass index, and can also advise on a treatment plan if needed.
- 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.
- Encouraging children to be active and getting active yourself by participating in a sport or exercise routine or simply by helping out in household chores.
