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. The campaign, which launched on 18 September, is aimed at reducing the impact of heart related illnesses in Qatar.
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 on how to improve heart health, advising that just a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of heart disease. These include:
- Limiting your intake of ready-made snacks which are often high in sugar, fat and salt
- Eating fruit and vegetables on a daily basis
- Reducing salt consumption
- Preparing meals at home for school or work
- Quitting smoking
- 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 by participating in a sport or exercise routine or simply by helping out in household chores
These recommendations are part of HMC’s heart health campaign to help educate the public on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, as well as information about heart conditions and the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. Heart attacks are one of the biggest causes of death in Qatar each year, with over 20,000 patient admissions to the Heart Hospital in 2015 for this and other heart related conditions.
For more information about heart health, please visit
www.hamad.qa/HeartHealth.
