30 to 40 percent of deaths in Pakistan are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD): Cardiologist
Shares
HYDERABAD: Pakistani population has one of the highest risks of coronaryheart disease (CHD) in the world. In Pakistan, 30 to 40 percent of all deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
The Eminent Cardiologist and Chairman Muhammad Kashif Shaikh(MKS) foundation Dr.Muhammad Kashif Shaikh expressed these concerns in aninterview with APP here on Monday.
He said that the major risk factors of (CHD) are tobacco,alcohol causes of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, physicalinactivity, stress and unhealthy diet.
Founder MKS Dr.Kashif informed that the people over 40 years ofage with family history of heart diseases, patients after Angiography andbypass surgery should take low dose aspirin regularly after consulting theirdoctors.
Dr.Kashif sheikh talked about the new technology of CTangiography, which makes it possible to take pictures of arteries with veryfast-speed CT scans. The test is performed by injection of contrast through anarm vein while the patient lies still and holds his breath for 15 minutes,added.
He said its cost is more than conventional Angiography andthere are 15 percent patient in which the picture is not clear enough to reacha diagnosis, which means that they have to opt for conventional Angiography,added.
He said that the numbers of CVD patients is increasing day byday and most worryingly the younger generation too is falling prey to thisailment. There is need to bring minimal efforts towards improving ourlifestyles.
Dr.Muhammad Kashif Shaikh traced the history of coronaryangioplasty said that 9 out of 10 angioplasties are successful and only 2percent patients may require an emergency bypass during the procedure.
He said, 44,000 Angiographies and 8,000 angioplasties are beingperformed in Pakistan every year. He said the long-term success of angioplastydepends on regular medication, cessation of smoking, weight control,cholesterol management and a positive attitude towards life, added.
He advocate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains,cereals and pastas, elimination of pizzas and parathas, and 30 minutes of dailyexercise to keep the cholesterol level within normal range.
Smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure, andexpedites narrowing of the arteries. Fifty of all smokers who continue to smokeeventually die of it, he warned.
Dr.Muhammad Kashif Shaikh blamed the modern society forpromoting a culture where physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits,increased obesity, and stress are the order of the day. He said, the Quranadvises people to eat and drink, not in excess, but in moderation, and not towaste.
He further said that early resumption of physical activity aftera heart attack is useful for recovery of the heart, provided this is done undersupervision.
Dr.Muhammad Kashif reflected on the benefits of exercise. Takingthe life of Prophet Mohammad (S) as an example, he advocated brisk morning walkfor 30 to 45 minutes, preferably with an empty stomach, and in the company offriends to increase chances of compliance. He said those who have heart diseasecan also engage in physical activity after seeking doctoral advice, added.
He advised people to protect their heart before it is damaged.For this, he underlined the need to plan one’s day and have time to unwind.
