DOHA: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 24 percent of deaths in Qatar, according to the World Health Organisation, and an expert at Sidra Medical and Research Center has advised people to check frequently for risk factors as a precaution.
Most CVD cases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet.
“It’s a good idea to visit your physician who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, weight and body mass index to help advise on your risk. Your family history and personal habits would also be examined at that time,” Amal Fakha, Nutrition and Public Health Professional, Sidra Medical and Research Center, told this newspaper.
CVD is the number one cause of death internationally, responsible for 17.3 million deaths every year (World Heart Foundation).
World Heart Day will be marked tomorrow and this year the focus is on creating environments healthy for the heart.
By ensuring that people are able to make heart-healthy choices wherever they live, work and play, World Heart Day 2014 will encourages all to reduce their risk of CVD.
According to a recent study, more than two-thirds of the heart attack patients and half of the stroke patients in Qatar are below 55 years of age; some are below 40.
Men made up the majority of cases. Approximately 40 percent of the participants in the study were overweight and 30 percent were obese.
Old age, family history of heart disease, tobacco use, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), imbalance and a high blood lipid profile (high levels of the bad cholesterol, LDL; low levels of the good cholesterol, HDL; high triglyceride levels), obesity, physical inactivity and a stressful lifestyle all increase the risk of getting CVD.
A healthy diet, being active and exercising for 30 minutes on most days of the week, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding stress, and regular medical check-ups can prevent someone getting CDV.
“Smoking is the most significant risk factor (for CVD). Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels. No amount of smoking is safe — the more you smoke the greater your risk of developing CVD becomes,” said Fakha.
“Adopt a Mediterranean diet, one that is rich in vegetables, fruits, olives, olive oil, whole grains, beans, nuts and fish, limit saturated fats, limit trans fats, always check the nutrition fact label on products and choose those containing no trans fats and/or no partially hydrogenated oils, limit pre-packed/processed foods that are often high in sugar, fat and salt, and prepare lunch at home to help ensure you have access to healthy food choices if they are not available in the cafeteria, ” Fakha added.
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