DOHA: In recognition of World Heart Day, 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.
The day is marked annually on September 29 and provides an opportunity for people around the globe to play their role in fighting cardiovascular disease, 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.
Cardiovascular disease is the world’s No. 1 cause of death. According to World Health Organisation, 31 percent of all deaths occur due to cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Chairman, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Hospital, said cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by learning about 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. A combination of risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, lack of physical activity, hypertension and diabetes are considered the leading causes,” he said, adding simple changes in diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference.
The focus of the day is on creating healthy heart environments, urging individuals to make right choices for their heart health.
The Peninsula
