Experts sound alarm as heart disease cases surge among young adults

IV Report

KARACHI: Pakistan is grappling with a rising tide of heart disease cases among young adults, particularly those under 35. Medical experts sounded the alarm, citing alarming statistics on cardiac disease occurrences, at a World Heart Day event in Karachi.

The root causes of this surge are threefold: a sedentary lifestyle, modern smoking forms, and obesity. Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and Help International Welfare Trust (HIWT) jointly organised the symposium on September 30.

Professor Dr Muhammad Nawaz Lashri, President of Pakistan Hypertension League (PHL) and head of DUHS' Cardiology Department, emphasised that cardiovascular diseases affect not only the heart but also the brain and kidneys. "These diseases are increasing day by day because we are not paying attention to our lifestyle."

Chief Guest Professor Dr Muhammad Ishaque noted that Pakistanis suffer from heart diseases 10 years earlier than people in Western countries. Stressing the need for awareness, he lamented that none of Pakistan's 50 TV channels dedicate airtime to heart disease awareness.

Dr Khalid Bhatti from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases revealed that heart diseases are the third leading cause of death globally. "Around 8% of deaths in Pakistan are caused by heart diseases, primarily due to obesity and smoking."

Prof Dr Khawar Kazmi highlighted the dangers of smoking, including modern forms like velo, e-cigarettes, and vape. "Smoking narrows blood vessels and increases cancer risk. The risk of heart diseases rises with the number of cigarettes smoked."

Discussing obesity-related premature deaths, Dr Noman Kake Poto explained that obesity leads to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and imbalanced cholesterol levels, ultimately causing heart disease.

Dr Kaleemullah Sheikh emphasised the importance of physical activity, recommending 500-300 minutes of walking per week for adults and 60 minutes of daily activity for children. "An estimated 31% of the world's population above 15 is inactive, resulting in 3.2 million deaths annually."

Dr Mansoor Ahmed advised adopting healthy eating habits, including boiled food and vegetable oil.

Dr Najia Soomro from Liaquat National Hospital addressed heart disease in young women, citing it as a major, often-ignored problem. "The rate of heart disease is increasing among women aged 35-54; one in five women complain about anxiety or stress, which are symptoms of cardiovascular disease."

HIWT Chairman Abdul Rauf Tabani likened the heart to a "24-hour laborer" that needs care. "Millions die from heart diseases annually, but 80% can be saved with proper care."

Former DUHS Cardiology Head Dr Khalida Soomro noted that one in three women worldwide suffers from high blood pressure, with Pakistan's rate significantly higher due to women's double responsibilities in urban areas.

To combat the growing heart health crisis, the symposium recommended promoting awareness, adopting healthier lifestyles, and providing adequate care. “By taking collective action, Pakistan can save lives lost to heart disease and mitigate the burden on its healthcare system.”

Senior heart physicians, including Professor Dr Ghulam Abbas Sheikh, Dr Tariq Farman, Prof Dr Rasheed Khan, Dr Tariq Ashraf, Dr Arshad Ali Shah, Dr Afzal Qasim, and others also attended the symposium.