An awareness seminar titled “A Step Towards a Healthy Heart Future” was organized at Karachi University in collaboration with the Pakistan Cardiac Society, which was attended by renowned cardiologists from various institutions of the city.
Chief Cardiologist and Executive Director of Tabba Heart Institute, Professor Dr. Basheer Hanif, while addressing the seminar, said that heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Every year, nearly 20 million people lose their lives due to heart diseases, out of which 16 million deaths occur in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan, India, and other Asian nations. He emphasized that adopting a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, and timely medical check ups are essential to prevent heart diseases.
Professor Dr. Mansoor Ahmed stated that the lack of physical activity is a major reason for the increase in heart diseases. He pointed out that the habit of reheating food is also harmful, as it produces trans fats that are dangerous for the heart.
Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, said that people should believe in science instead of superstitions and must follow the advice of certified doctors. He urged media houses to continuously run awareness campaigns related to health.
Dr. Bela Khan said that the purpose of holding this seminar with university students was to raise awareness among the younger generation. According to her, the first and most important step in prevention is screening, especially for major risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Professor Dr. Nawaz Lashari highlighted that 32 percent of deaths worldwide are caused by heart and vascular diseases, which makes this a matter of global significance. Dr. Lachman Das said that timely diagnosis not only makes treatment easier but also reduces expenses.
Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Akmal Waheed said that we need to bring positive changes in our lifestyle and adopt a healthy natural environment.
Other cardiologists, including Professor Dr. Khalida Soomro, Dr. Ruhi Ilyas, Dr. Asadullah Khan Soomro, Dr. S.M. Afaq, Dr. Akram Sultan, and Dr. Banish Imam, said that the rate of heart diseases is alarmingly increasing in Pakistan, especially among the youth, which is a warning sign for the future.
Speakers stressed that people should not ignore even minor symptoms and must ensure timely medical check ups so that the disease can be controlled at an early stage. They also urged the government to take national level measures for awareness campaigns, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and timely diagnosis in order to reduce the rising death rate.
