Heart diseases cause one in four deaths in Bangladesh
Smoking once or a 100 times a day poses similar risks for the heart, cardiac specialists said at a discussion yesterday, referring to studies.
They also stressed on daily physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet -- avoiding fast food -- to stay safe from heart diseases.
Labaid Cardiac Hospital organised the event, in association with State University of Bangladesh (SUB), at a conference centre in Dhaka.
Prof Baren Chakraborty, senior consultant cardiologist at Labaid, presented a keynote paper at the programme where he highlighted the latest trends in heart diseases, and the hospital’s curative facilities and preventive measures.
“Heart diseases are currently causing one in every four deaths in Bangladesh. However, reasons behind 90 percent of deaths from heart-related issues are not known,” said Prof Chakraborty, referring to studies.
Mentioning that there is no early symptom, he said 30 percent of deaths due to heart diseases could be prevented through changing dietary habits.
Dr APM Sohrabuzzaman, another senior consultant cardiologist at Labaid, also stressed on avoiding smoking and junk food that contain cholesterol.
“Fried foods should be eaten less… Heart diseases could be reduced by 90 percent through maintaining diverse diet and physical activity,” he said.
Speaking as chief guest, Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, chairman of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro said, “For those who smoke, it’s difficult to give it up. However, we need a social movement to address this issue.”
“Consuming fast food has turned into a matter of not only enjoyment but also pride,” he said, adding that consumption of fast food should be controlled in the country.
Prof Amjad Hossain, head of the department of orthopaedic surgery at Labaid Specialized Hospital, and Prof Nawzia Yasmin, head of the department of public health at SUB, also spoke at the programme.
Earlier, doctors and staff of Labaid, and teachers and students of SUB participated in an awareness procession in Dhanmondi.
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