World Heart Day: FG set to tackle NCD deaths ‘ PATE
The federal government has highlighted cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of 11 per cent of Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs, deaths, urging people to adopt healthier lifestyles to protect their hearts and reduce the risk of premature death from NCDs.
He attributed the development to inadequate awareness and health-seeking behaviours as well as limited screening, diagnostic and therapeutic services including poor data repository. According to the minister, given “the silent and chronic nature of majority of the cardiovascular diseases, it is important to institute long-lasting measures to prevent, detect and manage them early in order to avert complications such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and even death.
” This year’s theme, beyond encouraging us to learn more about our hearts and how to keep them healthy, also enjoins us to show care and compassion to people who suffer from heart problems. It reminds us that taking care of our hearts and those of others is not only a medical necessity but also a fundamental act of self-love and care for our loved ones.
Statistics from the World Health Organisation show that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and are the foremost cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Of these cardiovascular deaths, 85% are due to heart attack and stroke, and over three-quarters occur in low- and middle-income countries.
