World Heart Day: A Call for Urgent Action in Pakistan

Introduction: The Rising Epidemic On this World Heart Day, as the global community focuses on heart health under the theme "Use Heart for Action", Pakistan is grappling with a silent but deadly epidemic—cardiovascular disease (CVD). Once associated with older populations, heart disease is now alarmingly prevalent among younger Pakistanis. The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi reports that 15% of its heart attack patients are between the ages of 25 and 40. This trend signals a pressing need for both individual and systemic action to combat the crisis.

A Leading Cause of Death in Pakistan Cardiovascular disease accounts for 30-40% of all deaths in Pakistan, making it the leading cause of mortality. Poor lifestyle choices, including unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, and smoking, are at the heart of this problem. Additionally, the country is seeing a rise in obesity and diabetes—two conditions that drastically increase the risk of heart disease. The International Diabetic Federation estimates that over 33 million people in Pakistan live with diabetes, further compounding the risk of cardiovascular issues.

This Year’s Theme: ‘Use Heart for Action’ This year’s World Heart Day theme emphasizes the need for immediate action. On an individual level, small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. Incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet low in saturated fats, quitting smoking, and managing stress are proven ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, public awareness around these preventive measures is still alarmingly low, particularly in rural areas where healthcare resources and educational outreach are limited.

The Role of Public Health Policies At the systemic level, Pakistan requires stronger public health policies to tackle this growing crisis. Efforts must focus on:

• Reducing Trans Fats: Implementing regulations to eliminate trans fats from the food supply is crucial. These unhealthy fats are major contributors to heart disease.
• Promoting Exercise in Schools: Establishing physical activity programs at the school level can foster heart-healthy habits early in life.
• Public Smoking Cessation Programs: Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and comprehensive programs to help people quit smoking are essential.

Moreover, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of the importance of regular health check-ups. Conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol often go undetected until it’s too late. Raising awareness about early detection and prevention could save countless lives.

Why the Youth Are Increasingly at Risk It’s alarming that young adults, once considered a low-risk group, are now falling prey to heart disease. Factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and rising stress levels—compounded by the growing digital lifestyle—are putting younger populations at greater risk. With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, addressing this issue is critical for the nation’s future.

Conclusion: A Call to Action Pakistan stands at a crossroads in its fight against cardiovascular disease. With heart disease now affecting younger generations, it’s time for individuals, communities, and the government to come together to create lasting change. As we mark World Heart Day, let’s commit to using heart for action—before we face a public health disaster that could have been prevented.