Managing cardiovascular risks in resource poor settings
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that include heart disease and stroke, are the world's largest killer, claiming 17.1 million lives a year. Over 80 percent of these deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Global experts predicted that at least 80 percent of these deaths could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled. People in low- and middle-income countries who suffer from CVDs and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have less access to effective and equitable healthcare services which respond to their needs including early detection services. As a result, many people in these countries die younger from CVDs and other noncommunicable diseases, often in their most productive years. The poorest people are affected the most. In low resource settings, integrated community-based prevention programmes for NCDs can play most important role in prevention of millions of deaths and disabilities from CVDs. The programmes should be aimed at reducing the risks throughout the entire population with strategies that target individuals at high risk or with established disease. Examples of population-wide interventions that can be implemented to reduce CVDs include comprehensive tobacco control policies, taxation to reduce the intake of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt, building walking and cycle ways to increase physical activity, providing healthy school meals to children. Medication for treating CVDs and controlling its risk factors should be made inexpensive and available. People at high risk can be identified using simple tools such as specific risk prediction charts. If people are identified early, inexpensive treatment is available to prevent many heart attacks and strokes. Survivors of a heart attack or stroke are at high risk of recurrences and at high risk of dying from them. The risk of a recurrence or death can be substantially lowered with a combination of drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Bangladesh is experiencing epidemiological transition from communicable to noncommunicable diseases like CVDs. It is the high time to act. There is an urgent need for increased government investment through national programmes aimed at prevention and control of CVDs and other noncommunicable diseases. Key messages to protect heart health
-Tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. -Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day of the week will help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. -Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, also helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes. -Check and control your cardiovascular risk. Know your blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol or lipid. Consult a physician to manage these risk factors.
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