World Heart Day
Protecting women and children from heart disease
Heart disease only affects male, older and rich populations — these are the popular myths and still prevailing in many parts of the world including Bangladesh. In fact, women are as vulnerable as men and it is the number one killer of women. However, their risks are largely underestimated and as a result they are under-prevented and bear the brunt of the disease. Like women, heart disease in children is under-recognised also. About one million babies born each year with a congenital heart defects. With the increasing exposure to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise and smoking, the rising trend continues when they further stepped into adulthood with long exposure of these risk factors. However, with little precaution and lifestyle changes, we can largely prevent the huge number of deaths and disability from heart diseases among women and children. On occasion of World Heart Day that is being observed today, we can take action to promote healthy heart to save the lives of the women and children we love. Worldwide, heart disease kills more women than cancers, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria put together. Women who have a family history of heart disease, older, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking (both active and passive smoking) are at increased risk of developing heart disease. Women with high blood pressure have 3.5 times the risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to women with normal blood pressure. In addition to managing their risk factors, women should engage themselves in physical activity like walking, taking stair, more household cores. A diet rich in fat, sweet and salt increases the risk and should be avoided as much as you can. Diet rich in fish, vegetables and fruits can help prevent heart disease and should be encouraged. Passive smoking is a major risk in women as well as children and people who smoke should take a serious caution about it. The majority of heart defects in children that present at birth are treatable and children can enjoy a normal life if they are being treated timely. Children who develop heart disease in course of childhood include Rheumatic heart disease — a bacterial infection in heart valve leading to heart failure can be easily treated and prevented with inexpensive antibiotic. Childhood heart diseases are the tip of the iceberg. In many cases, heart disease in adult is the result of risks exposed during childhood and represents the vast submerged portion of the iceberg. Alarming increase in obesity in children and societal changes associated with economic growth, modernisation, physical inactivity due to computer and TV as well as changes in nutrition habits across the world are driving them to the high risk zone of developing heart disease in later life. Heart disease is causing more devastating consequences in the life of women and children than in man. We need to shift our focus to the facts and put our attention to women and children to protect their heart health and to avoid any future physical, emotional and financial impact of heart disease.
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