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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 8, 2014 12:35 PM IST
Eleven cardio-vascular organisations all over the world have called on United Nations to include cardio-vascular diseases in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Cardiovascular diseases contributes to more than 30 % of global deaths, which are more than all infectious and parasitic diseases combined. In a statement published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and other cardiology journals, the global cardio-vascular disease task force has urged the UN to lend a helping hand to fight against the world-wide rise in non-communicable diseases including heart disease and stroke.
'We must cooperate and collaborate across sectors and disciplines to advance and affirm a positive return of investment in cardio-vascular health,' the task force said in the statement. 'Only then will we influence countries and businesses to devote crucial resources to our collective goal, which is vital to human health and well-being across the world,' it read. It is estimated that during 2011-2025, the economic burden of non-communicable diseases will be $7 trillion globally, with cardio-vascular disease accounting for most of that expense.
'Prevention of cardio-vascular diseases through support of healthy diets and physical activity along with blood pressure control and anti-smoking efforts should be part of the UN's health goals in 2015,' said William A. Zoghbi, co-chair of the task force and past president of American College of Cardiology. The organisations are: World Heart Federation, African Heart Network, Asia Pacific Heart Network, Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, European Heart Network, European Society of Cardiology, InterAmerican Heart Foundation, InterAmerican Society of Cardiology and the Pan-African Society of Cardiology.
10 simple tips to prevent heart disease
We all know prevention is better than cure, yet when it comes to our health, we start worrying about it only once we see certain discrepancies. Until then, we eat what we like and exercise only if we can find time that is hardly ever. These unhealthy lifestyle choices can lead to serious conditions including heart disease. However, a few changes in diet and lifestyle can help you prevent this. We ask well-known nutritionist Priya Kathpal to shares tips that can help prevent heart disease.
According to the WHO, heart disease will be the largest cause of death in India by 2020. Radical changes in lifestyle including eating habits and increase in physical activity is the need of the hour. World Heart Day was created in 2000 to make people aware globally that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of deaths worldwide.
Tips to prevent heart disease
1. Get regular medical check-ups done to make sure you are not suffering from asymptomatic high blood pressure, abnormal lipid profile or pre-diabetic condition. If you are, meet an expert and take steps to control the condition it will require a multidisciplinary approach with special attention to dietary changes.
2. Make a conscious effort to add fibre to your diet. Eat green leafy vegetables, salads, fruits, and cereals like oats. Five servings of fruits and vegetables per day play a preventive role.
3. Keep a check on your weight and fat percentage. Maintaining a healthy weight and controlled fat percentage goes a long way in keeping heart diseases at bay.
4. We get enough of PUFA from pulses and vegetables, try to use an MUFA-rich oil (to maintain a heart healthy fatty acid ratio) for cooking. Olive oil, rice bran oil and groundnut oil are best choices. (Read more 6 expert tips to prevent heart disease)
With inputs from IANS
Image Source: Getty Images
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