Most people only think about heart health when experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden fainting. However, heart disease often develops silently years beforehand. Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity damage the body over time—frequently without displaying noticeable symptoms. Prevention requires awareness, regular health screenings, and accessible medical care.
According to World Health Organization estimates, approximately 19.8 million people worldwide died from cardiovascular diseases in 2022. In Bangladesh, heart disease remains a severe public health challenge. The 2018 National STEPS survey revealed that 10% of respondents aged 18–69 reported experiencing a heart attack, heart disease-related chest pain, or stroke in their lifetime.
Medical expert Dr. Md. Mijanur Rahman emphasizes that prevention begins with understanding individual risks. Adults should regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as well as inform physicians of any family history of heart disease. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can silently cause extensive cardiovascular damage if left uncontrolled. Self-medication or modifying prescribed treatments without consulting a doctor is unsafe.
Tobacco use—including smoke-free forms like jorda and gul—is a major heart disease risk factor. Quitting requires comprehensive support from family, workplaces, and medical professionals. Dietary habits also play a vital role: reducing added salt, oil, and ultra-processed foods while consuming more vegetables, fruits, pulses, and fiber supports overall heart health.
Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management are equally critical. However, individuals should gradually adjust exercise routines based on their personal health status and seek immediate care if experiencing unusual chest pain or breathing difficulties during physical exertion. Recognizing heart attack symptoms—such as chest pressure, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, or pain radiating to arms, shoulders, jaw, or back—is essential. Prompt emergency medical response saves lives, and symptoms should never be dismissed as simple gas or indigestion.
Finally, heart disease prevention is not solely an individual responsibility; it requires supportive public policy and community infrastructure. Expanding primary healthcare services at upazila health complexes, ensuring affordable medications, enforcing tobacco control laws, creating walkable environments, and fostering multi-sectoral government action are essential steps to make healthy living accessible to all.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Dr. Md. Mijanur Rahman • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
