Dr. Wael

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Cardiovascular diseases have been attributed to being the leading cause of death worldwide. More people worldwide die annually from CVDs than from any other cause. An estimated 17.5 million people died from CVDs in 2012, which represents 31 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million were due to stroke.

CVDs are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, and range from diseases of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, brain, arms and legs, damage to the heart muscle and heart valves, malformations of heart structure as well as blood clots. The most important risk factors of heart disease to consider are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use. Aspirin therapy which thins the blood is a preventative measure that can reduce the risk of major CVD events such as heart attacks and strokes.

It can be used as a secondary prevention measure among individuals who have experienced a heart attack or stroke to prevent additional events. Prevention remains the key component to help reduce the risk of CVD. Studies have shown that carrying out more than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week can help reduce risk of coronary heart disease by about 30%. Other determining factors include quitting smoking as well as balancing a healthy nutritional diet.

In order to reduce the rising number of CVDs in the region, individuals need to be better educated on how to reduce the risks. There is also the need for increased government investment through national programs aimed at prevention and control of CVDs and all chronic diseases. Individuals and readers are encouraged to check with their physicians before taking Aspirin and any other medication.