James Kon
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the main cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that as many as 17.9 million deaths every year – 31 per cent of deaths worldwide – are caused by cardiovascular disease.
In the Sultanate, cardiovascular disease has overtaken cancer as the overall highest cause of death and premature death, and contributed to 25 per cent of the causes of deaths in 2021.
What is worrying is the increase in cardiovascular disease among the younger people.
This was shared by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in his message in conjunction with World Heart Day 2022.
He added that in 2021, cardiovascular disease caused around 25 per cent of premature deaths (death before 70-years-old) in the country, from 20 per cent in 2013.
The minister revealed statistics of major cardiovascular disease treatments in Brunei whereby 2021 saw 1,263 angiogram procedures; 832 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures; 112 electrophysiology procedures (EP); and 88 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. Angiograms and PCI procedures showed an increase of 15.4 per cent and 40.3 per cent compared to 2016.
Risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease “include behavioural risk factors that can be prevented such as tobacco use, unhealthy food practices such as excessive fat and salt intake, and an inactive lifestyle.
“Related risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes can be prevented or treated, if detected early,” the minister said.
In 2021, he recalled, “World leaders expressed commitment to reduce global deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by as much as 25 per cent by 2025.
“Thus, World Heart Day, celebrated every September 29, is a platform to unite communities around the world in addressing NCDs, especially cardiovascular disease and reducing the global disease burden.
“World Heart Day also aims to increase public knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular disease, key actions to prevent and control it, as well as its global impact.”
This year, World Heart Day carries the theme ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’ and emphasises three main messages.
“First, to use the heart for humanity, whereby we raise awareness and knowledge about cardiovascular disease and for its prevention. We also encourage the public to carry out health screenings and to seek early treatment to control the disease and prevent complications.
“Second, to use heart for nature.” The minister asked, “Did you know that air pollution causes 25 per cent of all cardiovascular disease deaths?
“Therefore, people are advised to be more active by cycling or walking, and reduce the use of cars where appropriate, to keep the air clean and improve cardio-vascular health.
“We must be reminded that cigarette smoke also contributes to air pollution around us. Therefore, smokers are strongly encouraged to stop and prevent people around them from getting exposed to secondhand smoke.”
The third and final message is “use heart for you”.
“Stress can double the risk of heart attacks and therefore the public is advised to consistently exercise, practice a healthy and balanced diet, get enough rest and quality sleep to reduce stress,” the minister said.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham encouraged the public to participate in activities and take advantage of services promoting heart health organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other health sectors.
The MoH launched the ‘BN on the Move’ initiative last August, the minister added, to encourage the public to be more active every day, whether individually or in groups, and improve cardiovascular health nationally.
Therefore, in conjunction with World Heart Day this year, he called on the public to “together play a role in contributing to positive changes in our lives and those around us, especially our family members, towards healthier choices and behaviours”.
He added “Insya Allah, with these changes taken together, the risk and burden of cardiovascular diseases and other NCDs will be reduced, and the quality of our lives and of future generations is improved.”
