Experts have called for effective tobacco control, adequate funding to manage high blood pressure and diabetes in primary health care, and less salt in food to cut the risk of heart disease. The recommendations came at a World Heart Day seminar on Wednesday at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute in Mirpur, Dhaka, Samakal reports. This year's theme was 'Every heartbeat matters'.
Presenting the keynote, Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the foundation's epidemiology and research department, set out three recommendations: framing the rules under the Tobacco Control Act 2026 quickly, budgeting enough for managing high blood pressure and diabetes at primary-care level, and reducing salt in food as the World Health Organization advises. Preventing heart disease depends not only on individual awareness but on effective public health policy and primary care, he said.
The foundation's secretary general, Professor Fazila-Tun-Nesa Malik, said more than 20.5 million people die of heart disease worldwide each year, and that by WHO estimates up to 80 percent of heart disease and stroke can be prevented. Professor Dr Nazmul Hossain, director general of the Directorate General of Health Education, stressed early detection of risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use.
Sharif Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary of the textiles and jute ministry, called for tobacco-free workplaces and controls on e-cigarettes and new nicotine products. Chief guest Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, minister for health and family welfare, said the government would keep working to make heart care more accessible, including by recruiting doctors to bring services closer to people.
Presiding, the foundation's president, Professor Dr Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi, said heart risk must be detected and treated early at primary-care level. To mark the day the foundation offered free heart check-ups and distributed posters and leaflets, and its 45 affiliated organisations held events outside Dhaka.
The report is by a Samakal correspondent.
Photo: Idhren / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Source: Samakal
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