Heart diseases are the primary cause of mortality in Southeast Asia, resulting in eight deaths every minute, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday, prior to World Heart Day. This day, observed annually on September 29, aims to raise awareness about heart diseases and emphasizes the significance of early detection in saving lives. The theme for this year is ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’. Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at WHO South-East Asia, stated, ‘Every minute, eight people die due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
CVDs are a major cause of death in the Region, with half of these deaths occurring prematurely in individuals under 70.’ Key risk factors for CVDs include hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets high in salt and fats, and a lack of physical activity. Boehme pointed out that about 85 percent of individuals with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not manage their conditions effectively. The aging population and rising urbanization are increasing CVD vulnerability, straining already limited healthcare resources. She mentioned that in the past two years, policy measures and clinical interventions have shown promising advancements.
‘By June 2025, public health facilities are expected to provide protocol-based management to over 90 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes,’ Boehme noted. However, she identified challenges such as insufficient fiscal and regulatory measures, weak policy enforcement, and inadequate monitoring of marketing practices for unhealthy products that impede progress. She emphasized the need for greater public awareness and advocated for a comprehensive approach to combat CVDs. ‘For individuals, stopping tobacco use, reducing salt intake, engaging in daily physical activity, and managing stress are crucial for heart health. For governments and policymakers, prioritizing salt-reduction initiatives, eliminating industrially produced trans-fats from food supplies, and enforcing strict tobacco control laws should be essential,’ Boehme advised.
