KARACHI: Leading cardiologists, medical professionals and scientific experts have emphasised the need for early prevention, regular health screenings, healthy lifestyles and collective efforts to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan, particularly among younger populations.
They expressed these views during a World Heart Day seminar held at the University of Karachi, jointly organised by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA), the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Pharmaco and the YESS Society of Pakistan.
The seminar brought together prominent physicians, cardiologists, surgeons, scientific experts, faculty members and students to discuss cardiovascular health, preventive strategies and the importance of early detection of heart-related diseases.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, described cardiovascular diseases as a major public health challenge in Pakistan and across the world. He stressed that effective prevention required coordinated efforts by the government, healthcare professionals and responsible citizens.
Prof. Shah highlighted the significance of scientific research and evidence generated through clinical trials in improving the understanding, prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. He also interacted with students and responded to their questions regarding healthy and active lifestyles.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Salman Ghauri of PIMA emphasised the importance of community participation and the contribution of non-governmental organisations to public health improvement. He highlighted PIMA's ongoing welfare and healthcare services and urged citizens to recognise their collective responsibility towards the health and well-being of society.
Dr. Khawar Kazmi, Consultant Cardiologist and Head of the Department of Preventive Cardiology at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), presented findings from data collected in connection with World Heart Day 2025.
He stressed the importance of regularly monitoring key health indicators, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. He advised people to remain aware of these indicators to identify potential cardiovascular risks and take timely preventive measures.
Dr. Tahir Saghir, Director of NICVD, underscored the importance of prevention and early diagnosis in reducing cardiovascular complications. He said timely medical intervention, healthy dietary habits, physical activity and effective stress management could significantly contribute to better heart health.
He encouraged students, faculty members and community representatives to adopt healthier lifestyles and make preventive healthcare part of their daily routines.
Prof. Dr. Bashir Hanif, a founding member of the Tabba Heart Institute, highlighted differences in cardiovascular risk patterns between South Asian and Western populations.
He pointed out that people in South Asian communities could develop cardiovascular diseases at comparatively younger ages, making early preventive measures particularly important. He urged young people to pay attention to their cardiovascular health rather than waiting for symptoms or complications to develop.
Prof. Mansoor Ahmed, Consultant Cardiologist, also advised students to prioritise their physical and mental well-being by maintaining adequate sleep, adopting healthy routines and avoiding lifestyle factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.
He emphasised that preventing heart disease through healthier habits was preferable to depending on medication after the development of serious health problems.
The speakers collectively stressed that public awareness, preventive healthcare, scientific research and stronger collaboration among healthcare institutions, educational organisations and civil society were essential to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan.
