Today, 29 September, is observed as World Heart Day. It is marked globally every year with various programs to highlight the importance of heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
This year’s theme is “Don’t Miss a Beat”, which emphasizes not ignoring symptoms, seeking timely medical care, and maintaining a preventive lifestyle.
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 17 million people die from heart disease every year, accounting for nearly 33% of all global deaths.
Bangladesh also is witnessing a growing number of such cases. Each year, around 3 lakh people die from cardiovascular diseases, which make up over 21% of total deaths in the country. Once considered an illness of the elderly, the disease now affects children as well.
Every year, about 73,000 children in Bangladesh are born with congenital heart defects, accounting for 2.5% of total births. Alarmingly, most parents remain unaware of these conditions.
Experts stress the need for united efforts from both government and non-government sectors to address this growing concern. They also underscore that adopting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention play vital roles in reducing heart disease.
Among non-communicable diseases, heart disease ranks at the top. Outside Dhaka, cardiac surgery is available only in one government medical college and four private hospitals.
Nearly 80% of patients rely on the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in the capital for advanced treatment.
Consequently, lack of time and affordable treatment results in the deaths of nearly 2.73 lakh people from heart disease annually.
Specialists note that 71% of world-class cardiac treatment is largely Dhaka-centric. Moreover, the underprivileged remain deprived of angiograms, stenting, and bypass surgery services.
