World Heart Day: Experts call for early action against heart disease

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Cardiac Society (TCS) has advised Tanzanians to conduct regular health checkups to identify potential cardiac related ailments at an early stage.

The remark was made today by an Interventional Cardiologist and the President of TCS, Dr Robert Mvungi at the celebration of the World Heart Day hosted by the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam.

The event featured an energetic aerobic exercise session, free vital checks – including blood pressure and sugar screenings – and insightful discussions led by our esteemed cardiologists and nurses.

Attendees also were given a 50 per cent discount on additional non-invasive diagnostics such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Echocardiogram (ECHO).

ECG and ECHO are tests that can detect issues with heart muscles, valves, or the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Dr Mvungi emphasised the importance of regular health screenings to prevent heart disease fatalities.

“Regular screenings will help to identify ailments at an early stage before they become severe and cause death, “he added.

Additionally, Dr Mvungi said that deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) currently account for 12.91 per cent of fatalities in the country, with 1.43 per cent attributed to hypertensive heart disease.

“Tanzania Cardiac Society will continue to collaborate with Aga Khan Hospital to promote cardiovascular care, aiming to reduce heart disease fatalities through preventive habits,” he asserted.

Murtaza Muktar, Head of Clinical Operations at Aga Khan Hospital, encouraged Tanzanians to take care of the most vital muscle in the human body saying a healthy heart is the cornerstone of healthy life.

“Our commitment to raising awareness about heart health is essential, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their well-being,” he stressed.

Dr Javed Jalbani, an interventional cardiologist, underscored the need for timely action when it comes to heart attacks.

“Don’t ignore the warning signs—act fast against heart attacks. This World Heart Day, it is crucial that we prioritize heart health by learning to recognize the early signs. Timely action can lead to better outcomes,” he insisted.

World Heart Day is an important global event that aims to spread awareness about heart health and how to prevent heart diseases.

This year’s theme is “Use Heart for Action.” encourages individuals to take active steps to care for their hearts and highlights the need for personal and global action.