Be strong at heart

A quarter of all deaths in the UAE are caused by CVD, while globally 35 per cent of women are living with heart disease. A campaign organised by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is being dedicated to raising awareness about one of the biggest causes of death among women today — cardiovascular disease (CVD). Go Red for Women campaign will be held on May 4 and 5 at Deira City Centre (Centre Stage) from 10am-7pm and will be aimed primarily at women. Complimentary heart-health tests, along with Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tests will be done, with doctors and specialists from Dubai Hospital at hand for specific consultations. Early detection Dr T.M. Jaison, specialist cardiologist at Aster Medical Centre, Dubai, informed that check-up is very important to detect risk factors at an early stage and take necessary precautions by incorporating a healthy lifestyle and getting routine check-ups done. "Women with heart diseases do not show as many symptoms as men do, and hence there is almost invariably some delay in treatment. There are more complications and women run higher risks of dying from heart attacks," Jaison said. The risk factors for heart diseases are the same for women and men. However, Jaison told tabloid! on Saturday that population-based studies done in the West have shown that women develop heart diseases approximately ten years later than men, while recent hospital-based studies in India have shown that the average age of women who have suffered heart attacks was four years more than men. Women who are obese, who do not exercise regularly and who smoke have higher chances of suffering a heart attack. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and depression have been known causes of heart diseases. And how do you keep track? By being alert. "Anyone over 30 years should have blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure checked once, but the frequency of the check-ups will depend on age and the prevalence of risk factors," Jaison said. "If there is an abnormality, quarterly check-ups are needed. If there are no risk factors, a check-up once in two years is enough. At an older age annual check-ups are necessary, even for those who have no risk factors." Jaison said heart diseases can be prevented by adherence to a healthy lifestyle, by maintaining the ideal weight, exercising regularly and eating healthy, with the diet including more fruit and vegetables, and less salt and saturated fat. Medications may be needed for those who have high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes to maintain ideal health levels. Go Red For Women When: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 Where: Centre Stage, Deira City Centre Timings: 10am-1pm, 3-7pm Free check-ups for women only.