Prescribe exercise, healthy diet, not medication to prevent heart attacks, strokes: Physicians urged

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16 Medical Societies Unite to Tackle NCDs and Cardiometabolic Syndrome

M. Waqar Bhatti

Lahore: Health experts representing 16 leading medical societies have urged their members, including specialists and general physicians, to prescribe lifestyle modifications—such as daily exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet instead of therapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses.

Warning of a growing epidemic of cardio-metabolic syndrome fueled by widespread obesity and physical inactivity, these experts emphasized that sustainable health solutions must come from habits rather than medications.

This call was made during the “Cardio-metabolic Seminar” held on the final day of the 53rd Cardiocon 2024 conference in Lahore, which gathered representatives from major fields, including cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, nutrition, gastroenterology, and hepatology.

Attended by prominent medical figures, the seminar addressed the urgent need for preventive measures against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are escalating across Pakistan.

Experts explained that cardiometabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and obesity, that together significantly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Dr. Khawar Kazmi, a leading health expert and preventive cardiology advocate, convened the seminar, emphasizing that lifestyle changes can reverse this trend. “Our national lifestyle has made us a diseased nation,” Dr. Kazmi said, urging leaders and influencers to promote daily exercise, moderated food intake, and overall healthy living.

Dr. Kazmi also highlighted the crucial role of waist circumference in preventing heart-related issues, recommending that men maintain waists under 36 inches and women under 32 inches. He advised all physicians to measure their patients’ waists as part of routine check-ups, as central obesity is a strong indicator of cardiometabolic risk.

The event was organized with support from Sami Pharmaceutical as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, aiming to raise awareness of these preventable yet deadly diseases.

Dr. Hannah Asghar, Director of the Cardiometabolic Program at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), pointed to hypertension as a primary driver of heart attacks, especially in younger populations. Alarmingly, she noted a rise in heart disease among women due to obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet choices.

“Even if all hospitals in Pakistan were dedicated to treating cardiac patients, it would still be insufficient,” she cautioned, adding that a national prevention program focused on lifestyle changes is essential to mitigate the growing cardiovascular crisis.

Experts at the seminar underscored that lifestyle interventions are not just about avoiding heart attacks and strokes but are equally critical in reducing risks for other NCDs, including cancers, kidney disease, and mental health issues.

They stressed the importance of daily physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and harmful substances as foundational measures for a healthier population.

Leading nutritionist Fayza Khan recommended dietary adjustments, emphasizing fiber-rich foods, whole grains, and vegetables over low-fiber diets and red meat.

Prof. Tariq Waseem, a respected authority on preventive healthcare, described obesity as the “mother of all health evils” in Pakistan. He urged citizens to reduce abdominal fat through exercise and mindful eating, noting that central obesity, particularly belly fat, is a predictor of future heart and metabolic diseases.

Prof. Aftan Mohsin, a gastroenterologist, warned that over 50 percent of Pakistanis have fatty liver disease, now termed Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). This condition, he explained, contributes to heart attacks and cardiovascular complications, though he added that a 10 percent weight reduction could help reverse fatty liver and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Asma Ahmed from Aga Khan University (AKU) spoke on the value of diabetes prevention, revealing that 61 percent of pre-diabetic individuals in a study reversed their condition by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. “Diabetes is preventable,” she stressed, advocating for comprehensive national programs aimed at early intervention.

Prof. Javed Akram, a prominent health expert and former Punjab health minister, addressed the foundational role of insulin resistance in the development of cardiometabolic syndrome. He emphasized that metabolic health starts before birth, with prenatal nutrition affecting lifelong health outcomes.

Prof. Akram called for policy changes and government-backed initiatives to combat this growing health crisis and prevent a flood of non-communicable diseases in Pakistan.

The seminar concluded with a call to action for healthcare professionals and policymakers to champion lifestyle-based interventions and promote a preventive healthcare approach. Attendees included several prominent figures from Pakistan’s medical community, such as Prof. Muhammad Hafeezullah, Dr. Zeeshan Ali, and Dr. Sadia Salman.

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