There has been an increase in cardiovascular disease risk by over two per cent in the last five years. This is according to the National Health Survey 2023. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common non-communicable diseases. It includes heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, affecting the heart and blood vessels.
The National Health Survey 2023 showed that cardiovascular disease risk increased from 3.7% in 2019 to 6.1% in 2023.
Underscoring the growing burden of this disease and the urgent need for interventional and curative care, the International Conference on Cardiology was held in Thimphu.
According to a cardiologist, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and increased salt intake lead to an increase in cardiovascular diseases.
“People with NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Once we detect these, we have to intervene by providing education regarding lifestyle modification such as the need for exercise, to take a healthy diet and reduce salt intake,” said Dr Mahesh Gurung, Interventional Cardiologist, JDWNRH.
“We want to extend our hands with Bhutanese cardiological professionals. We hope this will help both of us and we also learn from you, how you are treating your patients and what kind of challenges you are facing,” said Dr Afzalur Rahman, Interventional Cardiologist in Bangladesh.
The survey also shows that over 5 per cent of people aged 40-69 years have a predicted 30 per cent or more risk of cardiovascular diseases in the next 10 years.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
