Heart Disease, a leading cause of death in SI

Smoking, chewing betel nut, alcohol consumption, excessive salt intake, overweight and obese are some of the main causes of heart diseases. 

Pediatrician Consultant at the National Referral Hospital Dr Titus Nasi said the country currently doesn’t provide all services needed for heart treatment.

“We don’t have heart surgery in the country, the most common reason for us to refer adults and children overseas is because of heart problem complications of Rheumatic heart disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD),” Dr Nasi said.

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever or complications and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. 

It is usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots. 

Dr Nasi said both conditions can be prevented if people come to the clinic early to be screened. 

“Once diagnosed with the condition it is advised that patients must follow doctors’ advice to live a normal life, heart screening is carried out at NRH and the provinces health centers,” he said.

He advises the public to eat local food and live a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease. 

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By Sharon Nanau