Ischaemic heart disease, the number one killer

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Ischaemic heart disease is the number one killer around the world including Sri Lanka, Consultant Clinical and Interventional cardiologist attached to the Institute of Cardiology, Colombo National Hospital Dr Vajira Senaratne said.

He said early detection and leading a healthy lifestyle from childhood is important to prevent heart diseases.

"Prevention is always better than cure," he told the Daily News yesterday.

Dr Senaratne said even young Sri Lankans get heart attacks now without prior symptoms or other problems.

"Junk food, smoking, lack of exercise, stress etc are some of the common factors that cause heart diseases. Persons in the high risk category - with a strong family history, having diabetes, high blood pressure etc should take extra care about their heart," he said. Dr Senaratne said Sri Lanka's healthcare facilities have achieved a significant development during the recent years compared with the past.

"All main hospitals have facilities to treat heart attack patients. Any patient can reach a hospital within half and hour. The most important fact is transporting them to the nearest hospital within 90 minutes or less. Taking an aspirin tablet reduces heart attack deaths by 20 percent. It is important not to identify a heart attack as a gastritis," he said.

"Bypass surgeries and other treatment are only temporary solutions for patients who get heart attacks.

Secondary prevention is very important for them because their hearts can be get blocked for the second time," Dr Senaratne said.