Heart Attack Rate in Pakistan | PANAH Reveals | DigiKhi

Heart Attack Rate in Pakistan.

The heart attack rate in Pakistan is increasing at an alarming rate, signaling an urgent need for comprehensive policy measures to address the country’s growing crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the latest statistics, over 41% of adults in Pakistan are either obese or overweight, highlighting a widespread issue.

Rising Diabetes Numbers in Pakistan

Additionally, 33 million individuals in Pakistan live with diabetes, with another 10 million on the verge of developing this serious condition. If immediate action is not taken, the number of diabetes patients could rise to 62 million by 2045.

Alarming Health Statistics

Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary and Director of Operations at PANAH, shared the severity of this crisis at a press briefing in Murree. He noted that one heart attack occurs every minute in Pakistan, and every two and a half minutes, someone dies from heart disease. The heart attack rate is made worse by data from the International Diabetes Federation, showing that around 1,100 daily deaths in Pakistan are linked to diabetes and its complications.

The Role of Unhealthy Diets

Above all, unhealthy dietary habits are among the leading risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney failure, and other fatal NCDs. The consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, and trans fats significantly contributes to these rising health issues.

In fact, the absence of front-of-pack nutrition labeling and warning signs on ultra-processed foods makes it harder for people to make healthier choices. Therefore, policy interventions are needed.

The Financial Cost of Diabetes

The financial burden of managing diabetes is staggering. In 2021 alone, diabetes-related costs in Pakistan exceeded USD 2,640 million. Sana Ullah Ghumman emphasized the urgent need to regulate the consumption of sugary drinks and junk food, as these are major contributors to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

PSQCA’s Role in National Health Standards

The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) plays a crucial role in developing national standards to ensure access to healthy diets for all citizens. Furthermore, in 2023, PANAH successfully campaigned for a 20% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on sweetened beverages and juices. Despite opposition from the sugary drink industry, the government plans to maintain this tax in the 2024-25 finance bill—a positive step forward.

PANAH’s Two-Pronged Approach

PANAH has adopted a two-pronged strategy. First, it is raising public awareness of modifiable risk factors for NCDs. Second, it is working with policymakers to develop evidence-based strategies to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods. As a result, this coordinated approach is crucial in lowering Pakistan’s heart attack rates.

Groundbreaking AI Model Detects Heart Attack Risk

Another breakthrough comes from Caristo Diagnostics, an Oxford University spinout. They’ve developed an AI model to predict heart attack risk within the next decade by detecting cardiac inflammation invisible to standard CT scans. This technology can lead to early interventions, preventing heart attacks that traditional diagnostics often miss.

Currently, a pilot program is underway in five UK hospitals with the support of NHS England. Early results suggest that individuals with inflammation are 20 to 30 times more likely to experience a heart attack within the next decade. Eventually, this technology could revolutionize heart attack prevention globally.

Punjab Government’s Free Heart Surgery Program

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has launched the Chief Minister Children’s Heart Surgery Programme to provide free heart surgeries for over 5,000 children annually. This initiative, inaugurated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, offers eligible families Child Surgery Cards, ensuring life-saving surgeries for needy children.

Altogether, it’s evident that urgent action is required to address Pakistan’s escalating heart disease and diabetes crisis.

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