Heart diseases top the list of killers in South-East Asia, claiming eight lives every single minute, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Officials shared this stark warning on Saturday, just ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, which focuses on raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the need for early detection to save more lives. This year’s theme? “Don’t Miss a Beat.”
Dr. Catharina Boehme, WHO’s Officer-in-Charge for South-East Asia, highlighted the crisis: “Every minute, eight people die from cardiovascular diseases in our region. These conditions lead to the most deaths here, with half of them hitting people under 70 years old—far too early.”
What drives these heart diseases? Common risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, diets loaded with too much salt and fats, and a lack of physical activity. Boehme pointed out a big problem: “Up to 85% of people in the region with hypertension or diabetes aren’t managing their conditions effectively.”
Aging populations and rapid urbanization make things worse, ramping up vulnerability to CVDs and straining already stretched health systems. Yet, there’s some good news. Over the past two years, countries have made solid strides with new policies and clinical programs. By June 2025, public health facilities will offer protocol-based care to more than 90 million people battling hypertension and diabetes.
Still, challenges remain. Boehme noted gaps like weak regulations, poor enforcement of rules, and spotty oversight of marketing, packaging, and ads for unhealthy foods and products that slow down progress.
To fight back, Boehme calls for a team effort from everyone in society, starting with better public awareness. For everyday people, simple steps can protect your heart: quit tobacco, cut back on salt, get moving with daily exercise, and tackle stress head-on. Governments and leaders should step up too—think salt-reduction campaigns, banning industrially produced trans-fats from food supplies, and rolling out strong tobacco control laws as top priorities.
World Heart Day reminds us: Taking action now can keep hearts beating strong across South-East Asia.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
