In celebration of World Heart Day and to promote healthy living, leading cardiologists and specialists at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group are conducting a special session titled, 'Be Heart Smart' at The Address Marina today in coordination with Khaleej Times.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the number one cause of death globally and it affects men and women equally while children are at risk, too.

In the UAE, according to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) statistics in 2011, heart disease kills one in four people. The country's mortality rate of cardiac disease is 22 per cent and heart disease occurs 20 years earlier as compared to the global average of 65 years old.

This alarming trend is brought about by the fact that 66 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women in the UAE are obese or overweight while one in five residents is diabetic and over 40 per cent of adults have high blood pressure.

Hiba Kurjieh, clinical dietitian, said risk factors associated with heart disease include genetics, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet, inactivity, diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol and age.

Dr Albert E Alahmar, consultant interventional cardiologist and another speaker at the event, noted the advances in the cardiothoracic unit offered at Dr Suleiman Al Habib Hospital in Dubai could change the traditional way of treatment.

"Structural heart disease is quite common and can affect all ages. Traditionally most of these abnormalities are treated with open heart surgery; however over the last decade these treatment options have evolved and can be delivered through a key hole and relatively small tubesto deliver and deploy the relevant devices to the relevant chambers of the heart," he said.

Another speaker at the event is Dr Ramesh Kapa Baskaran, emergency medicine consultant and head of the department of emergency medicine at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital.

Tips to keep heart healthy

> Eat a healthy balanced diet - choose fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and pulses, restrict salt, sugar and fats.

> Increase your physical activity - exercise regularly, take the stairs, play outdoors.

> Check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly. Be aware of your cholesterol levels.

> Avoid tobacco.

Source: International SOS

"No Deprivation, Just Moderation"

> Adopt a healthy lifestyle

> Say no to fad diets

> Shop smart, Chose smarter from a menu

> Drink your water

> Cook healthy, color your plate

> Use spices and herbs to make your food taste better, not fat

> Be active, walk, dance, swim, do outside activities

> Consult a health professional to assess your health status and guide you for a healthier lifestyle

(Hiba Kurjieh, clinical dietitian)

Source: Khaleej Times