Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 27: Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the WHO South-East Asia Region, claiming the lives of eight people every minute, the World Health Organization said on Saturday, ahead of World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29. This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” focuses on early detection and prevention.

Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge at WHO South-East Asia, warned that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for a significant number of premature deaths—nearly half occurring in individuals under the age of 70. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity continue to drive the crisis.

Alarmingly, Boehme noted that around 85% of people in the region living with hypertension and diabetes are not managing their conditions effectively, further increasing the burden on already strained healthcare systems. Factors like ageing populations and rapid urbanisation are compounding the challenge.

However, she highlighted progress in the region, with over 90 million people now receiving protocol-based treatment for hypertension and diabetes at public health facilities as of June 2025. Despite this, gaps remain in policy enforcement, regulation of harmful products, and public education.

Boehme emphasized the need for a unified response, calling for stronger public awareness and systemic reforms. She urged individuals to take proactive steps such as quitting tobacco, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress. On the policy front, she advocated for salt-reduction strategies, removal of trans-fats from food supply chains, and stricter tobacco control laws.

“A whole-of-society approach is essential,” Boehme said, underscoring that both individual actions and government interventions are key to reversing the region’s growing heart health crisis.