KATHMANDU: The National Cardiac Centre (NCC) in Basundhara, Kathmandu, marked World Heart Day today by organizing a free health camp to raise awareness about cardiovascular health.
Celebrated globally on September 29, World Heart Day was established by the World Heart Federation in 2000 to emphasize the importance of heart health, prevention, and the role of lifestyle choices in reducing cardiovascular risks.
At the camp, NCC served over 250 participants, offering vital health screenings, heart check-ups, and educational sessions aimed at promoting heart-healthy lifestyles.
Attendees underwent screenings for heart disease and were evaluated for key risk factors, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Free echocardiography and ECG tests were also provided to further assess participants’ heart conditions.
In addition to these assessments, factors such as smoking, alcohol use, family history, physical inactivity, and stress were evaluated.
Participants received personalized medical advice, along with diet and lifestyle counseling to help reduce their cardiovascular risk.
Educational materials were distributed to enhance awareness about heart health, and presentations on cardiac emergencies and life-saving techniques empowered attendees with knowledge to prevent heart disease.
A dedicated team of doctors from NCC, including Dr. Bijay Khadka, Dr. Sagar Thapa, Dr. Binod Khadka, and Dr. Manish Bartaula, conducted the check-ups at the camp.
Senior cardiologist Dr. Om Murti Anil emphasized the importance of public awareness among the youth regarding the need for screening for risk factors associated with heart disease, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the leading cause of death globally, significantly impacting low- and middle-income countries like Nepal.
In 2019, over three-quarters of CVD-related deaths occurred in these regions. Of the 20.5 million deaths caused by CVDs in 2021, approximately 80% were reported in low- and middle-income countries.
In Nepal, CVDs accounted for 26.9% of total deaths in 2017. Dr. Anil stated, “Younger individuals aged 20 to 40 should have their blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol tested on time, even if they have no symptoms.”
The NCC promotes cardiovascular health in Nepal through various initiatives, conducting free heart camps and cardiovascular risk screenings to identify health issues in the community.
Additionally, the NCC provides free telemedicine services for migrant workers, ensuring access to vital health information.
The center also hosts awareness sessions and campaigns for global health observances, such as World Heart Day and World Hypertension Day.
Notably, the “Smokers Are Not Selfish” campaign has successfully motivated over 1,700 individuals to quit smoking, contributing to the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
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