กรุงเทพฯ--29 ก.ย.--Weber Shandwick Thailand
To mark 2014 World Heart Day, which takes place on 29th September 2014, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, one of Thailand’s largest research-based biopharmaceutical companies, has brought to light the growing threat of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Now classified as one of the leading causes of death around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the cause of 5.5 million deaths worldwide each yeari. In Thailand, CVDs are causing an average of 690 deaths per population of 100,000ii.
In addition to the loss of life, a cardiovascular condition can also trigger a stroke – the loss of brain function due to impaired blood supply, which in turn leads to paralysis.
“Cardiac and circulatory disorders pose a serious threat to our well-being,” said Dr. Nirutti Pradubyati, Medical Director, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited. “Strokes can be considered as one of the most common cardiovascular conditions and one of the most damaging. Depending on the affected areas of the brain, strokes can severely affect the lives of CVD patients through brain tissue damage and in some cases can even be fatal.”
Cardiovascular conditions like strokes are inherently tied to a wide array of risk factors – including old age, lack of physical exercise, high levels of stress, heavy smoking, or even genetic inheritance. Under pressure from the rush of our modern lifestyle, a growing number of Thais are exposing themselves to these risks. Residents of Bangkok and the Central Region appear to be the most susceptible in the country, with the prevalence of fatal cardiovascular conditions at 2.41%, followed by those in the South (2.29%), the North (1.46%), and the Northeast (1.09%) respectivelyiii.
“Strokes are primarily triggered by the narrowing or a blockage of the cerebral vessels or carotid arteries,” Dr. Nirutti noted. “Warning signs of a possible stroke may include visual disturbances, weakness or paralysis in the extremities, limbs, or one half of the body, speech impairments, sudden dizziness, or even seizures. Since strokes are potentially life-threatening, patients should seek medical help immediately if these warning symptoms occur, regardless of the severity.”
Maj. Gen. Dr. Chumpol Piamsomboon, president of The Heart Association of Thailand Under The Royal Patronage of H. M. the King, discussed risk factors that may lead to the heart lacking blood flow and offered advice to prevent strokes, heart problems, and blood vessel problems:
“High blood pressure and blood lipid levels are major risk factors along with smoking and obesity. If these factors are addressed in time, strokes can be prevented outright.” To ward off the threat of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, Maj. Gen. Dr. Chumpol Piamsomboon recommends the following actions:
Keep your weight under control. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18-23 is considered healthy. Find out yours by dividing your weight in kilograms with your height squared in meters. Alternatively, check your waistline and keep it below 36 inches for men and 32 inches for women.
Maintain a balanced diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits are key parts to a complete, healthy diet. Avoid food with excessive fat, fermented ingredients, or extreme flavors. Dishes cooked with unsaturated oil are also recommended.
Avoid high blood pressure and take action to quickly treat signs of hypertension.
Exercise regularly. Three sessions of 30 minutes or more should suffice, although excessive physical stress is not advisable. Maintaining an active, energetic lifestyle also contributes to your defense against strokes.
Sleep adequately. A good night’s sleep should last six to eight hours.
No smoking.
Defuse stress. One useful technique is to breathe deeply and slowly, counting from one to three while inhaling and one to four while exhaling. Doing so can slow down your heartbeat and reduce blood pressure from stress.
Diabetics should monitor and maintain an appropriate blood sugar level under expert medical advice.
Pfizer, one of the global leaders in the discovery, development, and manufacture of healthcare products, has dedicated its resources towards the prevention of strokes in collaboration with an organization at the forefront of the industry.
“Pfizer is committed to the good health of people everywhere, and we are dedicating our expertise and resources to the improvement of health and well-being at every stage of life. We will continue to bring new medical innovations to Thailand to deliver on these commitments and ensure access to quality healthcare for all,” Dr. Nirutt Praduyati concluded.