Love your heart - a message on World Heart Day

The theme for this year's World Heart Day on Sunday 28 September is 'Know Your Risk' and is a call to action to help people understand their personal risk for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension (high blood pressure).

Well-known South African boxer Baby Jake is the spokesperson for Novartis South Africa‘s Hypertension campaign, and has been assisting the company to promote public awareness around high blood pressure and the associated risks.

While cardiovascular disease is the world's largest killer, claiming 17.5 million lives a year[1], the good news is that it is largely preventable and that simple, affordable steps can be taken to reduce the major risk factors.

Dr Mahomed Kadwa, Novartis South Africa's Medical Director, says the message of World Heart Day is a positive one and emphasises the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle to lead a better, longer life. “We want South Africans to understand the risk factors of heart disease and know the lifestyle choices they can make to protect the heart, thus dramatically reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.”

On World Hypertension Day in May 2008, the “Do You Know Your Numbers” survey[2] was rolled out in 15 countries worldwide, including South Africa. Dr Kadwa explains that knowing one's blood pressure (BP) is vital, as high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar and high cholesterol are all modifiable risk factors for heart disease.

“Once men and women reach age 40, it becomes especially important for them to monitor these levels - hence the survey concentrated on the 40 plus sector, interviewing 629 respondents. When asked to estimate their BP, blood sugar and cholesterol measures, more than two in five adults, who knew at least one of their measures, had one abnormal level.”

“The findings from this survey can aid all South Africans in terms of educating them in heart health and ensuring we assist people in living healthy lives.”

Further findings included (note these pertain to the South African respondents only)4:

· 17% of those who knew all three of their measures have two or more levels out of normal range

· Nearly half of the adults don't know at least one of their measures

· One in ten adults do not know all three of their levels

· At least one in five adults report that their blood pressure or cholesterol is too high

· Nearly half of adults are currently taking medication to treat one of these three conditions

· Majority of adults aged 40 plus have had their numbers checked within the past year by a healthcare professional

· One third of adults are not concerned with health problems

· One half of adults don't associate high blood sugar levels as a risk factor for heart disease

· Two in five South African adults aged 40 plus engage in less than 20 minutes of exercise per week

Dr Kadwa says these results show that South Africans need to make a concerted effort to be tested - regularly. “So join the global effort to control hypertension3, and be tested.”

As Baby Jake, the man with the big heart advises: “Know your numbers so you can know the risk”.

For further information log onto www.healthyheart.co.za or call the Novartis Customer Support Line on 0861 929 929.