Chattogram: Experts at a seminar here today warned of rising heart disease in the country, saying that the disease has been emerging as a silent epidemic. Every day, numerous individuals across the country are experiencing heart attacks and related complications, with experts attributing the rising rates of the disease to factors such as unhealthy eating habits, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, obesity, and lack of exercise.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Pravartak Sangha, a social organization in Chattogram, organized the seminar titled ‘Heart Attack: Remedy and Prevention’ at the Masterda Suryasen Auditorium. Doctors, social workers, political figures, and journalists participated in the seminar, where symptoms, prevention, and awareness of heart disease were highlighted. Shri Indu Nandan Dutta, President of the Promoting Association, Chattogram, chaired the seminar while Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City, attended as the chief guest.
The seminar was inaugurated by Ekushey Padak-winning journalist and Dainik Azadi Editor MA Malek. During the event, speakers pointed out that in the early stages of heart disease, patients may experience pressure or pain in the chest during physical activity. Symptoms may also include chest heaviness, pain spreading to the left arm, shoulder, or jaw, and discomfort in the upper abdomen. Such symptoms are often mistaken for gastric issues or general weakness, they said, adding that these could be early signs of a heart attack. As the condition progresses, symptoms like excessive sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, or loss of consciousness may occur, they added.
Professor Dr. Prabir Kumar Das, Secretary General of the Chattogram Heart Foundation and former Head of the Department of Cardiology at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, presented the keynote, highlighting that the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels leading to blockages is a major cause of heart attacks.
As the chief guest, Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain emphasized that heart disease is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, with a rising number of cases in both urban and rural areas. He pointed out that the consumption of excessive beef, including meat, in Chattogram, contributes to the prevalence of heart disease, as excess fat and cholesterol lead to various health complications.
Other experts, including former Head of the Department of Cardiology at Chattogram Medical College Hospital Professor Dr. AKM Manjur Morshed, former Head of the Department Dr. Ashish Dey, Cardiologist Dr. S. C. Dhar, and Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Haque Chowdhury, also participated in the discussion.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha