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To
reduce the incidence of death and disability caused by heart
diseases among ICHHN member countries, we advocate five broad
areas for immediate action:
| 1) |
Educating the public and building consumer demand for such education |
| 2) |
Applying the science base in a timely manner |
| 3) |
Creating the political will to promote public health |
| 4) |
Building partnerships with other health organisations to marshall the required resources |
| 5) |
Promoting a new way of working by coordinating the efforts of groups within ICHHN member countries |
New
evidence shows that cardiovascular disease has overtaken other
diseases in developing countries and is now the world’s
leading cause of death.
Since
cardiovascular disease is largely preventable, ICHHN needs
the capacity to virtually eliminate this worldwide epidemic
by applying what we all know and also by working together
in a spirit of collaboration and partnership among ICHHN members.
Prevention
of cardiovascular disease by controlling risk factors is still
the most cost-effective solution.
| 1) |
Each 10% decrease in blood cholesterol reduces the risk for heart disease by 20 to 40%. |
| 2) |
A mere 5mmHg drop in diastolic blood pressure reduces risk of stroke by 40% and heart disease by 20%. |
| 3) |
A physically active person is 1.5 to 2.5 times less likely to develop heart disease;
and 30 to 50% less likely to develop hypertension. |
| 4) |
Within two years of smoking cessation, the risk of heart disease of an ex-smoker
is comparable to people who have never smoked. |
One
heart is all we have. Having a healthy heart is one of the
important keys to a healthy life. This can be easily achieved
with proper diet, exercise, weight control and a healthy lifestyle.
Act
now - it is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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