Rising heart disease cases prompt call for awareness and early screening

LAHORE: Punjab Institute of Cardiology Chairman Dr Muhammad Farqad Alamgir has called for greater public awareness of heart disease, stressing that timely screening, early diagnosis and preventive care are essential as cardiac cases continue to rise.

Speaking exclusively to state-run PTV News, Dr Alamgir said awareness about cardiac and heart diseases needed to be strengthened, with a focus on routine testing and early detection to help prevent complications. He said people should adopt healthier daily habits to improve long-term heart health.

Dr Alamgir advised the public to undergo regular screening and timely medical check-ups, while also following a balanced diet and maintaining routine physical activity. He said avoiding smoking, managing stress and keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under strict control were important steps in reducing the risk of heart disease.

He also highlighted specific lifestyle measures, including empty-stomach walking and eating small meals at frequent intervals. He said disciplined control of blood sugar and careful monitoring of blood pressure were necessary parts of cardiac care.

Expansion of cardiac care facilities

Dr Alamgir said that under the chief minister’s vision, the Punjab Institute of Cardiology was being developed with modern facilities, while new hospitals were being established and budgetary support was being increased.

According to Dr Alamgir, free treatment for all cardiac patients was being ensured under this plan. He said the initiative also included the upgradation of existing facilities and the establishment of new hospitals in Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Lahore.

He said the programme was backed by a substantial budget and included the provision of free medicines as well as additional healthcare facilities for patients.

Focus on prevention

Dr Alamgir said prevention remained a key part of the response to the growing burden of heart disease. He emphasised that awareness, timely screening and early diagnosis could help lower risks and improve outcomes for patients.

He said the public should pay close attention to heart health through practical preventive steps, including regular tests, healthy eating habits and physical activity. He added that better management of stress, blood pressure and blood sugar could play a major role in protecting people from cardiac illness.

The PIC chairman’s remarks underscored both the need for public awareness and the government-backed effort to expand treatment capacity, as authorities work to improve access to cardiac care and encourage preventive health practices.