“It is regrettable that 80% of global deaths caused by heart disease are preventable,” said Dr. Sampath Vithanawasam, President of the College of Cardiologists, speaking at a program held in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, to mark World Heart Day.
Dr. Sampath Vithanawasam emphasized that the main goal of World Heart Day is to work together to prevent these avoidable heart-related deaths.
“We have a duty to our heart. Fulfilling it is your responsibility” -Dr. Sampath Vithanawasam, Cardiologist”
The specialist doctor further stated that adopting a simple and healthy lifestyle can help minimize heart disease, and stressed the importance of refraining from smoking, exercising, maintaining a good diet, avoiding stress-inducing activities, and having regular health check-ups.
Dr. Sampath Vithanawasam, the Consultant Cardiologist, further commented:
“We have a duty to our heart. Fulfilling it is your responsibility. Knowing how to recognize a heart attack, what its symptoms are, and how we should act when one occurs is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals. It is something the public must be aware of. If you are aware of this and respond quickly, doctors and nursing staff can do a lot for you.”
“World Heart Day falls on September 29th. This year’s theme is ‘Every Beat Matters.’ The message is to not let any heartbeat die prematurely. I believe this will be a good precedent for all Sri Lankans to live the rest of their lives with a healthy heart.”
