Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. In Pakistan, the numbers are climbing fast, with 240,720 people dying from coronary heart disease in 2020 alone. This accounts for 16.5% of all deaths in the country.
Read More: The Aga Khan University Hospital Rallies the Community for Heart Health
Pakistan now ranks 30th worldwide in heart-related mortality, with a death rate of 193.56 per 100,000 people. The drivers? Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and family history—a deadly mix that continues to fuel the crisis.
While these statistics are alarming, there is good news: modern treatments and surgeries are saving lives every single day.
As World Heart Day approaches this September, let’s have a real conversation about heart health, life-saving surgeries, and the simple choices that can keep your heart strong.
What Exactly Is Heart Disease?:
Think of your heart as a pump and your blood vessels as pipelines. Heart disease means something has gone wrong with the pump or the pipes connected to it.
The most common type is coronary artery disease, which happens when the arteries supplying blood to your heart get blocked. Other conditions include leaky or tight valves, an irregular heartbeat, or structural defects present since birth.
Heart disease is often called a “silent killer” because the warning signs—like chest pain, breathlessness, and unusual tiredness—often show up late. That’s why early detection and prevention are so important.
Early Detection Matters:
Catching heart disease early gives you choices. Ignoring it allows the disease to make the decisions for you. A few simple checks can save your life:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- ECG and Echocardiogram
Habits That Protect Your Heart:
Small lifestyle choices can have a big impact:
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
- Quit smoking—today.
- Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep.
- Manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness.
Your heart responds to these habits almost immediately.
Life-Saving Heart Surgeries — Explained Simply:
When lifestyle changes and medication aren’t enough, surgery can restore health and save lives.
The word “surgery” can make anyone nervous. But with today’s technology and experienced surgical teams, heart surgery is far safer and more successful than people imagine.
Here are some life-saving heart surgeries in simple terms:
- Bypass Surgery (CABG): Imagine making a new road so blood can drive around a blocked highway. That’s what surgeons do for your heart.
- Valve Repair or Replacement: Fixing leaky or jammed valves, often with tiny cuts instead of a big operation.
- Pacemakers: Little devices that keep your heartbeat steady.
- Catheter Procedures (like TAVI): Replacing valves through thin tubes, without the need for an open chest.
The best part? Many of these surgeries now mean smaller scars, quicker recovery, and less pain. Most patients start walking in a day or two and are back to normal activities in 6–12 weeks.
Busting the Biggest Heart Surgery Myths:
- Myth: Heart surgery means life will never be normal.
Reality: Most patients return to daily life—including exercise—within weeks. - Myth: Only very sick people need surgery.
Reality: Many procedures are done early, with success rates above 95%. - Myth: Surgery means months in bed.
Reality: Most patients walk within days and recover in 6–12 weeks. - Myth: Heart surgery always leaves a huge scar.
Reality: Minimally invasive surgery often means tiny cuts and quick discharge. - Myth: Needing heart surgery is the end.
Reality: For many, it’s the start of a healthier, longer life.
Real Stories, Real Hope:
- Ahmed, 52: “I was terrified of bypass surgery. But six days later I was home. Now I walk daily and feel years younger.”
- Sara, 34: “My valve problem scared me, but surgery gave me a second chance. Today, I’m back to full health.”
- Safia, 30: “I was born with a hole in my heart. After surgery, I’ve hiked thousands of miles. Nothing is impossible.”
These stories prove that surgery can open the door to a fuller, stronger life.
A Quick Heart Health Checklist:
Ask yourself:
- Do I exercise 150 minutes a week?
- Do I know my blood pressure and cholesterol levels?
- Do I eat enough fruits and vegetables?
- Do I smoke?
If you answered “No” to two or more, it’s time to take action.
A Call to Action:
Heart disease is serious, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With early detection, healthy habits, and modern surgery, you can not only live, but you can also thrive.
This World Heart Day, let’s make a promise to our hearts: Eat smart. Move more. Get checked. Your heart beats for you every second. Isn’t it time you gave it some love back?
About Author:
Dr. Hina Inam
Assistant Professor & Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Program Director, Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Department of Surgery, AKUH, Pakistan