Understanding heart conditions and their warning signs
Every year ‘World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent 31 per cent of all global deaths, unambiguously the leading cause of death both in Malta and globally, for both genders alike.
Latest data published by WHO states that locally every two in five deaths were due to CVD in 2016. The most prominent cause is ischaemic heart disease, followed closely by stroke. Often this can be attributed to lifestyle-risk factors, notoriously the typical sedentary lifestyle many Maltese people lead, smoking, large portion sizes and unhealthy, gluttonous diets.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions include a wide spectrum of diseases affecting the heart and its vasculature. The most devastating and prevalent diseases which we hear about on a regular basis are heart attacks and strokes.
There are a number of symptoms heralding a heart attack or stroke. These include nausea accompanied by chest pain, a choking sensation, excessive sweating or fatigue, as well as stomach, limb, and back pain. Signs to look out for stroke, using the FAST mnemonic: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services. However, in...