Heart Disease

WANT TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE?

You need to abide by some rules and you can have a safe and sound life.Experts at a press conference in the city yesterday said excessive intake of salt increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart and kidney failure.

They underscored the need for reducing salt intake to possess a good health.

To create mass awareness, World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) observes World Salt Awareness Week this year with the theme 'Consume less salt and stay healthy'.

Hypertension Committee of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh is observing the week from February 2 to 8 with various programmes, including a discussion on February 7 at the Heart Foundation auditorium and distribution of leaflets.

“It is proved that 80 percent of the population will not suffer from high blood pressure if the people consume less salt. On the other hand, high blood pressure breaks out like an epidemic in the countries like Japan for excessive salt consumption,” said National Prof Brig (retd) Abdul Malik, also founder secretary general of the foundation.

Half of the adult population in Japan are suffering from high blood pressure which is the risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, paralysis, blindness, he said, adding that it also leads to stomach cancer, obesity and symptoms of Asthma.

Salt is used most in the processed food. The fast food and Chinese food also contain excessive salt, the experts said suggesting not to take extra salt in diet and to remove salt from the dining table.

The suggestions include using minimum salt while cooking as the vegetables the people eat are already enriched with different types of mineral salts, using lemon juice, vinegar and garlic as preservatives instead of salt and avoiding restaurant foods, fast food, tinned and frozen food.

Hotels and restaurants should write 'No Extra Salt' as the cautionary message 'No Smoking Please' is written, they said, adding that human body needs very little amount of salt - less than a teaspoon or 5 grams every day.