Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death and premature death, accounting to over 25 per cent of deaths in 2021 in Brunei Darussalam. The Minister of Health in his message in conjunction with the World Heart Day celebration underlined that what is worrying is the increase in cardiovascular disease among young people. According to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in 2021, cardiovascular disease has caused about 25 per cent of premature deaths, which is an increase from 20 percent in 2013.
The Minister of Health also shared that the risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease include behavioural risk factors that can be prevented such as the use of tobacco; unhealthy eating habits such as excessive fat and salt intake; and an inactive lifestyle. Meanwhile, related risk factors such as obesity; hypertension; high cholesterol level; and diabetes can also be prevented or treated if detected at an early stage.
This year’s celebration carries a theme, ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’, which stresses on 3 main messages namely use heart for humanity; use heart for nature; and use heart for you. Towards encouraging an active lifestyle and increasing physical activities among the community, the Ministry of Health launched the BN on the Move initiative last August. In conjunction with World Heart Day, the country’s society is urged to together play a role in contributing towards positive transformation in life and surroundings specifically the loved ones.
Source: Radio Television Brunei