This year’s World Heart Day is dedicated to exposing how much our environments can impact and increase a person’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Cardiovascular disease is known to be the world’s number one killer. It is currently responsible for 17.3 million deaths per year and by 2030 this figure is expected to increase to 23 million.

Panelists on the Ultimate Health Show, Head of the Cardiology Unit at the Korleu Bu Teaching hospital, Dr Abdul Samed-Tanko, and Dr Ekow Ntsua Mensah, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the same hospital spoke about the general public's need to monitor their fod consumption.

They reiterated the need for smaller portions of food to be taken in at a time rather than large quantity at a go.

Both doctors stressed the need for reduced amounts of fats and oils in a meal. They indicated that although some amount is healthy for the body, it is advisable to regulate its intake in order not to cause blockages in the arteries.

Instead of meat, the doctors advised that it was healthier to eat a lot more of fish, preferably steamed or grilled. Lean meat should also be chosen over fatty ones.

Listen to the discussion.