The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that about 17.1 million people yearly die from Cardiovascular Diseases, (CVD) mainly from heart diseases and stroke globally. Cardiovascular diseases are a class of diseases that involves the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). It is caused by tobacco use, unhealthy diet, intake of fast foods and physical inactivity, while the harmful use of alcohol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Rada Bulley, a Cardiologist consultant of the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital, said at the Ghana Cardiovascular Summit in Accra on Thursday that 82 per cent of CVD deaths take place in low and middle income countries, affecting both men and women. The summit, organized by Pfizer Company - a multi-national pharmaceutical company - was under the theme: “Think Heart”. It aimed at providing a platform for healthcare practitioners to engage in a robust scientific discussion on the trends of CVD and their management. She noted that population-based studies show that the precursors of heart disease start in adolescent, which could begin as early as childhood with more than half of the right coronary arteries of youths aged from seven to nine. Dr Bulley stressed that more education and awareness on the threats and measures to prevent CVD must be taken to avoid any future occurrence because the WHO estimates that about 23.3 million would eventually die from the disease by 2030. He noted that obesity and diabetes mellitus are also often linked to cardiovascular disease, adding that it could be prevented through decreased alcohol consumption, strict diabetes management, taking in diets high in fibres and vegetables and nuts as well as exercising at least 30 minutes a day. Dr. Eugene K. Amable, Lecturer, University of Ghana Medical School, said cardiovascular disease is treatable with initial treatment primarily focused on diet and lifestyle interventions. He stressed that C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common inflammatory marker that had been found to be present in increased levels in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. Dr. Amable urged doctors to show commitment to their profession by helping to educate the public on the disease and urged the public to go for regular checkups to ensure early detection of the disease. Dr. Maggie Olele, Associate Director, Public Affairs and Communication of Pfizer Company, said the grave picture of the statistics from WHO underscored the need to generate more awareness on the ways CVDs could be managed. She said the summit was held annually to enhance in capacity building and excellent service delivery in the healthcare sector. Dr. Olele said the company collaborated with healthcare providers, governments and local communities to support and expand the access to reliable, affordable, healthcare around the world. Source: GNA