RIYADH: Heart diseases are blamed for 24 percent of all deaths in the Kingdom whereas 55 percent of the Saudi population is prone to face high cholesterol blood levels, Saudi medical experts said, quoting data released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The experts urged citizens to have blood tests and take necessary steps that could reduce high blood cholesterol levels, which in addition to obesity, smoking and diabetes, is the major cause of heart diseases.
Cardiologist at King Saud University and National Guard Hospital in Jeddah Dr. Abdulhalim Kinsara said symptoms of heart disease are common after the age of 40, where those experiencing diabetes and kidney failure are more vulnerable to such diseases which make it imperative to conduct regular check-ups.
In this context, consultant and head of endocrinology at the Military Hospital in Taif Dr. Saud Al-Sifri called on the Ministry of Labor to enact laws whereby employees over 40 or those newly recruited should be subjected to tests as is the case with the premarital tests.
Patients with high cholesterol levels are reaching 55 percent of the population which necessitates cooperation between health bodies to address issues related to heart diseases, he was quoted by a local newspaper as saying.
Dr. Nagwa Mousa, a medical expert, said that lack of exercise and unhealthy diet and ways of life are the main reasons for rising rates of heart diseases and if patients want to decrease their health risks, they have to change their habits.
Arab News
