Alarming Rate: Heart Disease Causes 8 Deaths Every Minute in South-East Asia According to WHO

Cardiovascular diseases represent the primary cause of mortality in South-East Asia, with eight individuals losing their lives every minute due to heart-related conditions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) statement released on Saturday before World Heart Day.

World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, aims to increase awareness about cardiovascular diseases and emphasize the significance of early detection for saving and enhancing lives. This year's theme is 'Don't Miss a Beat'.

"In the WHO South-East Asia Region, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim eight lives every minute. CVDs are the leading mortality cause in the Region, with half of these deaths occurring prematurely in individuals under 70 years of age," stated Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge for WHO South-East Asia.

Key risk factors contributing to CVDs include hypertension, diabetes, tobacco consumption, alcohol intake, unhealthy diets high in salt and fats, and insufficient physical activity.

"Approximately 85 percent of individuals living with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not have their conditions adequately controlled," Boehme noted.

"With aging populations and increasing urbanization, vulnerability to CVDs is rising, placing additional pressure on already resource-limited health systems," she further explained.

The expert mentioned that over the past two years, policy measures and clinical interventions implemented by countries have demonstrated promising progress.

"As of June 2025, public health facilities are providing protocol-based management to more than 90 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes," Boehme reported.

She also identified several challenges including inadequate fiscal and regulatory measures, weak enforcement of policies, and insufficient monitoring of marketing, packaging, and advertising restrictions on unhealthy products that impede progress.

Emphasizing the need for greater public awareness, she advocated for a comprehensive societal approach to address cardiovascular diseases.

"Individuals can take important steps for heart health by quitting tobacco, reducing salt consumption, engaging in daily physical activity, and managing stress. For governments and policymakers, implementing salt-reduction measures, eliminating industrially produced trans-fats from national food supplies, and enforcing comprehensive tobacco control laws should be top priorities," Boehme emphasized.