By Iffat shaheen:
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a dedicated effort to boost public awareness of cardiovascular health and prevent chronic diseases, the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) organized a major awareness event at The View Mall in Riyadh to mark World Heart Day on September 29th. The annual global event highlights the severity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and stresses that early prevention and a healthy lifestyle are the strongest defenses.
Dr. Waleed Alhabeeb, Consultant Cardiologist, Heart Failure Specialist, and President of the Saudi Heart Association, affirmed that heart disease remains the single largest health challenge both globally and locally. He noted that this year’s campaign was launched under the slogan (S T D H C K)—an acronym for the most critical risk factors: Sugar and obesity, Tobacco and nutrition, Diabetes, Hypertension (blood pressure), Cholesterol, and Kinesis (movement/physical activity).
Dr. Alhabeeb added that the SHA is committed to reaching all segments of society to raise awareness about the risks and prevention methods of these diseases, particularly as obesity has become one of the most serious contributing factors requiring a comprehensive strategy. He emphasized that the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 place citizen health at the forefront of national priorities, reinforcing the importance of such awareness initiatives.
Interconnected Health and Early Screening
Dr. Reham Al Babtain, Consultant Dentist at the University Dental Center, underscored the critical link between oral health and heart health. She explained that bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream, impacting the immune system and heart health. Dr. Al Babtain stressed that regular dental visits from childhood to old age are a fundamental preventative step, noting that diabetes and heart patients are particularly vulnerable to oral infection complications. She advocated for a holistic view of human health where oral neglect can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Mubarak Abdulhadi Al-Dosari, Consultant Cardiologist, dispelled the notion that heart disease is exclusive to the elderly, confirming it can affect people at any age, from childhood onward. He urged early screenings, especially for those with a family history of the disease.
Dr. Al-Dosari offered practical advice, including strict adherence to medication for patients over 50, regular medical check-ups, a healthy diet, and consistent exercise. He also specifically warned against e-cigarette use, citing studies suggesting it may be more dangerous than traditional smoking, with severe adverse effects on the heart, lungs, and brain.
A Unified Call for Prevention
All participating doctors agreed that prevention starts with individual awareness and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, maintaining oral health, and continuous medical follow-up. They concluded that prevention is superior to cure, and that a collective effort between healthcare professionals and the community will significantly help reduce the rates of chronic diseases and achieve the health goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The event saw a wide turnout of visitors and notable media coverage. Attendees were offered free screenings for blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, and obesity indicators, along with interactive health awareness stations. Physicians and consultants provided direct consultations, reinforcing the importance of healthy habits and avoiding heart disease risk factors.
