80% of heart disease deaths preventable: Cardiologist

• Highlights that maintaining a simple and healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and undergoing regular health checkups
• Dr. Withanawasam also said that World Heart Day falls on September 29. In line with this, the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology has organized a walk and awareness campaign

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Dr. Sampath Withanawasam, President of the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology, says that 80% of deaths related to heart disease worldwide are preventable.  
Speaking at an event held at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo to mark World Heart Day, Dr. Withanawasam said that the day’s main objective is to encourage collective action to prevent avoidable heart-related deaths.  
He highlighted that maintaining a simple and healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and undergoing regular health checkups.  
“Knowing how to identify a heart attack, its symptoms, and how to respond is not just the responsibility of medical professionals. It’s something everyone should be aware of. If you are informed and respond quickly, there is a lot doctors and nurses can do to help. We all have a responsibility to care for our hearts – and it’s your duty to act on that responsibility,” he said.  
Dr. Withanawasam also said that World Heart Day falls on September 29. In line with this, the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology has organized a walk and awareness campaign.  
This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, is a meaningful reminder for all Sri Lankans to live the rest of their lives with a healthy heart, he added.