ISLAMABAD: A month-long heart health awareness campaign has been launched calling for greater public awareness, regular health monitoring and early action to address Pakistan’s cardiovascular disease burden.
The campaign was launched by Maroof Cardiovascular Centre to mark the World Heart Day. It will continue till October 31 aimed to encourage individuals, families and communities to take a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health.
According to the World Heart Federation’s 2026 country profile, Pakistan had an estimated 347,133 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2024. The federation’s 2026 World Heart Day campaign, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlights the importance of recognising cardiovascular disease, protecting heart health and taking timely action.
Speaking about the programme, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital Haroon Naseer said healthcare institutions have an important responsibility not only to treat disease but also to promote prevention and health awareness within the community.
“Healthcare cannot begin and end at the hospital door. Our responsibility is also to help people understand their health risks before those risks become medical emergencies.
“Through our community support programme, we want to take the message of prevention directly to the community and encourage people to make heart health part of their everyday lives,” he said.
Dr Fahad Khalid, consultant interventional cardiologist, said prevention must become a routine part of healthcare rather than something people consider only after a cardiac emergency.
“We cannot wait for a heart attack to take prevention seriously. By the time the heart gives us a dramatic warning, valuable time may already have been lost. Knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar and other risk factors today can help protect your heart tomorrow,” he said.
Dr Fahad said many cardiovascular risk factors can develop silently, without obvious symptoms.
“A person may feel completely healthy while high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or tobacco use are quietly increasing their cardiovascular risk. This is why regular health checks are not a luxury; they are an important part of prevention,” he said.
Rubina Afzal, Head of the Community Support Programme, said the campaign was part of the hospital’s continuing commitment to community health education, early prevention, timely medical care and healthier lifestyles.
Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026
