President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the country to use its heart to beat heart disease while weathering the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a tweet to commemorate World Heart Day celebrated today, President Solih said that the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the pace of life while adding stress and anxiety to our daily experience.
He called on the nation to stay active and adopt healthier lifestyles while urging the citizens to use their heart to beat heart diseases amid the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
In its press release on the occasion of World Heart Day, World Heart Federation said that the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a perfect storm for heart health. Three main factors are contributing to this phenomenon.
It said that firstly people with COVID-19 and heart disease are among those with the highest risk of death and of developing severe conditions.
The Federation noted that after the virus attacks, the heart might be adversely affected even in people without previous heart conditions, potentially resulting in long-term damage.
It added that finally, fear of the virus has already led to a sharp decline in hospital visits by heart patients for routine and emergency care.
The World Heart Federation said that this year it has the singular purpose of uniting the global health community to beat cardiovascular diseases.
WHF said that this year it is asking individuals, communities, and governments to “use heart” to make better choices for society, loved ones, and ourselves.
The “Use Heart” call to action is about using our head, influence, and compassion to beat cardiovascular diseases, the world’s number one killer. Given the current situation, WHF is also calling for recognition and urgent protection of frontline healthcare providers.
