Cardiovascular diseases continue to affect over half a billion people worldwide, leading to 20.5 million deaths in 2021, according to the 2023 World Heart Federation report. Cardiovascular diseases are still on the rise globally and in Rwanda, said Dr Evariste Ntaganda, director of the department of cardiovascular diseases at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Cardiovascular diseases are some of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The NCDs account for about 44 per cent of all deaths in Rwanda. Rwanda observed the World Heart Day on Sunday, September 29, with the theme “Use Heart for Action.” ALSO READ: World Heart Day: Six ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases At the national level, the day was marked in Ngoma District, with a number of activities such as awareness campaigns and free screenings aimed at preventing and detecting heart diseases, along with related conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Additionally, residents took part in sports activities, organized to encourage people to make regular physical exercise a habit. ALSO READ: Obesity on the rise among Rwandans Dr Ntaganda spoke about some of the results of Saturday's screenings. “We found that 11 per cent of the people screened today had high blood pressure, compared to the national rate of 16.8 per cent. For diabetes, the rate among those screened was two per cent, slightly lower than the national average of 2.9 per cent,” Dr Ntaganda said. He stressed the importance of early having regular screenings. He noted that many heart diseases show no symptoms until serious damage has been done, which is why regular screenings are crucial for early treatment. Dr. Ntaganda also noted the findings of previous community screenings: “In 2021, we found that over seven per cent of the population is at risk of developing heart diseases within the next 10 years. We focused on individuals aged 18 to 69, with older adults being more vulnerable to these conditions.” ALSO READ: Cardiovascular diseases: Awareness remains key to prevention He pointed out the common risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity. “Worrying enough today, even young people are showing signs of these risk factors. This is why we are conducting screenings and raising awareness about these diseases, so that the younger generation can adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of heart disease,” Dr Ntaganda said. Residents of Ngoma District said more awareness about cardiovascular diseases is needed for people to understand ways to prevent and reduce the risk factors. I came for the screening not because I'm old, but because I want to understand my health,” said Felicien Muhozi. “If there's an issue, the doctors can help me address it so that I continue working for my development and that of my country.” He noted the importance of staying informed about one's health. Sitting around without knowing the state of your health is not good. Having opportunities like this event, where professionals take care of us, helps all of us work harder in life. He urged other people to take advantage of these screenings, saying: Those who don't come for these screenings are lagging behind. My message to them is ‘come and get screened so that you can live better lives when you know the status of your health.’” Rachel Nyiramweshi, another resident of Ngoma District, appreciated the screenings and noted the importance of staying physically active. “For us, we do not do formal sports, but we do farming, and for me, that feels like exercise. I also do other chores that keeps me active, she said.
