Healthy heart vital to live full life - SLHA

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO:”A healthy heart is vital to live a full life, regardless of age and gender,” was the message relayed as the Sri Lanka Heart Association (SLHA) held its eighth scientific congress under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake at the Taj Samudra hotel recently.

The Premier praised the association for its contribution towards enhancing public awareness about Cardiovascular diseases.

“Awareness is the first step towards prevention and cure. Without awareness people will not take the first step towards avoiding the risks that lead to heart disease,” the premier said.

“One of the risks, I would say, is an over indulgent life style. But, that is a problem mostly for the affluent segments of society, which is not to say that the poor are totally free of heart disease. Other factors such as diabetes and smoking too lead to heart diseases. Diabetes could be controlled and smoking can be given up. For these reasons, I would say, that your prime objective of creating greater public awareness on cardiovascular diseases is highly laudable,” the Prime Minister said.

The premier urged the fraternity of Cardiologists not to isolate themselves from the mainstream of world cardiology on the pretext of high demand on their time due to professional commitments. “Learning is a continuing process, and there are moral commitments, especially that of absorbing new and additional knowledge and skills and to impart them to the succeeding generation” Prime Minister said.

The SLHA, in addition to awareness campaigns is pioneering the furthering of medical education in this regard and acts as a key member in suggesting preventive measures to state authorities, and the organisation of Cardiological services. The Premier inaugurating the session wished the congress all success and added, “This forum provided by the SLHA can serve as a launching pad for interacting with leaders in heart care from other countries.”