SUVA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A specialist surgeon has urged communities across the Pacific to adopt healthier lifestyles and undergo regular health checks to reduce the growing burden of heart disease.
Sanjeev Khulbey, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi, Fiji, said unhealthy diets and physical inactivity were major contributors to heart disease, increasing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
He told local media on Wednesday that ischemic heart disease and stroke remained among the leading causes of death in Fiji, underscoring the need for stronger prevention and early detection.
Many patients remain unaware of developing health problems until their conditions become severe, potentially requiring major surgery, Khulbey said, stressing that prevention should be a priority rather than waiting until surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Pacific Specialist Healthcare has repaired or replaced heart valves in 30 patients from seven Pacific island countries, including Samoa, Vanuatu, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. One patient from New Zealand has also received treatment.
Khulbey called for healthier eating, regular physical activity and routine medical examinations, saying early identification of risk factors could help prevent serious complications, ease pressure on health services and save lives across the Pacific. ■