347,133 Cardiovascular Deaths: Maroof Cardiovascular Center Launches Heart Health Campaign
We Cannot Wait for a Heart Attack to Take Prevention Seriously,says Dr. Fahad Khalid
Maroof Cardiovascular Center launches month-long Heart Health Awareness Campaign under its Community Support Program
ISLAMABAD, 28 September 2026: Maroof Cardiovascular Center has launched a month-long Heart Health Awareness Campaign under its Community Support Program, calling for greater public awareness, regular health monitoring and early action to address Pakistan’s cardiovascular disease burden.
Launched to mark World Heart Day 2026, the campaign will continue through 31 October 2026 and aims to encourage individuals, families and communities to take a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health.
Speaking about the program, Mr. Haroon Naseer, Chief Executive Officer of Maroof International Hospital, 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 Program, we want to take the message of prevention directly to the community and encourage people to make heart health part of their everyday lives,” Mr. Haroon Naseer said.
He added:
A healthier community is built through awareness, early detection and timely care. We want people to understand that a routine health check today can sometimes make an important difference to tomorrow.
Pakistan’s cardiovascular burden remains a major concern
According to the World Heart Federation’s 2026 Pakistan country profile, Pakistan had an estimated 347,133 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2024.
The World Heart Federation’s 2026 World Heart Day campaign, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” highlights the importance of recognizing cardiovascular disease, protecting heart health and taking timely action.
Speaking about the medical aspects of prevention, Dr. Fahad Khalid, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Maroof Cardiovascular Center, 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,” Dr. Fahad said.
Dr. Fahad stressed that 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.
He urged people to know their basic health numbers, particularly blood pressure and blood sugar, while also paying attention to cholesterol, weight, physical activity, diet and tobacco use.
Don’t wait for symptoms to take action
The campaign will focus on educating communities about cardiovascular risk factors, warning signs, prevention and the importance of timely medical consultation.
Dr. Fahad said:
“Heart health should not begin in the emergency room. It should begin at home—with healthier choices, regular monitoring and the willingness to seek medical advice before a problem becomes a crisis.”
He further emphasized that simple lifestyle changes can contribute to cardiovascular health, including maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and addressing medical risk factors under professional guidance.
Through its Community Support Program, Maroof Cardiovascular Center aims to take cardiovascular awareness beyond the hospital setting and make preventive heart care a more visible community priority.
Ms. Rubina Afzal, Head of the Maroof Community Support Program, said the campaign is part of the hospital’s continuing commitment to community health education, early prevention, timely medical care and healthier lifestyles.
“Heart health is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, healthcare professionals and institutions all have a role to play in building a culture where prevention comes first. Through this campaign, we want to encourage people to take a simple but important step: know your heart, understand your risks and take action before a health concern becomes a crisis,” she said.
The month-long campaign will carry the message:
Know Your Heart. Protect Your Heart. Live Healthier.
