Heart Disease Takes 8 Lives Per Minute in South-East Asia, WHO Reports

Heart disease has emerged as a critical health crisis in South-East Asia, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that it claims eight lives every minute. The alarming statistics highlight the region’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases, driven by factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and limited access to timely healthcare. WHO urges governments and communities to implement stronger preventive measures and raise public awareness to curb this escalating epidemic.

World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, is shining a spotlight on the growing cardiovascular crisis in South-East Asia. This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat,” underscores the urgent need for early detection and prevention of heart disease.

In a statement released Saturday ahead of World Heart Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed alarming statistics: eight people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) every minute in the South-East Asia region. Half of these deaths occur prematurely, in individuals under the age of 70.

“Every minute, eight people die due to cardiovascular diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region. CVDs are a leading cause of death in the region, half of them premature,” said Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia.

The region faces multiple risk factors that are fueling the rise of heart disease, including hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets high in salt and fats, and physical inactivity. According to WHO, 85 percent of people living with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not have their conditions under control, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular complications.

Boehme noted that the combination of ageing populations and rapid urbanization is increasing susceptibility to heart disease and putting additional pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.

Despite the grim outlook, there have been signs of progress. Over the past two years, several countries have introduced policy measures and clinical interventions that are beginning to make an impact.

“As of June 2025, public health facilities are providing protocol-based management to over 90 million people with hypertension and diabetes,” Boehme said.

However, significant challenges remain. Inadequate fiscal and regulatory measures, weak enforcement of health policies, and poor monitoring of marketing and advertising bans on unhealthy products continue to hinder progress in controlling CVDs.

Boehme called for a whole-of-society approach to tackle the crisis, urging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and governments to take stronger policy action.

“For individuals, quitting tobacco, reducing salt intake, engaging in daily physical activity, and managing stress are essential steps for a healthy heart,” she said. “For governments and policymakers, implementing salt-reduction measures, eliminating industrially produced trans-fats from national food supplies, and enforcing comprehensive tobacco control laws should be among their top priorities.”

As the world observes World Heart Day, WHO’s message is clear: concerted action from individuals to governments is critical to curb the growing toll of heart disease in South-East Asia.

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Source: NDTV‍