Heart disease kills 283,800 yearly in BD: WHF

About 283,800 people die annually in Bangladesh from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), accounting for nearly 34 per cent of total deaths, according to a World Heart Federation (WHF) study. 

The figure translates to an average of 777 deaths every day, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures, public awareness and stronger health initiatives.

Globally, over 20.5 million people die from CVD each year, making it the leading cause of death globally, said Professor Fazila-Tun-Nessa Malik, secretary-general of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB).

She made the remarks at a seminar organised by the NHFB on Wednesday at the auditorium of the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute to mark World Heart Day 2026 under the theme “Every Heartbeat Matters.”

NHFB President Professor Dr Khondker Abdul Awal Rizvi chaired the seminar while Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hussain attended as the chief guest. Sharif Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, director-general of the Directorate General of Health Education, attended as special guests.

Presenting the keynote paper, Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the Epidemiology and Research Department at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, said CVD prevention requires not only individual awareness but also effective public health policies and stronger primary healthcare services.

He recommended expediting the formulation of rules under the Tobacco Control Act 2026, ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for hypertension and diabetes management at the primary healthcare level, and reducing salt consumption in line with WHO recommendations.

Quoting the World Heart Federation, Professor Fazila-Tun-Nessa Malik said CVD remains the world’s leading cause of death, while the World Health Organization estimates that up to 80 per cent of heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

She stressed that greater emphasis should be placed on controlling risk factors and strengthening preventive measures alongside treatment. She said the National Heart Foundation works throughout the year through research, public awareness and advocacy to prevent CVD.