Heart diseases are a major public health concern in Uganda and globally. They account for a significant proportion of deaths, with an estimated 17.9 million lives taken each year.

Dr. Stella Oloo, a physician at Kisubi Hospital, shared valuable insights on heart health during a recent interview. She addressed some frequently asked questions about heart health.

This week, from Monday to Friday, Kisubi Hospital is conducting a health camp where expert cardiologists will be available to check your heart health for a fee of sh150,000

This week, from Monday to Friday, Kisubi Hospital is conducting a health camp where expert cardiologists will be available to check your heart health for a fee of sh150,000.

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Q. What is heart health?

Heart health, also known as cardiovascular health, refers to the condition of your heart and blood vessels.

What's a sign that something may be wrong with my heart?

When something is wrong with your heart, signs that one may experience include chest pain or discomfort in the chest, easy fatigability, difficulty in breathing, palpitations, fainting or dizziness and swelling of the feet.

When something is wrong with your heart, signs that one may experience include chest pain or discomfort in the chest

Other general symptoms like unexplained headaches can be an early of high blood pressure. However, it is also important to note that many people with high blood pressure are asymptomatic – they do not have any symptoms.

What are the common heart conditions and diseases? Of those, which ones commonly affect adults and children?

The prevalence of heart conditions tends to vary from region to region. In Africa and Uganda in particular, Rheumatic Heart Disease is a common condition affecting the heart valves.

Engaging in physical exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, and running can significantly improve the health of your heart.

The high birth rate on the continent translates to about 1% of children born with Congenital Heart Disease. Congenital heart diseases are heart and blood vessel diseases that one is born with and often require surgical correction of the heart defect. Hypertension, Abnormal Heart Rhythms, Heart Failure and Myocardial infarction (commonly known as heart attack) are some of the conditions predominant in our region.

How are they diagnosed? Are they treatable and curable? Is treatment available?

A diagnosis of a heart condition is made based on the history of the patient’s symptoms, physical examination and screening tests like cardiac ultrasound (commonly known as Echo) to detect changes to the heart structure and function.

Many heart conditions are treatable when the patients are screened early. (Kisubi Hospital photo)

Many heart conditions are treatable when the patients are screened early. Treatment may include drugs, surgery or a combination of both as well as appropriate lifestyle changes.

How can one keep their heart healthy? How do we prevent heart conditions or diseases?

To maintain a healthy heart, it is important to avoid smoking, reduce intake of salt and sugar, and prioritize a diet that is low in cholesterol.

Eating more fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are other key factors to consider.

Are there particular foods an individual can eat to promote a healthy heart?

A low salt, low fat/low cholesterol and low sugar diet helps to avert many factors that lead to heart disease.

Vegetables and Fish are heart-friendly foods since they are low in cholesterol. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, high-calorie drinks and processed foods which are often high in sugar.

Are there any specific nutrients or supplements that can promote heart health? 

In Uganda, we are blessed with rich, organic food of a wide variety which means we can get most of the nutrients our bodies need from the natural foods in our country. The same may not apply to other environments hence their need for supplements. Focus on ensuring that your diet is well balanced with fruits and vegetables included and you may not need to use supplements unless recommended by your doctor.

Can you explain the role of medication in managing heart health, and are there any new drugs on the horizon? 

High blood pressure, high blood sugar and High cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease which are best managed with medication. Patients are advised to take these medications only after they have been prescribed by a health worker and to ensure they attend their follow-up clinics regularly.

How does stress impact heart health, and what strategies can people use to manage stress effectively?

Stress and High Blood pressure are directly correlated. The more stressed you are, the higher your blood pressure and the higher the chances of developing Hypertension as well as other conditions like Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction).

Stress and high blood pressure are directly correlated. The more stressed you are, the higher your blood pressure and the higher the chances of developing hypertension

Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep/rest and a healthy diet are some of the strategies people can use to manage stress effectively.

Are there any emerging trends or research findings in heart disease prevention that you find particularly interesting? What are some of the latest advancements in heart disease treatment and prevention?

One of the trends that I find interesting is the emerging evidence showing strong links between childhood risk factors like obesity and developing cardiovascular health later in life. This places the responsibility on parents to ensure that their children lead a healthy life with a healthy diet and healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing heart disease in adulthood.

Medics preparing the Heart Centre Machine for an immediate cardiac intervention. (Kisubi Hospital photo)

There are also new drugs that are very beneficial in heart disease and especially in heart failure; These drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors are now available in Uganda and accessible and fairly affordable. 

How important are regular check-ups and screenings for detecting early signs of heart disease?

One cannot overestimate the importance of regular check-ups and screenings because some cardiovascular conditions like Hypertension can occur without symptoms and may only present when it is too late with irreversible complications like stroke. So even if you feel well, it is important to have your blood pressure and your heart checked.

What types of exercises are most beneficial for heart health?

Engaging in physical exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, and running can significantly improve the health of your heart.

What are some of the common misconceptions about heart health

Common misconceptions are that heart diseases only run in families. This is far from the truth as many heart diseases that occur in adulthood are the result of lifestyle choices.

Heart diseases are a major public health concern in Uganda and globally. They account for a significant proportion of deaths

Another misconception is that heart diseases affect only very elderly members of the population; there are increasingly worrying trends of heart diseases even in young adults. 

What's the most important thing you want people to know about heart health?

Develop healthy habits, as many heart conditions are the result of poor lifestyle choices in our diet and low levels of physical activity.

Are there specific considerations or precautions for heart health in different age groups?

Heart diseases can occur at any age, even at birth. There it is important that all mothers attend antenatal care and deliver in a licensed health facility to enable screening for any congenital diseases.