3,686 deaths from heart diseases in Kuwait annually
Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department, confirmed that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, noting that they cause approximately 18.5 million deaths annually. In Kuwait, cardiovascular disease accounts for about 3,686 deaths per year, according to 2024 statistics.
World Health Organization statistics indicate that the global mortality rate for cardiovascular diseases ranges between 2,400 and 2,500 cases per million people annually, or between approximately 198 and 248 per 100,000 people.
Speaking during the launch of the cardiovascular disease awareness campaign, Al-Bahou stated that the Health Promotion Department focuses on disseminating health awareness and empowering individuals and communities to manage and improve their health, with the goal of achieving “Health for All.” She emphasized that the primary objective is to change harmful behaviors and replace them with healthy practices, particularly given the rising number of people suffering from chronic diseases.
She clarified that the most prominent chronic diseases include heart and arterial diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. These conditions can persist for long periods and cause complications that affect human quality of life. Their risks can be mitigated by controlling modifiable risk factors.
Al-Bahou pointed out that smoking, high blood sugar levels, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and other risk factors contribute to an increased likelihood of developing chronic diseases and their complications. She stressed the importance of raising awareness among adolescents and youth about the dangers of smoking, including electronic cigarettes, which should not be considered less harmful than traditional smoking.
Al-Bahou underscored the importance of prevention and early detection, noting that some diseases, such as high blood pressure, may be asymptomatic. She called for adopting physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring regular medical check-ups.
