The number of heart patients is rising alarmingly in Bangladesh, as well as worldwide. Heart disease has now become the leading cause of death globally, even deadlier than cancer. In Bangladesh, around 277,000 people die every year from heart-related complications, making it one of the top causes of mortality in the country. Health experts point out that unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, poor dietary habits, irregular sleep, lack of physical exercise, and mental stress are the key contributors to this rising trend. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths worldwide. In Bangladesh, almost 34% of total deaths are caused by heart-related illnesses, though specialists say that up to 80% of premature deaths from heart disease are preventable through awareness and regular health check-ups.

Cardiologists stress that regular walking, eating healthy food, quitting smoking, and reducing stress can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. They also recommend annual heart screenings for people over 40. However, officials from the Directorate General of Health Services admit that current awareness programs in Bangladesh remain inadequate.

Every year, World Heart Day is observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about heart health. This year’s theme is “Don’t Miss a Beat”. WHO data shows that around 20 million people die of heart disease each year, including nearly 277,000 Bangladeshis. By 2030, the number of global deaths is projected to rise to 23 million, with the majority occurring in low-income countries, including Bangladesh.

Doctors warn that heart disease is no longer a problem confined to the elderly. Increasingly, young adults aged 25–30 are suffering heart attacks. Experts explain that South Asians are at higher risk due to naturally narrower coronary arteries, which are more prone to blockage. Combined with smoking, fatty foods, junk diets, stress, and sedentary lifestyles, the risk becomes severe.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Prof. Dr. Nurun Nahar Fatema, a renowned pediatric cardiologist and president of the Kids Heart Foundation, described the situation as a silent epidemic. “Every day more than 200 children are born with congenital heart disease, yet it is still not included in the national health program,” she said.

Former Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Al Safi Majumder, added: “High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, fast food, and poor lifestyle choices are driving the rise in heart disease. Lack of awareness is turning it into a silent killer.”