KARACHI, PAKISTAN—Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Pakistan is no longer an affliction of the elderly; it is a profound social crisis increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s. Every life tragically cut short by a heart attack sends a devastating ripple effect of emotional and financial hardship through the entire family unit.
For World Heart Day 2025, the Tabba Heart Institute (THI) is shifting the focus from the individual to the entire household with a clear, urgent message: ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ and ‘Dil Hai Toh Zindagi Hai’ (If you have a heart, you have life). The institute is issuing a direct call for every Pakistani family to make heart health a collective, shared commitment.
The Domino Effect of Shared Risk
Experts emphasize that family habits are a defining factor in heart health. A shared environment that features high-salt cooking, sedentary behaviour, and elevated stress levels places everyone at cumulative risk. The World Heart Federation confirms that over 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease are preventable through collective lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Bashir Hanif, Executive Director and Consultant Cardiologist at THI, highlights this systemic risk. “We see cases where an entire family shares the same high-risk factors—from high blood pressure to obesity. Heart health is a family affair. We need mothers, fathers, and children to start making changes together. Prevention is the best inheritance you can give your children.”
Making Health a Community Event
To make healthy living both visible and mutually supportive, THI is taking cardiac awareness directly into the community from September 26 to October 25, 2025.
Key initiatives designed to foster this communal change include:
- Interactive family health activities at major public venues like LuckyOne Mall.
- A large-scale community cycle ride to champion group exercise and physical activity.
- Free screening camps established in accessible public spaces to remove barriers to early check-ups.
Dr. Hanif stresses that impactful change is rooted in daily routines: “Simple routines—like a family walk after dinner, reducing salt in meals, and quitting smoking—drastically cut your risk. These are not just personal changes; they are acts of love for your family.”
Protecting Loved Ones Through Early Screening
Recognizing that the first step is often the hardest, THI is supporting families with Special Health Screening Packages offering discounts of up to 35 per cent. These packages are critical for detecting silent, escalating risks such as high cholesterol and hypertension before they lead to an emergency.
“Screening is a critical step in protecting your loved ones,” Dr. Hanif concludes. “It gives you the chance to address risks before they become a heart problem for the person sitting next to you. Knowing your family’s health numbers is the first step towards a healthier future together.”
