RIYADH — In a world that often panics over communicable diseases such as the H1N1 virus, the Ebola virus and the Zika virus, Saudi Arabia is an example of how noncommunicable diseases are often a deadly and overlooked threat. Similarly to the United States, Saudi Arabia struggles with chronic heart disease, diabetes and other diseases that are often preventable and do not spread. But, what causes these preventable, noncommunicable diseases to become so prevalent in Saudi Arabia.
Simply put, unhealthy living and a lack of access to proper healthcare have led heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and more to become the most common diseases in Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi Health Interview Survey administered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are among the biggest issues affecting citizens. The prevalence of obesity was 28.7 percent, and borderline hypotension — dangerously low blood pressure — was found in 46.5 percent of men and 34.3 percent of women.
However, three-quarters of Saudis reported never having a routine check-up, despite the nation’s universal healthcare. The Saudi health ministry noted that common diseases in Saudi Arabia are often preventable, and has vowed to assess its health services to provide better healthcare, while encouraging citizens to seek early detection.
While encouraging early detection is important, the Saudi government also needs to encourage healthy living. Only the adoption of a healthier lifestyle can completely prevent these common diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) report on Saudi Arabia shows that noncommunicable diseases account for 78 percent of total deaths, and 46 percent of all deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases. Several of the adult risk factors for cardiovascular disease — obesity, tobacco smoking and blood pressure issues — occur in a quarter of the population.
Smoking, which is on the rise in Saudi Arabia, is one of the most major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Overall, 21.5 percent of men currently smoke, and 20.9 percent of these men smoke shisha, a form of tobacco smoked in a hookah pipe. Smoking shisha creates an even greater risk of heart disease than cigarette smoke, as one puff of is equal to smoking an entire cigarette.
Being physically inactive can also lead to cardiovascular issues and diabetes. The Saudi Health Interview survey found that “almost half of women are physically inactive, while 29 percent had low levels of physical activity.” Men were also inactive, with 23 percent never exercising and another 23 percent only engaging in low levels of physical activity.
It is clear that maintaining good health is key to preventing several of the most common diseases in Saudi Arabia. If the government continues to push early detection healthcare and physical activity, as well as educate its citizens on the health risks of smoking, then the futures of Saudi citizens will greatly improve.
– Rachael Blandau
Photo: Flickr