Health experts on 'World Heart Day' stressed public awareness for healthy lifestyles to avoid cardiovascular complications as Heart diseases were causing 17.3 million deaths each year worldwide, and by 2030 it is expected to reach 23 million annually if lifestyle was not changed.

High blood pressure, high glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood, obesity, excessive consumption of fast food and lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, and smoking were the main causes of cardiovascular diseases in the country, a senior Cardiologist Prof Dr. Bilal Mohyuddin said while talking to PTV news channel.

'World Heart day is an important annual event, witnessed every year on today, he said, adding, the day was celebrated by organizing various activities and awareness events globally to raise awareness about heart disease and its preventive measures to manage cardiovascular diseases.