The heart of the matter is, ‘you are what you eat’

The Covid-19 pandemic turned most Kenyans into semi-health experts beyond the saying "you are what you eat". Those with underlying heart conditions were advised to be extra careful during the pandemic. Dr Jeilan Mohammed, cardiologist at Aga khan University Hospital in Nairobi explains that "Most heart diseases are caused by blockage of main arteries in the heart that is called coronary heart disease and the cause is lifestyle. Diabetes and high blood pressure are a big factor and the third major factor is cigarette smoking. And now heart disease is becoming the biggest killer in sub-Saharan Africa." Dr Jeilan adds that being overweight is another huge contributor of cardiovascular diseases and the only weapon is a healthy diet and lifestyle which can also reverse medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.