Heart disease is one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the world. It kills millions every year. In Rwanda, health experts say that people with obesity are among the most at risk of developing heart disease.
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, during World Heart Day, the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) confirmed that heart diseases are among the top causes of death in Rwanda. Doctors encouraged citizens to go for early screening so that they can know their health status and seek treatment before it is too late.
Screening in Rubavu District
The national event was held in Rubavu District, where over 1,000 people were tested.
Dr. Ntaganda Evariste, head of the heart disease unit at RBC, explained:
“From the people we tested, about 7.5% were found with heart problems. Obesity is one of the biggest risks, as it leads to many non-communicable diseases.”
He added that while older people are mostly affected, these diseases are now appearing in younger people, which is a growing concern for the country.
A personal story of survival
Nyirahabimana Liberata, a 40-year-old mother from Rubavu, shared her experience. She discovered she had high blood pressure after giving birth to her sixth child in 2019. Doctors advised her to exercise and avoid fatty foods, sugar, and too much salt.
However, she ignored the advice and by 2022, her health had worsened. She thought she had been poisoned because she was losing hair, feeling weak, and suffering constant headaches. When she finally returned to the hospital, doctors told her she was overweight at 83 kilograms and had heart disease.
She then changed her lifestyle—started doing exercise, reduced fatty meals, sugar, and salt. Today, she says she is healthy again:
“When I followed the doctor’s advice, my blood pressure reduced. I now feel strong and I live without fear.”
Numbers from Rwanda
According to RBC statistics from 2022, heart diseases are among the main reasons why people are admitted to hospitals in Rwanda.
- High blood pressure was found in 16.8% of adults aged 18 to 69.
- Many people do not know they have the disease until it is already advanced.
Doctors warn that heart disease often shows no clear signs at the beginning. Symptoms like chest pain, constant headaches, or even vision problems may appear only when organs such as the brain, kidneys, or eyes are already damaged.
How to prevent heart disease
Health experts say prevention is possible and simple. The key actions include:
- Doing regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet (less oil, less sugar, less salt)
- Reducing or avoiding obesity
- Going for medical checkups regularly
By following these steps, people can lower their chances of developing heart disease and live longer, healthier lives.
