KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke) contributed to 25.6 per cent of the total number of deaths in the country last year.

Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said the disease was still the number one cause of deaths at government hospitals.

"The risk factors contributing to heart disease are diabetes and hypertension. The 2011 National Morbidity and Health Survey (NHMS) showed that more women have diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity compared with men," he said in a statement, here, today.

He said following an increase in the risk of women prone to cardiovascular diseases after menopause, the World Heart Day celebration this year would focus on prevention of disease among women and children.

With the theme, 'One World, One Home, One Heart', Dr Hasan said the celebration stressed on the importance of the heart's health education, starting at home.

In this context, he said parents should instill a healthy eating practice and physical activity for their children to check cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Hasan said the Health Ministry also outlined seven steps to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, including carrying out physical activities, reducing intake of sugar, salt and fat, not smoking and proper handling of stress.

He also suggested that women above 30 undergo health checks to determine their state of health.