Context
Recently, there has been a significant rise in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide, making heart health a major public health concern. The observance of World Heart Day underscores the importance of raising awareness about heart diseases, their risk factors, and preventive measures.
World Heart Day: An Overview
- Date of Observation: Annually on 29th September.
- Aim: To raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their risk factors, and preventive strategies.
- Genesis: Started in 1999 when the World Heart Federation (WHF) partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to dedicate a day for global heart health awareness.
- First Celebration: 29th September 2000.
- 25th Anniversary: 2025 marks 25 years of World Heart Day.
- Theme 2025: “Don’t miss a beat” – emphasizing timely action for heart health.
Status of Heart Health
Global Scenario:
- CVD deaths annually: Over 20.5 million.
- Preventable deaths: Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths can be prevented with early screening, affordable care, healthy nutrition, and physical activity.
Causes:
- Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol use, stress, and underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Indian Scenario:
- India faces a rising burden of CVDs, with increasing cases in younger populations due to urban lifestyles, dietary changes, and stress.
Common Heart Diseases
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- Occurs when blood vessels supplying the heart narrow or get blocked due to plaque buildup.
- Reduces oxygen and nutrient flow, causing chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or heart attacks.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
- Triggered by complete blockage of a coronary artery.
- Symptoms: Severe chest pain, sweating, breathlessness.
- Treatment: Immediate Primary PCI or thrombolysis can save lives.
3. Cardiac Arrest:
- Sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.
- Often caused by electrical disturbances, fatal without CPR or defibrillation.
4. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
- Persistently high blood pressure through arteries.
- Known as the silent killer; may cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure if untreated.
5. Heart Failure & Arrhythmias:
- Heart failure: Heart cannot pump blood efficiently → fluid retention, fatigue, breathlessness.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats – too fast, too slow, or erratic.
Heart-Healthy Habits
1. Healthy Routines:
- Regular check-ups, medication adherence, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying socially engaged.
2. Balanced Diet:
- Emphasize lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts).
- Limit salt, red meat, sugary drinks, trans fats.
3. Physical Activity:
- Strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, aids weight control.
- Recommended: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes vigorous exercise weekly, plus muscle-strengthening twice per week.
4. Mental Health:
- Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep.
- Use relaxation techniques, mindfulness, counselling to manage stress.
5. Preventive & Cardiac Care:
- Cardiologists play a key role in diagnosis, management, and prevention.
- Tools: ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, blood tests, cardiac catheterisation.
Conclusion
World Heart Day plays a crucial role in:
- Raising mass awareness about cardiovascular diseases.
- Encouraging early screening and detection.Cardiovascular Care in Focus: World Heart Day 2025
- Inspiring governments, policymakers, and individuals to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles.
By embracing preventive measures and lifestyle changes, the global burden of CVDs can be significantly reduced, ensuring better health and longevity.
Source : The Hindu
