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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global cause of death, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise heart health. World Heart Day, an international initiative by the World Heart Federation, encourages individuals to take proactive steps to care for their hearts and prioritise early detection. This year World Heart Day falls on 29th September.
Synopsis
The Heart- Our Lifeline
We remain alive as long as our heart continues to beat. This fist-shaped muscular organ is the life force that pumps blood throughout the body and is crucial for overall well-being. Various factors can affect heart health. Some of these factors include:
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Sedentary lifestyles
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History of Heart Disease
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As you get older, your risk of heart disease rises.
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Environmental factors and occupational hazards
World Heart Day reminds us of the importance of cardiovascular health and encourages individuals worldwide to take proactive steps towards preventing heart problems.
World Heart Day's Impact and Theme
The World Heart Day theme for the year 2024 is, "USE HEART FOR ACTION," emphasises the need for immediate action to protect our hearts. The initiative empowers individuals to:
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Make informed choices about their well-being
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Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
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Advocate for heart health policies
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Participate in community initiatives
Last year, Manipal Hospitals' "Guardians of the Heart" initiative, a contribution to World Heart Day, aimed to educate and inspire the public to learn CPR and save lives. The campaign garnered over 22,000 online registrations in just 24 hours on September 27th and 28th, 2023, earning Manipal Hospitals a Guinness World Record for the "most pledges received to learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in 24 hours."
Key Strategies for Heart Health
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Healthy Diet: Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit saturated and trans fats, as well as excessive sodium.
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Regular Exercise: Perform at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days.
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Stress Management: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.
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Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking to reduce and prevent the occurrence of CVD.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
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Regular Check-ups: Schedule health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart health indicators.
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Quality Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep.
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Medication Adherence: If you have prescribed medications for heart conditions, take them as directed.
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Mental Health: Seek help if you are struggling with mental health issues, as they can affect heart health.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease encompasses various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including:
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Coronary Artery Disease
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Heart Attack
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Heart Failure
Dr. Akshay Kashid, Consultant Cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, Pune delves into understanding heart attack and busting the associated myths. Watch the video below to learn more about heart attacks.
Hence, early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the impact of heart disease. Regular health check-ups, including blood tests and electrocardiograms, can help identify potential heart problems early on.
Life’s On Heart Health Check Packages
At Manipal Hospitals, we offer a range of health check packages designed to identify any potential heart issues early on. Our packages are affordable and accessible which allows everyone to take proactive steps towards heart health. We understand the significance of World Heart Day and the need to prioritise heart health. Hence, we offer comprehensive health check packages which include lipid profiles, electrocardiograms, and echocardiography.
Our health check packages cater to the needs of individuals of all ages and lifestyles. We offer various basic, comprehensive, and executive health check packages. Each package includes a detailed heart health assessment, allowing individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining good heart health.
World Heart Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritising heart health. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, seeking regular medical check-ups, supporting heart health initiatives, and participating in community events, we can significantly reduce the risk of CVD and create a healthier future for ourselves. On this World Heart Day, commit to prioritising your heart health and take advantage of Life's On's health check packages to ensure you're on the right track to a healthy heart.
Remember, every action counts when it comes to heart health.
FAQ's
World Heart Day is typically celebrated on the last Sunday of September each year. This year World Heart Day falls on 29th September.
Cardiovascular disease is a major global health concern. World Heart Day aims to educate people about heart health, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and promote early detection and prevention of heart disease.
Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back, nausea or vomiting, sweating, and lightheadedness.
You can prevent heart disease by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, managing stress, and getting regular checkups.
If you have any symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, it's important to see a doctor.
Common heart procedures include angioplasty, bypass surgery, and heart valve replacement.
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