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Every 29th of September, World Heart Health Day serves as an important reminder of the paramount significance of cardiovascular well-being. The day aims to raise awareness about heart diseases, advocate preventive actions, and encourage individuals to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles. According to the World Heart Federation, heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths annually. Hence, World Heart Health Day sets up a global campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote heart health worldwide. It serves as a reminder for individuals, communities, and healthcare professionals to prioritise cardiovascular health and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of heart conditions.
Heart diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and various other cardiovascular conditions, are a leading cause of death worldwide. They affect people of all ages and populations, causing significant personal and societal burdens. However, the good news is that many heart diseases can be prevented or effectively managed through lifestyle changes and timely medical interventions by the best cardiologist in Vijayawada.
Goals of World Heart Day
The objective of World Heart Health Day is to educate people about the risks and warning signs of CVD, encourage healthier lifestyles, and advocate for policies that promote heart health. Here are some key areas emphasised during this global campaign:
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Raise Awareness: World Heart Health Day educates the public on heart health and cardiovascular disease (CVD) impacts.
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Promote healthy lifestyles: Encourage exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol for heart disease prevention.
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Advocacy and policy change: Calls for heart health prioritisation in national agendas and supports policies for healthcare and medications.
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Heart disease screening and management: Emphasises early detection, regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol monitoring.
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Heart health in special populations: Recognises unique risk factors in women, older adults, and those with underlying conditions, promoting awareness. The best heart hospital in Vijayawada actively promotes spreading awareness through several campaigns.
Importance of World Heart Day
The heart is a vital organ in the human body, and any malfunction can have fatal consequences. Therefore, everyone must prioritise heart health. Unfortunately, due to limited awareness and certain lifestyle choices, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become a leading global cause of death. Approximately 170 million people annually succumb to CVDs, accounting for about 31% of all global fatalities.
Among CVDs, heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease are the most prevalent causes of death, contributing to nearly 85% of all cardiovascular-related fatalities. World Heart Day plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and educating people worldwide about the significance of heart health. It also fosters collaboration among organisations to actively engage in various awareness initiatives.
Recommendations:
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Know the numbers: Understanding cardiovascular risk factors is the first step in preventing cardiac health issues. Hence, it is recommended to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI through regular check-ups.
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Adopt a Heart-healthy lifestyle: People are encouraged to adopt a balanced diet, exercise, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol.
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Manage Stress: One should practice stress-reduction techniques to benefit heart health.
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Quit Smoking: Seeking support to quit smoking, a major heart disease risk factor is recommended.
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Limit salt intake: One should mindfully reduce salt to lower blood pressure.
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Stay Active: Doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly is recommended to maintain heart health.
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Adequate Sleep: People should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep for heart support.
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Limit Alcohol: Moderate consumption of alcohol for heart health is recommended.
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Early detection and Treatment: Regular check-ups detect risks early for timely intervention.
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Educate and advocate: Raising awareness regarding heart health and advocating for wellness initiatives is highly advised.
World Heart Day celebration by Manipal Hospitals Vijayawada, provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations, and governments around the world to come together and take action to prevent and control heart diseases. By spreading awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and advocating for policy changes, we can make significant strides in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
Remember, taking care of your heart is a lifelong commitment. By making small but consistent changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly improve your heart health and overall well-being.
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