Recently, there has been a manifold increase in the cardiovascular disease and the world heart health day stresses the need to address the issue.
What is heart health day?
World heart day – It is celebrated annually on September 29.
Aim – To raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their risk factors, and preventive strategies.
Genesis – The history of World Heart Day goes back to 1999, when the World Heart Federation (WHF) teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) to designate a day for global heart health awareness.
1st heart health day – The first World Heart Day was held on September 29, 2000.
25th heart health day – This year will mark 25 years of World Heart Day.
This World Heart Day, we are telling the world: Don’t miss a beat
What is the status of heart health?
World data – Each year, cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims over 20.5 million lives.
Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, increased opportunities to make healthy choices in nutrition, and by staying active.
Causes
Indian scenario
What are the Common heart diseases?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – It arises when blood vessels supplying the heart narrow or become blocked due to plaque buildup.
This reduces oxygen and nutrient flow to the heart muscles, causing chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or heart attacks.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – It happens when a coronary artery suddenly becomes completely, 100% blocked.
Symptoms include severe chest pain, sweating, and breathlessness.
Rapid medical response with treatment such as Primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) or thrombolysis can save lives.
Cardiac Arrest – It is a sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.
Often triggered by electrical disturbances, it can be fatal within minutes without immediate intervention such as CPR or defibrillation.
Training and readiness for such emergencies is vital.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) – It occurs when blood pumps through arteries at persistently high pressure.
Often called a silent killer, if left untreated, hypertension can lead to a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure.
Heart Failure & Arrhythmias – It arises when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, resulting in fluid retention, fatigue, and breathlessness.
Arrhythmias involve irregular heartbeats: too fast, too slow, or erratic.
What are the Heart-healthy habits?
Adopting healthy routines – Simple practices such as regular check-ups, medication adherence, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and staying socially engaged reinforce heart protection.
A balanced diet – It plays a central role in heart disease prevention.
Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. Limit salt, red meat, sugary drinks, and trans fats.
Physical activity – It strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and aids weight control.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week.
Mental health factors – These are critical, yet often overlooked risk modulators.
Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Use relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or counselling to manage stress
Building the heart’s endurance through cardiac rehabilitation
Preventive care – Cardiologists play a vital role in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
At cardiac care units and cardiology centres, experts use tools including ECGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, blood tests, and cardiac catheterisation to assess heart health.
The importance of World Heart Day lies in its power to raise mass awareness about heart diseases.
Encourage early screening and detection, inspire governments and policymakers and motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles
