Every year on September 29th, World Heart Day is observed to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases and measures to be taken for the prevention, treatment and management of heart diseases worldwide.
The theme for World Heart Day 2022 is 'Cardiovascular Health for Everyone.'
Why is Heart Day celebrated?
Celebrating Heart Day aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their prevention, and their impact on people worldwide. Every year, 17.9 million people are killed by CVD, which includes heart disease and stroke. By spreading awareness, people can take precautions to prevent and control CVD. Every year, a different theme is used to commemorate the day.
History of World Heart Day
World Heart Day was first initiated in 1999 when the World Heart Federation (WHF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the establishment of World Heart Day. Antoni Bayés de Luna, WHF president from 1997 to 1999, proposed the idea for this event.
The CVD Burden in India
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) comprise heart and blood vessel disorders, such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
As per the Indian Heart Association, India accounts for nearly 70% of the global heart disease burden. CVDs attacked Indians a decade earlier than the western population, and Indians have the most increased coronary artery disease (CAD) rates and heart attacks. The risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity are believed to be associated with the increased prevalence of CAD in Indians.
Healthy Lifestyle = Healthy Heart
Healthy heart tips include:
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits.
- Eat simple basic home-cooked foods and avoid eating junk foods as they increase the risk of heart problems.
- Eat nutritious foods like veggies, whole grains, oats, soya proteins, nuts, milk and yogurt, green tea, fruits (not fruit juice), salads, chicken, etc.
- Avoid refined vegetable oils.
- Stop smoking and also excessive alcohol intake,
- Be physically active and do not lead a sedentary lifestyle,
- Be stress-free
- Drinking plenty of water
- Get enough sleep
- Talk to your doctor if you have a heart disease history in your family.
- Take your prescribed medicines on time
- Monitor your blood pressure at home
Tobacco in cigarettes, bidis, pipes, and hookahs emits nicotine and carbon monoxide, which strains the heart by increasing its rate and blood clots. Non-smokers subjected to secondhand smoke increase their risk of cardiovascular diseases by nearly 30%.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Heart Health
A healthy plate should comprise fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid eating deep-fried, ghee- or oil-soaked foods.
Soups made with vegetables, fish, or white meat stock are highly nutritious and delicious. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, leafy greens, all types of berries, various types of beans, citrus fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods are beneficial to your heart's health. Fibers in the diet help to cleanse the blood and prevent plaque buildup.
Foods that are harmful to your heart:
Any food that raises cholesterol levels will harm your heart's health. High salt, sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrate consumption increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Red meat, white rice, bread, pasta, baked goods, soda, pizza, and processed meats are all bad for your heart. Keep your cholesterol levels within safe limits.
Overcome stress:
Stress raises blood pressure, which damages the heart. It could be due to work-related stress, family issues, your health, financial distress, the political climate, or simply watching too many TV news channels. Instead of taking stress, learn to manage it wisely.
Consult our Cardiologist to get rid of heart-related issues. At Medicover Hospital’s, we have the top cardiologists in India who are highly qualified and experienced to treat any heart problems.
