Every year, September 29 is observed as World Heart Day to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their prevention and global impact.
The Day was first founded in 1999 with the World Heart Federation (WHF) collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The idea of an annual event was conceived by Antoni Bayés de Luna, the president of WHF from 1997-2011. Originally, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday of September, with the first celebration taking place on September 24, 2000.
Sedentary lifestyle alongside poor eating habits prove deteriorating to heart health. Unfortunately heart attacks are becoming more common in the post pandemic era with mounting stress, effects of the pathogen on overall health including heart, inactivity and unhealthy eating choices.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions, claim the lives of millions of people each year.
As per WHO, more than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.
Increasing stress has been laid on vulnerability of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. The prevalence of such diseases is already staggeringly high given poor dietary habits and lifestyles.
Further, people indulge in high sugar, trans-fat, and sodium comfort food, which can be extremely dangerous for the diabetic and hypertensive population including the heart.
The experts stress on the need for habitual changes to reduce the risks of developing serious cardiovascular concerns. There is a need for taking a heart-healthy diet. Eating small and frequent meals is recommended as it helps prevent excess pressure on the heart.
Also winters are also approaching and it is high time for heart attacks. The risk is not confined to the elderly alone. The young and healthy individuals also suffer heart attacks and strokes.
Experts have been blaming physical inactivity as one of the major causes of heart disease and brisk walking for 30–45 minutes every day can be very helpful and promote blood circulation.
Apart from this, better sleep is one among measures to prevent heart attacks as some studies suggest that those who get enough sleep are less likely to get heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.
