Take Charge – Follow The Road Map To A Healthy Heart
Take Control: Your Guide to a Healthier Heart
Every year, over 17 million people lose their lives to heart-related issues. To raise awareness about this critical problem, people around the globe come together on September 29th to celebrate World Heart Day. This special day aims to inform everyone about heart disease and encourage steps we can take to prevent it. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, it’s essential to pay attention to our heart health.
On this day, various events are held worldwide that focus on educating individuals about cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These activities cover important topics like recognizing warning signs, understanding preventive measures, and learning how we can support those around us who might be at risk.
World Heart Day also emphasizes adopting healthier lifestyles and taking preventive actions against conditions such as heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, and other related illnesses. Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya from Horizon Group of Hospitals in Thane mentions that many young people today are experiencing sudden or silent heart attacks. Post-pandemic trends show that younger individuals are increasingly vulnerable to these health issues. Statistics reveal that around 50% of people in India may suffer a heart attack before they turn 55.
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency caused by blocked arteries that restrict blood flow to the heart muscle. If not treated promptly and properly followed up with care, it can lead to severe consequences or even death.
Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO of Horizon Group of Hospitals in Thane, points out that while medical advancements have increased life expectancy overall, there remains a significant risk for younger individuals when it comes to heart attacks. Key factors contributing to this trend include sedentary lifestyles and substance abuse.
Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya recommends that everyone should focus on eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress in their daily routines. He also highlights the importance of having regular health check-ups and being aware of the risk factors for heart disease.
This World Heart Day, he encourages everyone to prioritize heart health and take preventive steps for a longer, healthier life. The theme for World Heart Day 2024 is Use Heart For Action, which reminds us that there are simple yet powerful ways to support those we care about and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The heart is a crucial organ; when it doesn’t function properly, it can lead to serious health issues or even death. Unfortunately, many people are not fully aware of cardiovascular health and may engage in habits that increase their risk. Cardiovascular diseases are now one of the top causes of death globally, claiming around 17 million lives each year—about 31% of all deaths worldwide. Common causes include heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease; these account for nearly 85% of deaths related to cardiovascular issues.
World Heart Day plays an essential role in raising awareness about heart health by educating people everywhere on its importance and encouraging organizations to come together for various awareness events.
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
– Difficulty breathing
– Constant fatigue or low energy
– Swelling in the feet
– Irregular or fast heartbeat
– Rapid weight gain
Understanding Diagnosis
When it comes to identifying cardiovascular disease, several key tests are commonly used. These include:
– CRP test
– Electrocardiogram (ECG)
– Echocardiogram
– Stress or exercise tests
– Cardiac catheterization
– Cardiac CT scan
– Heart MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional right away:
– Chest pain
– Extreme weakness or fainting
– Coughing up pink mucus
– Sudden and intense shortness of breath
Tips from Dr. Hrushikesh Vaidya for Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk:
a. Eat Healthy: Focus on a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. This can greatly lower your chances of developing heart disease. It’s also crucial to limit processed foods like fatty snacks and sugary beverages. Aim for a diet low in sugar and cholesterol but high in complex carbohydrates.
b. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is essential for heart health. A sedentary lifestyle—where you spend too much time sitting or being inactive—can raise your risk of heart attacks. Make sure to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine! The World Health Organization suggests aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
c. Manage Cholesterol Levels: Unhealthy cholesterol can increase the likelihood of heart disease. Ideal cholesterol levels vary by factors such as age and fitness level, but general guidelines include:
– Total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL.
– Good cholesterol (HDL) should be 60 mg/dL or higher.
– Triglycerides should stay under 150 mg/dL.
d. Managing Diabetes: If diabetes isn’t properly controlled, it can harm your heart and lead to serious conditions like heart disease and even heart failure. The good news is that you can keep diabetes in check by eating a balanced diet and staying active with regular exercise.
e. Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for having a heart attack. It makes blood clots more likely, which can block your arteries and trigger an attack. Plus, smoking raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are linked to heart disease. By quitting smoking, you can significantly lower your chances of developing cardiovascular issues while also boosting your overall heart health. Even if you don’t smoke, being around secondhand smoke can still increase your risk of heart disease. Smoking negatively affects your arteries and raises cholesterol levels too, which contributes to a condition called atherosclerosis—where the artery walls thicken or harden. This buildup narrows the passageways in your arteries, limiting blood flow. Therefore, one of the best steps you can take to prevent a heart attack is to stop smoking.
f. Limit Alcohol Intake: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. It’s important to drink in moderation or only occasionally if you want to keep your heart healthy.
g. Maintain Ideal Body Weight: Carrying excess weight increases the chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other issues that raise the risk of heart attacks. To achieve or maintain a healthy weight, focus on regular exercise combined with nutritious eating habits. For personalized advice on maintaining heart health through weight management, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.
h. Lead A Stress-Free Life: Unmanaged stress over time could elevate the risk of developing heart disease or worsen existing conditions related to the heart. While some stress is normal in life, excessive stress can lead to significant health problems like those affecting the cardiovascular system.
This year’s World Heart Day theme, Use Heart For Action, encourages everyone to think and act for the improvement of humanity, nature, and themselves. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease. Each person has a role to play in promoting a healthier environment and combating air pollution, which is responsible for 25% of cardiovascular deaths worldwide each year. Major risk factors for heart attacks include stress and unhealthy lifestyles, but we can tackle these issues by adopting better habits such as exercising regularly, practising meditation, and ensuring we get enough quality sleep.
At Horizon Prime Hospital in Thane, we have an excellent cardiac department equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our dedicated team includes skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and anaesthetists who are here to provide top-notch care. We are committed to offering outstanding service and compassion to every patient who walks through our doors—your health is our priority!
