World Heart Day 2020
World Heart Day is observed on September 29 to increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, including their prevention and their global impact. Heart diseases are one of the serious issues and more than 17.9 million people around the world die from cardiovascular diseases every year according to the World Health Organisation report.
History and Importance Of World Heart Day
The World Heart Federation (WHF), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), announced the establishment of World Heart Day in 1999. The idea for this event was proposed by Antoni Bayes de Luna, president of the World Heart Federation(1997-99). World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday in the month of September. But this was only till 2011. The first celebration took place on September 24, 2000.
The main aim of the day is to create an awareness of cardiovascular diseases and the prevention of stroke.
World Heart Day 2019 theme
The theme for the annual event in 2019 was ‘My Heart, Your Heart’
Symptoms Of Cardiovascular Disease
Symptoms vary widely, ranging from chest pain to palpitations. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
1. Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, and chest discomfort.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.
4. Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back.
5. Swollen limbs.
The Different Types Of Heart Disease
There are many different types of heart disease. Some types can be grouped together according to how they affect the structure or function of your heart. Types of heart disease include:
An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm abnormality.
Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.
This condition causes the heart’s muscles to harden or grow weak.
4. Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are heart irregularities that are present at birth.
5. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
CAD is caused by the buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries. It’s sometimes called ischemic heart disease.
6. Heart infections.
Heart infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Causes Of Heart disease
[A] Medical conditions
1. High blood pressure
2. High cholesterol levels
[B] Lifestyle risk factors
1. Unhealthy diet
2. Not enough physical activity
4. Too much alcohol
Prevention Of Heart Disease
An estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, are preventable. You can prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help you protect from heart disease and stroke.
1. Be smoke-free.
2. Exercising regularly
3. Control your blood pressure.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
5. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
6. Limit alcohol use.
7. Reduce stress.
World Heart Day Messages
“On World Heart Day, make a promise that you will say no to all those things that can cause damage to your heart.”
“Today is World Heart Day, the day on which you should say no to smoking.”
“Each one of us have just one heart, so make sure that we take the best care of it. Best wishes on World Heart Day.”
“Always listen to your heart. Happy World Heart Day.”
“A good heart is something that people get attracted to. Happy World Heart Day.”
“Never lose your heart in any situation, it is the best way to deal with all kinds of problems. Happy World Heart Day.”
“A healthy and active life can always be beneficial to your heart. Happy World Heart Day.”
“Never ignore any problems related to your heart, it can prove to be costly in the future.”
References: Heartandstroke, Healthline