World Heart Day: A call to action for heart health

Dr Sumidra Laishram
Every year on September 29, people around the world observe World Heart Day, an initiative led by the World Heart Federation. This day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cardiovascular health and raises awareness about heart disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim 17.9 million lives annually, representing 31% of all global deaths. Fortunately, many of these cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and timely medical interventions.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Heart disease is a significant risk for both men and women. However, much of the risk is manageable. By adopting healthy habits, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of developing heart-related conditions.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
While certain factors such as age and genetics are beyond control, other risk factors can be managed, including:
· Smoking
· High cholesterol
· High blood pressure
· Diabetes
· Physical inactivity
· Obesity
· Stress
Working with your healthcare provider to manage these risk factors is essential. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk, though heart disease can affect anyone.
Understanding heart disease
Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or a poor diet contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD). This restricts blood flow to the heart, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Angina and Heart Attacks
Angina, characterized by chest discomfort, indicates that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. This can result in permanent heart damage or death.
Recognizing a heart attack
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
· Pain or pressure in the chest, neck, or arms
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea or vomiting
· Cold sweats
· Dizziness
If these symptoms persist for more than five minutes, seek medical attention immediately.
Preventing Heart Disease through a Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial to lowering the risk of heart disease. Some effective steps include:
· Heart-Healthy Diet: The food you eat has a significant impact on your heart. Opt for healthy fats, reduce salt and sugar intake, and increase fiber consumption. Reading food labels can help you make informed choices.
· Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. It damages artery walls, contributes to plaque buildup, and reduces oxygen in the blood, which raises heart rate and blood pressure.
· Manage High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can lead to heart disease by placing excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels. Regular monitoring and maintaining a blood pressure of 120/80 or lower is crucial. Managing blood pressure may require medications, reducing salt, losing weight, and limiting alcohol intake.
· Stay Active: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, helps maintain a healthy weight, and controls conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week.
· Monitor Heart Rate: Your heart rate, or the number of beats per minute, is an important indicator of exercise intensity. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate heart rate range for your age and condition.
· Manage Stress: Chronic stress negatively impacts heart health, contributing to high blood pressure and unhealthy behaviors such as overeating or smoking. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help manage stress effectively.
Cardiovascular care at Shija Hospital
At Shija Hospital, we are committed to providing advanced cardiovascular care. Our Department of Cardiology is equipped with a third-generation Cath Lab and an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU), offering high-quality treatment for complex heart conditions.
Our services include:
· Angiography and angioplasty to diagnose and treat blocked arteries
· Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) and Holter Monitoring to track heart activity
· Pacemaker implantation for managing irregular heart rhythms
· Echocardiography (Echo) and Treadmill Testing (TMT) for non-invasive diagnostics
By June 2024, our team had performed 592 angiograms and 185 angioplasties, reflecting our dedication to improving heart health in the region. With an 11-bed ICCU and a high-dependency unit, we provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing procedures or recovering from heart conditions.
A Commitment to a Healthy Future
This World Heart Day, let us pledge to prioritize heart health by adopting healthier habits, undergoing regular screenings, and advocating for better access to care.
The writer is Consultant Cardiologist, Shija Hospitals