September 29 is marked as World Heart Day every year. Cardiovascular diseases are among the biggest health risks that the young as well as elderly face these days. Nearly half of the world’s non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular in nature. Thus, there is a need for awareness around this health issue. Through World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation is attempting to make people aware and sensitive towards this health risk. And thus, a day has been earmarked for the same.
How World Heart Day came about
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), cardiovascular diseases take 17.9 million lives every year. This constitutes 31% of all the global deaths due to non-communicable diseases. To curb this threat, world leaders met in May 2012 and committed to reduce deaths caused by non-communicable diseases by 25% by the year 2025.
As a step towards this goal, 29 September was designated as World Heart Day. This is a global campaign for the world to actively start taking charge of their cardiovascular health. Individuals, families, communities, and governments all participate in this day. Heart-healthy living is an important aspect of good cardiovascular health. Thus, this day is a reminder for everyone to take good care of their hearts and avoid preventable heart-related ailments.
What are the main causes behind heart diseases?
Till a few years back, heart diseases were believed to have affected elderly people more. However, with changing lifestyles and the advent of new kinds of diseases, such as COVID-19, the young and seemingly healthy people are also at risk.
Sitting for hours in front of the computer, eating unhealthy and junk food, pulling all nighters, and eating adulterated food are some of the reasons behind an unhealthy heart. Add to this the lack of physical activity, use of tobacco products (like cigarettes and bidis), and consumption of alcohol. All these factors together contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Why is heart health more important than ever?
The coronavirus, directly as well as indirectly, has contributed to the increasing heart-related problems. Being stuck at home once can develop issues like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, gaining excess weight, all due to the lifestyle we are now leading. Ordering in junk food and not getting much exercise has become a way of life almost. All of this is contributing towards increased risk of heart attacks.
Additionally, increased risk of blood clotting and heart attack is also possible if one contracts COVID-19, or it could be a post-recovery complication. Thus, the coronavirus has had a direct impact on heart health as well.
Against this backdrop, the World Health Federation, through the World Health Day, aims to educate people about the risk of heart disease. This can be done by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. If everyone adopts these heart-healthy ways of living, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided.
