About World Heart Day
World Heart Day is an important annual event celebrated on 29th September every year. It is celebrated to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and take the suitable preventive measures for its management. In 2024, the theme for World Heart Day is to motivate individuals to look after their heart health. This year World Heart Day aims to:
Encourage and empower individuals to take responsibility for the health of their heart
Advocate stronger initiatives and take steps aimed at improving heart health
Execute cardiovascular health action plans on a national level
Engage the public, patients, and doctors to drive positive impact
Why is World Heart Day Celebrated?
Awareness of cardiovascular health: World Heart Day helps promote good heart health and raise awareness about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of CVDs (cardiovascular diseases).
Promote a healthy lifestyle: The day promotes healthy lifestyle habits like incorporating a balanced diet, staying active and limiting alcohol and tobacco use.
Encourage routine check-ups: World Heart Day encourages early diagnosis and management of heart diseases. It also emphasises on the significance of routine heart check-ups for timely detection of CVDs.
Reducing the Burden of CVDs & Management of Heart Disease
Prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining cardiovascular health. A majority of heart diseases can be prevented and managed through simple lifestyle modifications. As one of the best heart hospitals in Gurgaon, India, Artemis Hospital emphasises on the importance to take steps towards heart-healthy choices and inspire your close ones to do the same this World Heart Day.
In honour of World Heart Day, here are a few health tips for a healthy heart that individuals of all age groups must practise:
1. Eat right
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can dramatically reduce the risk of heart diseases. Also, cutting down on the consumption of packaged and processed foods such as fatty food items and sugary drinks is vital. A diet low in sugar, cholesterol levels, trans fats, and high in complex carbohydrates can reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Stay active
Maintaining a consistent workout routine helps enhance the functioning of the heart, lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week for all adults.
3. Improve cholesterol levels
The risk of heart disease rises with unhealthy cholesterol levels. The right cholesterol level can vary based on age, gender, genetics, and overall fitness. You can also seek heart health advice to know the right cholesterol levels for you.
Total cholesterol level must be less than 200 mg/dL
Good cholesterol level must be equal to or greater than 60 mg/dL
Triglycerides must be less than 150 mg/dL
4. Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease and quitting can dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and at the same time aid in improving overall heart health. Even for individuals who don’t smoke, prolonged exposure to passive smoke can raise the risk of heart disease.
5. Limit alcohol intake
High consumption of alcohol contributes to CVDs and also leads to hypertension. Moderate or occasional consumption of alcohol is vital for maintaining a healthy heart.
6. Manage diabetes
If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to heart damage and heart disease, including heart failure. Diabetes can be controlled through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
7. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, excess weight negatively impacts heart health and raises the risk of other heart-related disorders like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. Consult a doctor for heart health advice to figure out a safe and effective, long-term weight loss plan.
8. Manage prolonged stress levels
Poorly managed and prolonged stress can increase the risk of heart disease and also worsen an existing heart-related disorder. Here are a few approaches:
Practise relaxation methods like tai chi, yoga, and deep breathing
Set realistic goals and manage time
Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease
1. Modifiable Risk Factors
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Smoking
Obesity (BMI greater than 25)
High blood pressure
Lack of physical activity
Diabetes
Stress, depression, and anger
Lack of sleep
Poor dietary intake
Alcohol consumption
2. Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to maintain the body’s optimal functioning. In case of heart failure, blood flows back up, causing fluid build-up in the lungs, leading to symptoms like:
Difficulty catching breath
Persistently low energy levels and fatigue
Swelling in the feet
Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Rapid weight gain
Lack of appetite and nausea
Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases
Some of the most common tests for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease include:
CRP test: A CRP (C-reactive protein) test checks for a protein associated with inflammation of the arteries.
Electrocardiogram: An ECG is a non-invasive test that quickly records the heart’s electrical signals.
Echocardiogram: This type of noninvasive examination utilises sound waves to generate detailed images of the heart.
Stress or exercise tests: An exercise or stress test involves riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill, while the heart is being checked. It reveals how the heart responds to physical activity and if heart disease symptoms occur at the time of exercise.
Cardiac catheterization: This test highlights blockages in the heart arteries. During the test, a dye flows through into the heart and shows X-ray images of the heart.
Cardiac CT scan: In a heart CT scan, a patient lies inside a doughnut-shaped machine and an x-ray machine rotates to collect images of the chest.
Heart MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: A cardiac MRI scan utilises computer-generated radio waves and magnetic fields to generate clear and detailed images of the heart.
When to See a Doctor?
If you think you have symptoms of heart failure, book an appointment with a healthcare provider today. Consult a doctor if you experience:
Chest pain
Severe weakness or fainting
Coughing pink mucus
Sudden and severe shortness of breath
World Heart Day at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
As part of our initiative to celebrate World Heart Day, we are delighted to introduce an exclusive Coronary Angiography Package at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon! Here’s what you need to know:
What is Coronary Angiography?
A vital diagnostic procedure that helps assess your heart health.
Identifies any potential cardiovascular issues early on.
Why Prioritise Your Heart Health?
Understanding your heart’s condition is crucial for long-term well-being.
Early detection can prevent serious health issues down the line.
Take Action
Make your heart health a priority- book your Coronary Angiography today!
Gain valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.
Special Offer
This limited-time package is available at a special price of INR 9,999 and is valid till 31st October.
Open to the first 50 registrants only.
To Know More Contact Us @ +91 9810018095
FAQs
When is World Heart Day celebrated?
The idea of World Heart Day was conceived by the president of WHF, Antoni Bayes de Luna. Until 2011, it was observed on the last Sunday in September. This year, the celebration is taking place on 29th September.
Why is World Heart Day celebrated?
The theme for World Heart Day 2024 is empowering individuals to take steps towards better heart health. It is celebrated every year to raise awareness and motivate nations to implement and support national plans for cardiovascular health.
What does CVD stand for?
CVD stands for Cardiovascular Disease and is used to describe conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Who is a cardiac patient?
A cardiac patient is a person who is suffering from a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. A person with cardiovascular disease may be asymptomatic or symptomatic.
Meet Our Experts