THE WORLD HEART DAY
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which include coronary heart disease, Stroke, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), and cardiomyopathy, represents the leading cause of death worldwide. In fact, they account for 17.9 million global deaths annually. The idea of celebrating World Heart Day was conceived by Antoni Baye de Luna, the former president of World Health Federation. The day was observed on the last Sunday of September till 2011. However, with world leaders committing to reduce global mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25 percent come 2025 in 2012, the day is now celebrated every year on the 29th of September. It is aimed at informing people around the world about cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is a global campaign through which the federation unites people in the fight against the CVD burden as well as inspire and drive international actions to encourage heart-healthy living. The theme for this year is: Harnessing the power of Digital Health to Improve Awareness, Prevention and Management of CVD Globally and is focused on the power of digital network in connecting patients with families, friends, other patients, Doctors and care givers. No one should feel alone, pandemic or no pandemic. So let’s use technology to overcome isolation and gaps in care. In this context, World Heart Day can be seen as an ideal opportunity to scale up efforts of a country and the entire world to level within a globally led initiative. A whole day dedicated to cardiovascular disease prevention is an effective way of engaging the media, the public, policy makers, and health professionals in information dissemination, awareness creation and advocacy.
Some Myths About Heart Diseases.
1. Young people need not to worry about heart diseases. Heart diseases affect people who are more than 50 years of age
Fact: Heart diseases nowadays are not impacted only by the age. They also happen in young adults. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus Type-2 are several factors which can cause heart diseases even in young and middle-aged people.
2. I am young. I can eat junk food. I don’t need any exercise as I am completely fit.
Fact: Unhealthy food and inactive lifestyle are dangerous for young adults. Youngsters should know that how they live now will definitely affect the risk for cardiovascular diseases later in their life.
3. I have diabetes but it is under control, so it cannot affect my heart.
Fact: Taking medication of diabetes and keeping it well under control can help reduce risk of cardiac diseases. But getting diabetes once means you are always at increased risk of heart diseases. Simple reason behind that is the risk factors that contribute to diabetes also make a person more likely to develop heart disease. Some common risk factors include high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity and smoking.
4. High cholesterol does not happen in young age. I should at least be middle-aged to get my cholesterol levels checked.
Fact: It is recommended to get your cholesterol checked every 5 years starting at age 20. It’s a good idea to start having a cholesterol test even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. Children in these families can have high cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk for developing heart disease as adults.
5. I can’t do anything to prevent myself from heart disease, because it is running in my family and we have a long family history of cardiac diseases.
Fact: It is true that people with a family history of heart disease are always at higher risk of developing cardiac problems, but still by choosing a healthy lifestyle they can significantly reduce this risk and prevent themselves from cardiac diseases for life long. Active lifestyle, controlling cholesterol, managed blood pressure, well controlled blood sugar, quitting smoking and maintaining healthy weight are some of the factors that can prevent a person from heart diseases even if he/she has a remarkable family history of cardiovascular diseases.
Three Pillars to Reduce, Manage and Control CVD are;
EQUITY
This says that, disconnected hearts are of greater risk of heart disease and stroke due to access to CVD prevention, treatment and control, yet half the world does not have internet connectivity. Technology and data will help bridge the gap and do it fast. Not all hearts are equal. But they should be and digital health can help to redress the balance.
PREVENTION
Your heart can be catered for if you eat healthily, saying no to tobacco and getting plenty of exercise and digital tools like phone apps can really help you to get motivated and stay on track.
COMMUNITY
There are so many people living with CVD who have been disproportionately been affected by Covid-19, so due to increase vulnerability to more severe forms, this population has been told they are vulnerable, at high risk and should shelter in place. This has many consequences like;
Missing medical appointments
Lack of contact with family and friends
Reduced physical activities
So, digital networks have the power to connect patients with families, friends, other patients, doctors and careers. No one should have to feel alone.
“Eat healthily, exercise regularly, remain happy, for a healthy heart”
REFERENCES
1. World Heart Day – September 29 [Internet]. National Today. 2021 [cited 2021 Sep 27]. Available from: https://nationaltoday.com/world-heart-day/
2. World Heart Day 2021: Cardiologist busts common myths about heart diseases [Internet]. Hindustan Times. 2021 [cited 2021 Sep 27]. Available from: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/world-heart-day-2021-cardiologist-busts-common-myths-about-heart-diseases-101632721023419.html
