World Heart Day: Apni Dil Ki Suno!!!

Posted On: 2024-09-28 10:46:44

Every year on September 29th, the world comes together to observe World Heart Day, a global initiative that highlights the importance of cardiovascular health and encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart.  This day serves as a critical reminder that prevention is within our reach, and that each of us can contribute to reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Heart disease is the leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million lives are lost each year due to CVDs. One third of these deaths occur in people under the age of 70. These deaths could be prevented with proper care and treatment but with a lack of awarenss, many people perish.

World Heart Day aims to change that by promoting awareness about cardiovascular risks and encouraging individuals to make healthier choices. It serves as a platform to educate people about the impact of habits such as smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity, which significantly contribute to heart disease.

Several factors increase the risk of developing heart disease, many of which are modifiable through lifestyle adjustments:

• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
• High Cholesterol: Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to blockages in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of blood vessels and increases the likelihood of clot formation.
• Poor Diet: Diets high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
• Lack of Exercise: Physical inactivity increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for CVDs.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure and contributes to heart disease.

By becoming aware of these risk factors and taking action, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of developing heart-related problems.

However, with a few small changes to your daily habits you can significantly improve your heart health.

Quit Smoking: One of the most effective ways to improve heart health is by quitting smoking. The benefits begin almost immediately, with blood pressure and heart rate decreasing within 20 minutes of quitting.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are great for improving cardiovascular health.

Monitor your Health: Regular check-ups can help detect risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol early, allowing for timely intervention.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity into your daily routine.

Limit Alcohol Intake: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Filaantro with Child Help Foundation raises money for heart patients. To date, we have saved 388 people from heart diseases and overall have saved 3,348 people from terminal illness.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share with all your friends and family members. 

AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad