Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 29 % of all deaths globally each year, making it the world’s number one killer - claiming 17.1 million lives a year. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.
World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. In partnership with WHO, the World Heart Federation organizes awareness events in more than 100 countries including health checks, organized walks, runs and fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts, carnivals and sports tournaments.
Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.
World Heart Day will take place on 29 September this year.
The theme for this year is One World,One Home,One Heart
One World
With the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) taking place in September,World Heart Day presents a great opportunity to communicate messages about the meeting outcomes,and the importance of elevating NCDs up the global health agenda.
Global leaders have recognized the urgency to prioritize the prevention and control of CVD together with the NCDs,which include cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes; by holding the first ever United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September.
One Home
It is important that efforts to fight CVD do not rest only with policy makers and global leaders. Individuals throughout the world can also reduce the CVD burden, by learning about the risk factors and taking vital steps to reduce their own and their family’s risk.
After two years of focusing on heart health in the workplace, this year the call is on individuals to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke.People are advised to take charge of their home’s heart health by taking steps such as choosing healthy food options, increasing physical activity, and saying no to tobacco.As a hub for family activities, and as a focal point in everyone’s life, the household is the perfect place to start taking action to improve heart health.
That is why this year, for World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation and its members are focusing their efforts on the home.By adapting a few household behaviours, people all over the world can have longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke.
This year, on World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation and its members challenge us to take charge of our family’s heart health and become our home’s advocate for heart-healthy living.
They have identified four actions we and our family can take:
1.Ban Smoking From Your Home
Stop smoking tobacco in the home to improve our own and our children’s heart health.Implement a new rule in our homes: for every cigarette someone smokes, an extra household chore is waiting!
2.Stock Your Home With Healthy Food Options
Start the day with a piece of fruit or prepare lunch at home to ensure healthy options are taken to work or school.Make sure every evening meal contains at least two to three servings of vegetables per person
3.Be Active
Families should limit the amount of time spent in front of the TV to less than two hours per day.Organize outdoor activities for the family, such as cycling or hiking trips, or simply playing in the garden.When possible,instead of using the car, take your bicycle or walk from home to destination
4.Know Your Numbers
Visit a healthcare professional who can measure your blood pressure,cholesterol and glucose levels, together with waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI). Once you know your overall CVD risk, you can develop a specific plan of action to improve your heart health.Make this action plan clearly visible at home as a reminder!
One Heart
Every year, 17.1 million lives are claimed by the global burden of cardiovascular disease, with 82 per cent of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This excessive number of deaths is particularly saddening, since through steps such as eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco, the majority of these deaths could be prevented.
Over 70 per cent of all cardiac and breathing emergencies occur in the home when a family member is present and available to help a victim.
However, not all heart events are preventable. It is therefore important to know what action to take should a heart attack or ischaemic stroke, occur in the home.
Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or strokeI If experiencing any of these signs, which could come and go, call your emergency services/ambulance immediately. If there is no emergency response number, seek medical attention as soon as possible.If you suspect a family member of having a heart attack or stroke, seek medical help immediately.
Author
Dr. Mohamed Muthiullah, Specialist – Cardiologist – KIMS Oman Hospital, Muscat
Dr. Muthiullah is an Indian national and has completed M.B.B.S, M.D (General Medicine) and D.M. (Cardiology).
Dr. Muthiullah was previously employed with Sri Ramachandra University
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