World Heart Day is observed every year on 29 September. It is a common knowledge that Cardiovascular Disorders (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, are leading causes of death across the world. Around 17.9 million people die every year due to heart-related ailments.
Heart disease is a cost all of us – each year, the U.S. alone spends approximately $200 billion in health care services, medication, and lost productivity due to heart disease.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include: coronary heart disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle; cerebrovascular disease – disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain; peripheral arterial disease – disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs.
Others are rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria; congenital heart disease – malformations of heart structure existing at birth; deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs.
The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity.
There are also a number of underlying determinants of CVDs or “the causes of the causes” – these are a reflection of the major forces driving social, economic and cultural change like globalization, urbanization and population ageing. Other determinants of CVDs include poverty, stress and hereditary factors.
Early warning signs are crucial. Approximately 47 percent of cardiac-related deaths take place outside of a hospital – demonstrating that people don’t take early warning signs seriously enough. Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. have high blood pressure due to the consumption of too much sodium.
These “intermediate risks factors” can be measured in primary care facilities and indicate an increased risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications.
Cessation of tobacco use, reduction of salt in the diet, consuming fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, drug treatment of diabetes, hypertension and high blood lipids may be necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Health policies that create conducive environments for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviour.
Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity.
The theme for the World Heart Day 2020 is “Use Heart To Beat Cardiovascular Disease.” On this day, people are informed about the importance of having a healthy heart and highlight the actions required to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases.
The information is communicated through public talks, podcasts, posters, and leaflets. It is a campaign where communities, families, individuals, and the government participates in activities to take charge of their heart health and spread awareness about the same.
Given the high fatality rate due to cardiovascular issues, it is important for us to understand the various heart diseases and factors which put an individual at a higher risk. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
The objective of this event is to encourage a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits, raising awareness about the importance of engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Developing a plan to control smoking and reduce the risk of heart disease. Reducing the global prevalence of hypertension.
Stakeholders, corporate bodies and individuals should designate the day for a checkup and schedule life-changing seminars. Most cardiac emergencies occur near someone who could potentially help – so setting up a CPR class and learning how to resuscitate a person could save lives. Cooking demonstrations, health lectures, and fitness lessons are also great events to plan for World Heart Day.
We must encourage people to take action by offering a variety of fun, healthy events such as walks, runs, public talks and concerts among others can inspire people to fight cardiovascular disease and live a longer, healthier life.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
