‘Heart’ is the most important part of every human being. Without it individual’s life cannot survive. But no wonder in today’s fast life and busy schedule no one have the time for their “own heart”.
According to a study, every year around 17.1 million lives are claimed by cardiovascular disease. And shocking thing is news is that, 80% of them in the developing world. As we inch closer to World Heart Day on September 29th, it's time we recognise the real threat that cardiovascular diseases pose.
This year the theme "One world, one home, one heart" focuses on how the whole world is at risk of cardiovascular diseases and how all countries must join hands to prevent and control the risk of non-communicable diseases together.
The heart is the strongest muscle of the body but very vulnerable to outside pressures like smoking, stress, late nights out, unhealthy eating habits (junk food, fast food), sedentary lifestyle and fatness. There are several risk factors for heart disease.
“But it’s never too late”
The world heart Day is celebrated on the 29th Of September. Cardiovascular disease kills millions each year. Here are some tips to keep your heart healthy and strong :
- Make your home heart healthy
- Avoid junk food
- Being active
- Knowing your numbers
- Knowing the signs of heart attacks
Do you know?
- Smoking over 20 cigarettes per day increases the risk of heart attack by five times, 10 to 19 cigarettes or bidis increases the risk by three times and smoking less than five cigarettes per day increases the risk by 1.5 times.
- Smoking one cigarette shortens the lifespan by 11 minutes and people exposed to second hand smoke have 90 per cent excessive rate of heart attacks.
- High level of blood cholesterol High levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol promote heart disease. One per cent reduction in cholesterol leads to two per cent reduction in heart attacks.
- Stress is an important risk factor. It leads to increased secretion of adrenaline. Chronic stress raises the blood pressure, invites diabetes and constricts the arteries of the heart. Stress management programmes comprising breathing exercises, stretching exercises, yoga, meditation and massage have been found to be useful in alleviating stress.
