Dr. Sushil Sharma
About World Heart Day
World Heart Day is observed every year on 29th September with the aim of raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the steps that can be taken to prevent them. Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart disease and stroke, are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more lives each year than any other condition. The day serves as a reminder that protecting our heart health is not just an individual responsibility but a collective global effort.
The theme for World Heart Day 2025 is “Don’t Miss a Beat.” This theme highlights the urgency of acting without delay whether it is recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, undergoing regular check-ups, or advocating for universal access to cardiovascular care. Every heartbeat counts and missing even one can have life-changing consequences. The campaign urges individuals, health professionals, policymakers, and communities to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to heart health.
Why “Don’t Miss a Beat”?
The theme carries a powerful dual meaning:
* Don’t miss early warning signs : Many people ignore mild chest discomfort, fatigue, or shortness of breath, only to later discover advanced heart disease. Recognizing and acting upon early symptoms can save lives.
* Don’t miss preventive opportunities: Simple steps like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease dramatically.
* Don’t let anyone miss out on care: Millions across the globe, especially in low- and middle-income countries, lack access to essential cardiovascular medicines, diagnostic tests, and emergency treatment. This theme calls for equity in healthcare.
* Don’t lose focus: It emphasizes sustained action – from individuals making lifestyle changes to governments implementing large-scale health policies – to keep the fight against CVD ongoing.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Many heart attacks are not sudden or dramatic. They may start slowly, giving subtle signals. Recognizing these signs in time can save a life:
* Chest discomfort: Pressure, heaviness, squeezing, or pain lasting more than a few minutes, or that goes away and returns.
* Discomfort in other areas: Pain or discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
* Shortness of breath: Can occur with or without chest discomfort.
* Other symptoms: Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Immediate medical attention is crucial whenever these signs appear.
Understanding Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) refers to conditions linked to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It has three major forms:
* Unstable Angina: Chest pain without ECG changes of ST elevation and without raised cardiac biomarkers.
* NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction): Chest pain without ST elevation but with elevated biomarkers.
* STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction): Chest pain with ST elevation and elevated biomarkers, often requiring urgent intervention.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease
Modifiable Risk Factors
* Diabetes: Increases the risk of CVD twofold and is a growing global epidemic.
* High cholesterol: Leads to plaque build-up and narrowing of arteries.
* Tobacco use: One of the most preventable causes of CVD; even second-hand smoke is harmful.
* Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise significantly increases the risk of both diabetes and heart disease.
* Unhealthy diet & obesity: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats contribute to weight gain, hypertension, and diabetes.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
* Family history of heart disease.
* Age: Risk rises as one gets older.
* Gender: Men are at greater risk earlier, though women’s risk rises sharply after menopause.
* Ethnicity: People of certain ethnic origins, including South Asians and Africans, face higher risks.
* Socioeconomic stressors: Poverty, social isolation, chronic stress, and depression are linked with higher incidence.
Diagnosis and Medical Advances
Doctors use a wide range of tools to diagnose heart disease:
* ECG to detect rhythm or structural changes.
* Holter monitoring for 24-72 hours to identify hidden rhythm abnormalities.
* Echocardiography to assess heart structure and pumping function.
* Stress tests to evaluate heart performance under exertion.
* Cardiac catheterization to visualize coronary arteries.
* Advanced imaging like PET, MRI, and CT scans to assess blood flow and micro vascular health.
Recent advances in stent technology, pharmacotherapy, heart failure devices, and circulatory support have transformed outcomes, making treatment safer and more effective.
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
The good news is that up to 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Key steps include:
* Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and limit processed foods, sugars, and salt.
* Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
* Maintain healthy weight: Balance calorie intake with activity.
* Avoid tobacco: Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
* Limit alcohol: Ideally avoid it altogether.
* Know your numbers: Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol regularly.
World Heart Day 2025: Call to Action
This year’s theme reminds us that missing even a single heartbeat can change a life forever. To honor “Don’t Miss a Beat”:
* Individuals must take responsibility for their health through awareness, lifestyle changes, and timely medical checkups.
* Communities must unite to spread knowledge, organize screenings, and encourage healthier lifestyles.
* Healthcare professionals must actively educate, screen, and support patients in risk reduction.
* Policymakers must ensure equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for all sections of society.
World Heart Day 2025 is not just a date; it is a global call to action. “Don’t Miss a Beat” reminds us of the urgency to act – today, not tomorrow. Every heartbeat matters, and together we can protect millions from preventable heart disease and stroke. By caring for our own hearts and supporting heart health for others, we can build a future where fewer lives are lost to cardiovascular disease and more people live longer, healthier lives.
(The author is Prof. & Head, Deptt. of Cardiology, GMC / SSH Jammu)
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