World Heart Day - September 29

Why in News ?

World Heart Day is celebrated worldwide every year on September 29. The theme for 2025 is 'Don't Miss a Beat'.

Background and History

• 1999: The World Heart Federation initiated this day.
• 2000: World Heart Day was first celebrated on September 24.
• Since 2011: It has been celebrated permanently on September 29 every year.
• WHO (World Health Organization), UNESCO, various governments, non-governmental organizations and medical institutions collaborate in this campaign.

Objectives

• To raise global awareness about the risks of diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
• To motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles.
• To encourage governments and policymakers to prioritize the prevention and treatment of CVDs in health policies.
• To educate the public that heart disease is not limited to the elderly, but can also affect young people and children.

Significance

• This day reminds people that taking care of their heart is lifesaving.
• It provides an opportunity to prioritize preventive health measures at the individual, societal and government levels.

Global Perspective on Cardiovascular Diseases

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally.
• It is estimated that 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2022, accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths globally. Heart attacks and strokes account for 85% of these deaths.
• More than three-quarters of deaths from heart disease occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Major Causes

• Unhealthy diet – high in salt, sugar, oil, fat, and processed foods
• Physical inactivity – lack of exercise.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes and obesity
• Mental stress and depression
• Air pollution is also becoming a new leading cause of heart disease

Major Types of Heart Disease

1. Coronary Artery Disease

• Buildup of cholesterol and fat in the heart arteries blocks blood flow.
• This condition can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

2. Heart Attack

• When a heart artery suddenly becomes blocked, the heart muscle is deprived of blood supply.
• This causes heart cells to die, and the patient experiences severe chest pain and shortness of breath.

3. Stroke

• When a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured, the blood supply is cut off.
• This can cause paralysis in some part of the body, difficulty speaking, or unconsciousness.

4. Congestive Heart Failure

• In this condition, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body.
• This results in swelling, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

5. Arrhythmia

• The heartbeat becomes too fast, slow or irregular.
• This can cause fainting, dizziness, and sudden cardiac arrest.

6. Hypertension

• When blood pressure is consistently above normal, it is called high blood pressure.
• It can gradually put pressure on the heart, kidneys and brain, leading to serious illness.

Symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme fatigue
• Swelling in the legs
• Irregular heartbeat

Prevention and preventive measures

• Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat foods
• Regular exercise – at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Stress management – ​​yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep
• Regular health checkups – periodic blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol checkups
• Weight control
• Regular medication – if prescribed by a doctor for blood pressure/sugar/cholesterol