Your heart is a gift. Treat it as such.
Picture a candle flickering in the dark, casting its warm glow across a room. Each flame represents an individual and the collective heartbeat of families, communities, and nations. When one candle shines brightly, it inspires others to do the same, creating a chain reaction of light and hope. This is the essence of World Heart Day—a global initiative that unites us in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, which claim over 20 million lives each year.
The heart is a vital organ that pumps life into every corner of our being. It's a relentless worker, beating day and night, year after year. Yet, despite its tireless efforts, many of us neglect its well-being. In recent years, we've witnessed a disturbing trend: young people are increasingly experiencing heart attacks, a condition once thought to be primarily associated with older generations, especially post-pandemic.
This startling increase is due to unhealthy food choices, more stress, and inactivity. Likewise, air pollution has been identified as a major risk factor that has an impact on heart health globally.
World Heart Day was started in 2000 by the World Heart Federation and the World Health Organization. Its goal is to inform people about heart disease and how to prevent it. The theme for World Heart Day 2024 is "Use Heart for Action," which inspires everyone to take care of their heart health. In this article, we all understand the essence of this day, explore the 2024 theme and share activities you can participate in to make a positive impact in your community. Together, let’s turn awareness into action for healthier hearts everywhere.
Key Highlights
- Every year, around 1.7 crores people die because of cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for 31% of deaths worldwide.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has increased CVD deaths by 10% worldwide.
- Heart disease (CVD) is disproportionately prevalent in India, with an estimated 27.2 million people living with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 1.2 million deaths annually due to heart attacks. (Source: National Health Portal of India, 2023)
- Women in India are 20% more likely to die from heart disease– accounting for almost 18% of all female deaths, than men. Yet, women are often underrepresented in research and clinical trials, leading to an inadequate understanding of their specific needs and risk factors. (Source: Global Burden of Disease Study and Indian Heart Journal, 2023)
Table Of Contents
- Why Is World Heart Day Celebrated?
- What Is The Theme For The World Heart Day 2024?
- What Is The Motto Of Heart Day?
- What Is The Idea For World Heart Day? World Heart Day Activities You Can Participate In
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Why Is World Heart Day Celebrated?
A healthy heart is the foundation of a healthy life.
Cardiovascular disease is a silent pandemic that’s ravaging across the world. Responsible for nearly 27% of deaths, it can arguably also be described as a quiet epidemic in India. Over the last three years, there has been a significant increase in heart attack fatalities. Some specialists even relate this troubling trend to the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In light of this global burden, September 29, every year since the inception of World Heart Day, is dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles around the world.
The World Heart Federation (WHF) organises and sponsors this observance to educate people about the importance of heart health and how to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The main reasons to celebrate World Heart Day are:
1. Cardiovascular Health Awareness
Awareness is the best cure and this is highly concurrent with regards to heart disease. It is important that you understand the causes, symptoms and prevention methods of CVD (cardiovascular disease). The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the risk factors associated with them, and the value of early detection and prevention.
The table below highlights the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of potential heart failure, making it easier for you to recognise these critical signs:
Risk Factors for Heart Disease | Symptoms of Heart Attack/Heart Failure |
|
|
Note: The first hour following a heart attack, also called the ‘Golden Hour’, is the most critical phase. If you are in middle age and experience retrosternal pain (chest pain) that radiates to your left arm or hear someone experiencing it–immediately call for an ambulance and seek medical attention right away. This will maximise recovery.
2. Promotes A Healthy Lifestyle
World Heart Day promotes healthy lifestyle habits that are important for keeping your heart in good shape. It encourages everyone to eat a balanced diet, stay active, and limit the use of alcohol and tobacco. A great way to maintain heart health is to take a brisk walk for 45 minutes every day, as the benefits of brisk walking include improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
To help you remember how to take care of your heart, here’s the “6 S” formula:
- Reduce SALT to control high blood pressure.
- Control SUGARS to keep your blood sugar levels healthy.
- Reduce STRESS to help your heart stay calm.
- STOP smoking to protect your heart and lungs.
- Find SOLACE in meditation to relax your mind.
- SWIM or walk briskly every day to stay active.
You can also consider ToneOp Fit’s Diet + Fitness Plan to adopt a healthy lifestyle and give your heart the best gift this year, on World Heart Day 2024. In this plan, you will be routinely guided by diet coaches and fitness experts to achieve your health goals.
With our plan, you'll get individualised help that's catered to your specific requirements, keeping you motivated and on course. Enjoy live workout sessions, one-on-one consultations, and a balanced diet plan that fits your lifestyle.
3. Encourages Routine Checkups
World Heart Day promotes early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. He emphasises the importance of regular check-ups to monitor heart health and early detection of potential problems. It also emphasises the importance of routine heart checks for early detection of CVD.
Here are some tests you can do to detect heart disease:
Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Diseases | |
Test | Description |
| CRP Test | This test checks for C-reactive protein in your blood. High levels mean there is inflammation in your body, which can be a sign of heart problems. |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | This is a simple test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to see how well it’s functioning. |
| Echocardiogram | A non-invasive procedure using sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure. |
| Stress or Exercise Test | In this test, you exercise on a treadmill or bike while doctors watch how your heart responds to the activity. |
| Cardiac Catheterisation | This procedure looks for blockages in your heart arteries by using a special dye and taking X-ray pictures. |
| Cardiac CT Scan | For this scan, you lie inside a machine that takes X-ray images of your heart to check for any issues. |
| Heart MRI | This test uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your heart, showing its structure and function. |
4. Advocates For Policy Change
On a local, national, and international level, World Heart Day provides a platform for promoting policies and activities that support heart health. These include measures such as promoting smoke-free environments, access to healthy food, and improving health care systems. Companies should also take initiatives to reduce occupational stress and organise routine workshops/programs to manage stress at the workplace.
5. Encourages Heart-Healthy Behaviours
Lastly, this day encourages all to follow heart-healthy habits like staying active, eating healthy foods, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Doctors say that almost 70% of heart problems, like coronary artery disease, can be prevented by making good lifestyle choices. One great way to stay active is by enjoying the benefits of walking every day, which helps improve heart health and overall well-being. In addition to walking, adding supplements like Moringa Leaf Powder into your diet can provide extra nutrients that support heart health.
Also Read: Doctors Day 2024: How Do Doctors Maintain Their Health? 10 Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle
What Is The Theme For The World Heart Day 2024?
Every beat of your heart is a precious moment. Take care of it.
Each World Heart Day has a special theme that focuses on different parts of heart health. These themes are chosen to help people understand important issues related to heart disease and encourage positive changes.
In recent years, themes have included "Use the Heart to Beat Cardiovascular Disease," "My Heart, Your Heart," and "Heartful Choices, Not Hard Choices." This year's theme is “Use Heart for Action.” From 2024 to 2026, this theme will help people take care of their hearts and encourage leaders to pay attention to heart health. The goal is to inspire countries to create or support plans that help improve heart health.
Action is the deliberate and effective execution of effort. It emphasises a shift from awareness to empowerment with a clear purpose and goal. There is also a dual nature of action: efforts to influence policies and advocacy for behaviour change and physical activity. It reflects the requirement of sustained effort and cooperation. This year, World Heart Day aims to:
- Encourage and empower individuals to take responsibility for their heart health.
- Support stronger initiatives and take action to improve heart health.
- Implement cardiovascular health action plans at the national level.
- Engage the public, patients and physicians to achieve a positive impact.
Also Read: 7 Benefits Of Cardiovascular Exercise To Improve Your Heart Health & Fitness!
What Is The Motto Of Heart Day?
Invest in your heart health today. It's the best investment you'll ever make.
The heart is one of the most important organs in our body. If it does not work well, it can lead to serious problems, including death. The heart pumps blood to all parts of our body, so if it is not healthy, the whole body can be affected. Unfortunately, many people do not know enough about heart health. Because of this, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the top causes of death around the world. Each year, about over 20 million people die from CVD, which makes up around 31% of all deaths globally.
Common heart problems include heart attacks, strokes, and ischemic heart disease. These issues cause about 18.6 million deaths each year. In fact, nearly 85% of deaths from CVD are due to heart diseases like these. World Heart Day is very important because it helps raise awareness about heart health and teaches people how to take care of their hearts. It also brings together different organisations to participate in events that promote heart health.
The main goal of World Heart Day is to give everyone a chance to learn about how to keep their hearts healthy. The motto is that by controlling risk factors like unhealthy diets, smoking, and not exercising enough, we can prevent about 80% of unexpected deaths from heart disease and strokes. One of the scientifically proven benefits of physical activity is that regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves overall health.
To maintain a healthy heart, it’s essential to adopt good habits. This includes eating healthy foods, staying active by exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. Making these changes can help protect your heart and improve your overall health.
Also Read: 20 Best Cardio Exercises At Home To Boost Stamina, Burn Calories & More!
What Is The Idea For World Heart Day? World Heart Day Activities You Can Participate In
Following World Heart Day 2024, activities can be done to celebrate this day:
| Health Checkup |
|
| Get Your Heart Rate up with Fitness Events |
|
| Healthy Potluck Lunch |
|
| Educational Workshops |
|
| Walking Challenge |
|
| Heart Health Quiz |
|
| Heartfelt Story Sharing |
|
Also Read: Top 10 Amazing Benefits Of Physical Activity To Power Up Your Weight Loss Regimen!
Expert’s Advice
Your heart is the centre of your well-being, and taking care of it should be a top priority. From organising heart-healthy activities to spreading awareness about cardiovascular health, you can have a real impact on your own life and the lives of those around you. So, let's embrace the spirit of World Heart Day and make it a day to cherish not just for this year but for all the years to come.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
On World Heart Day, we celebrate the extraordinary organ that keeps us alive and thriving – our heart. It is a day to reflect on the importance of heart health and commit to caring for our hearts. We can decrease the risk of heart disease and lead happier, healthier lives by engaging in heart-healthy exercise and adopting a lifestyle that prioritises cardiovascular health. Take care of your heart health and inspire others to do the same on World Heart Day. Together, we can create a world where healthy hearts beat together for a better future.
FAQs
1. Why is World Heart Day important?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, which is why World Heart Day is extremely important. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the health effects of heart disease around the world, promote healthy lifestyle choices and promote better cardiovascular health laws and practices.
2. How can I participate in World Heart Day?
You can get involved by engaging in cardiac activities such as a balanced diet, exercise, and regular health checkups. Participating in or supporting these initiatives can have an impact, as many groups organise campaigns, webinars and events to raise awareness.
3. Why is World Heart Day celebrated on 29 September?
World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29th to mark the last day of the World Heart Summit, an international gathering of healthcare professionals and policymakers focused on heart health. This day was selected to highlight the significance of heart health and to promote international cooperation in the fight against cardiovascular illnesses.
4. What activities can I organise to observe World Heart Day at the office?
You can do the following activities:
- Arrange a health professional-led workshop on heart health awareness.
- Give staff members a health examination that includes blood pressure and cholesterol testing.
- Encourage staff members to engage in heart-healthy exercises like yoga or walking.
- Plan a heart-healthy picnic or healthy food drive with recipes to share.
5. Why am I feeling like my heart is fluttering all day?
Heart fluttering is also called palpitations and could be due to several factors, such as anxiety, stress, or too much caffeine. It's often harmless, but if it continues or you have other symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.
References
- https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/health/know-in-nbt-dil-ki-baat-why-world-heart-day-is-celebrated-what-world-heart-day-2023-theme-history-and-significance/articleshow/103947808.cms
- https://artemishospitals.com/blog/home-slider/world-heart-day-2024#:~:text=In%202024%2C%20the%20theme%20for,aimed%20at%20improving%20heart%20health
- https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/about-whd/theme/
- https://www.drravindersinghrao.com/blog/world-heart-day/
- https://www.guardian.in/blogs/livewell/this-world-heart-day-take-a-road-to-healthy-heart?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=performance-max-campaign-tsfo-1806024&utm_content=&utm_term=&placement=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxsm3BhDrARIsAMtVz6On64oiPRyxgtY96gYR4jf8-vx6Ul8w_oMVhJidy87_fIb4HKHbQhIaAt0OEALw_wcB
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/world-heart-day-date-theme-history-and-significance-1695367471#google_vignette
- https://www.hizuno.com/blog/health/world-heart-day-heart-health-tips
- https://blog.empuls.io/world-heart-day-celebration/#10-world-heart-day-celebration-ideas-in-the-office
- https://niu.edu.in/world-heart-day/#:~:text=World%20Heart%20day%20is%20an,to%20manage%20the%20cardiovascular%20diseases.
- https://kashmirreader.com/2024/09/25/alarming-rise-in-heart-attack-cases-among-jks-young-population/
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
