World Heart Day: Importance of having a healthy heart
World Heart Day 2020 is being celebrated on September 29, 2020 all over the world. The day is celebrated every year on September 29 to increase awareness about the heart related cardiovascular disease. It includes heart diseases and brain strokes. The day aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle among people and also to make them aware of the seriousness of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases are accountable for nearly half of all non-communicable diseases which makes it the leading cause of loss of lives every year. On the occasion of World Heart Day 2020, here is a look at World Heart Day 2020 theme, its meaning and significance in the world.
World Heart Day 2020 theme
This year the COVID-19 pandemic has put up the healthcare sector in the spotlight. All the healthcare systems are working for the health of people tirelessly during these difficult times. The World Heart Day 2020 theme focuses on taking care of one’s heart during the pandemic. Cardiovascular diseases claim the most number of lives in the world.
There are several causes for it like smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and rare and neglected conditions such as Chagas Disease and cardiac amyloidosis. This World Heart Day 2020, the aim is to make people aware of taking care of their heart during the pandemic. During the current pandemic, people with cardiovascular diseases should take extra care of themselves to stay healthy.
World Heart Day significance
World Heart Day is to inform people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke. It is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.9 million lives each year. The day also throws light upon actions that individuals can take to prevent themselves from CVDs and also get it under control.
The day also aims at educating people to lead a healthy lifestyle by avoiding consumption of tobacco products, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. If these precautions are taken, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
World Heart Day meaning
World Heart Day 2020 is a global campaign in which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. The World Heart Federation tries to unite people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD. World Heart Day is a step towards inspiring and driving international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
Here are some common signs of congenital heart disease, as per National Health Service:
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Swelling around eyes, and in legs and tummy
- Swelling in hands, ankles or feet
- Blue tinge to the skin
- Shortness of breath during feeding, which makes it difficult for them to gain weight
It is in severe cases that symptoms of congenital heart disease develop shortly after birth. Sometimes, the symptoms do not develop until teenage or early adulthood. At this age, the condition may cause symptoms like extreme tiredness or fatigue and fainting during exercise amongst other symptoms.
Congenital heart disease: Important tips for parents
- Parents should educate themselves about symptoms. This will enable early detection and prevent any negligence due to lack of information.
- Checking for any family history of CHD or existing genetic syndromes, or if the mother is suffering from any medical condition or infection is important for monitoring the baby.
- In addition, parents also need to be made aware of a slight increase in risk if they are having a child through any reproductive technology like fertility medication or IVF.
- The importance of avoiding smoking and drinking and eating a balanced diet needs to be emphasised.
- Ultrasound and echocardiograms can also help in monitoring and detecting the baby’s health.
With the rise in COVID-19 cases in India, the entire country has been focusing on controlling the spread of infection. The medical fraternity and the government has been working out treatment protocols and supporting trials on medicines and vaccines. As we expand our battle against the novel coronavirus, we are gaining knowledge on the impact of COVID-19 on high-risk patients and those with pre-existing, serious illnesses. Many of these patients have missed getting proper care and treatment during the lockdown due to restricted access to healthcare resources and a fear of going to doctors or hospitals. So this World heart day, let’s pledge to not just follow our heart but take care of it too.
