Features
Using heart to beat cardiovascular diseases
World Heart Day
By Dr. Mohan Jayatilake
Consultant Cardiologist
(A former President of Sri Lanka Heart Association)
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including strokes cause nearly half of all Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) deaths making it the world’s number one killer. Every year, over 17 million people die from heart diseases. The World Heart Federation in Geneva introduced the World Heart Day every year on the 29th September. It is therefore the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD to reduce the global disease burden.
This year on the 29th September, our campaign is asking the world to “USE HEART TO BEAT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE” FOR YOUR LOVED ONES, SOCIETY AND YOU.
WHF commits to unite its members and lead the global fight against heart disease and stroke. The WHF focuses on the vulnerable areas of the world, low and middle income countries. WHO targets for non-communicable disease mortality reduction by 2025 reducing premature deaths from CVD by at least 25%.
CVD and COVID-19 pandemic during World Heart day
We are living in an unprecedented time where the COVID 19 pandemic has brought a spotlight on the healthcare profession, national healthcare system and our own health.
We do not know what course the pandemic will take in the future but we do know that taking care of our hearts right now is more important than ever. COVID- 19 posed a particular risk to patients with underlying issues such as heart disease, which is already the leading cause of death in the world.
CVD patients are more susceptible to severe COVID-19. In the time of COVID 19, CVD patients are faced with a double edged threat. Not only, are they more at risk of developing severe life threatening viral infection, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts. Reassurance should be given to visit hospital or emergency room if the need arises. The risk of heart attacks and stroke outweigh the risk of contracting COVID 19.
Use heart to thank the healthcare profession
The pandemic has led to an outpouring of support for nurses, doctors, researches and carers. As we build towards World Heart Day 2020, we will continue to showcase the stories of these frontline heroes and their patients as part of our “Heart Heroes”.
Creating awareness about the risk factors that lead to heart disease
Risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke include, high blood pressure ,cholesterol and glucose level are
Smoking
Unhealthy diet
Obesity
Lack of exercises
Increased stress condition
Hence the World Heart Day celebration plays a very important role in changing all of this. It helps to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action now. Various events and activities such as fun runs, walks, concerts, public talks, sporting events, fitness sessions, science forums, stage shows, and exhibitions are organized worldwide to reduce the fear of heart disease and strokes. Every year more and more people participate in these events showing their support for World Heart Day.
In Sri Lanka, public seminars and heart walks are being organized by the Sri Lanka College of Cardiology. In view of the COVID pandemic these activities are also limited to a minimum. Furthermore, the WHF says that whether your environment is urban or rural, this is our chance to transform our neighbourhood into heart healthy environment so that we can achieve 25% reduction in premature death from CVD by 2025.
We call on individuals to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and strokes.
You and your family can take the following steps:
1. Stop tobacco smoking to improve your own and your children’s health. Tobacco use and exposure to passive smoking kills six million people a year and are estimated to cause early 10% of CVD. Within two years of stopping smoking the risk of CVD is substantially reduced. Exposure to second hand passive smoking is also a cause of heart diseases in non-smokers. Female smokers run a 25% higher risk of heart disease than male smokers.
By quitting you will not only improver your heart health but that of those around you. It’s a good thing to note that the habit of smoking among Sri Lankan men and women is significantly reduced due to aggressive campaigns against smoking.
2. Healthy food options at home
a. Cut down on sugary beverages and fruit juices, and choose water or unsweetened juices instead.
b. Start a day with a piece of fruit and take your own prepared lunch from home to ensure healthy meals.
c. Be careful of processed food which contains high cholesterol ,trans fatty acids, salt and sugar.
d. Make sure every evening meal contains at least 2 to 3 servings of vegetables.
e. Drink plenty of water.
f. Try to eliminate or cut down the amount of alcohol.
3. Be active
a. Families should limit the amount of time spent on watching TV for less than 2 hours a day.
b. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderately intensive physical activity 5 times a week.
c. Playing, walking, housework, gardening, dancing, they all count.
d. Be active everyday- Take stairs, walk or cycle instead of driving.
e. Stay fit at home- workout for the whole family
4. Mange stress levels through meditation, yoga, effective breathing techniques and counselling.
5. Know your numbers
a. Visit your doctor or health care professional to check your blood pressure,
cholesterol and glucose level together Body Mass Index (BMI)
6. Identify and manage the other causes of CVD
a. Diabetes
b. Hypertension
c. Obesity –which is an alarming risk factor in the world causing heart disease and strokes
Strict lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to our heart health. Burden of CVD can be reduced if everybody takes prompt action now.
a. Everybody must take control of their own heart health and act to improve it.
b. Government must support and encourage the CVD surveillance and monitoring.
If everybody “USES HEART TO BEAT CVD” for your loved ones, you and society people all over the world can have longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke.