Cardiovascular disease biggest killer worldwide: This World Heart Day, pledge to keep your heart healthy
This World Heart Day, pledge to make healthier lifestyle choices to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
Cardiovascular disease biggest killer worldwide: This World Heart Day, pledge to keep your heart healthy | Photo Credit: iStock Images
Key Highlights
- Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases claim an estimated 17.9 million lives every year
- Knowing the warning signs and risk factors can help you keep an eye out for any issues
- Here's when you should see a cardiologist and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
New Delhi: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) - such as heart attack or stroke - remains to be the biggest killer all over the world. WHO data showed that an estimated 17.9 million people in the world die from CVD each year - which is about 31 per cent of all deaths. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. But 80 per cent of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Preventive measures for a heart attack or stroke include a healthy diet, regular exercise, not using tobacco products, controlling risk factors, etc.
According to the Global Burden of Disease, 2017, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths globally, followed by cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Other conditions that figured among the top 10 deadliest diseases in the world are - neurological disorders, digestive disorders, maternal and neonatal disorders, enteric infections, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and tuberculosis.
(Graphics source: Lancet, Global Burden of Disease, 2017)
On World Heart Day, celebrated each year on 28 September, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is urging citizens to pledge to take care of the heart by adopting healthier lifestyle options. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the estimated prevalence of heart diseases in India is close to 54.5 million. India is predicted to bear the highest burden of coronary artery disease, as per the estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study.
Warning signs and risk factors for cardiovascular disease
While each type of cardiovascular disease typically has different symptoms, many conditions can cause similar signs. According to Dr Gajanan Ratnaparkhi, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Criticare Hospital, Mumbai, one should immediately visit a cardiologist in case of experiencing any of the following signs:
- Chest pain radiating towards the left arm
- Shortness of breath
- Too high or low heartbeats
- Sweating and palpitations
- Extreme tiredness and swelling in the legs and feet, etc.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, excessive alcohol intake and smoking, diabetes, etc. Some factors such as age, gender, family history can’t be controlled, however, there are certain things that are modifiable - diet, exercise, weight, etc. Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in preventing CVD.
Can you prevent cardiovascular disease?
A healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Even if you already have a heart condition, staying healthy as possible will lower the chances of it getting worse.
Ways you can reduce your heart disease risk include - keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control. A healthy diet, regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake, getting 6-8 hours of sleep, will go a long way in maintaining good heart health.
If you have a heart ailment or are newly diagnosed with it, taking regular medications is highly crucial along with regular visits to the cardiologist to keep a track of heart health, added Dr Ratnaparkhi.
So, this World Heart Day, pledge to beat cardiovascular disease!
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Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
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