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Nasir Ali
Srinagar: World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart disease and preventive measures that can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
World Heart Day is a global campaign to take care of the heart. Cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one killer. According to the World Heart Federation, conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels such as heart attacks, stroke and heart failure kill more than 20.5 million people every year. World Heart Day creates awareness about the importance of keeping a healthy heart via various global activities.
The theme for the World Heart Day 2023 is “Use Heart, Know Heart.”
Use heart: It means using the heart emoji to promote the theme and significance of the day. The World Heart Federation mentions that emojis are one of the most popular forms of communication today that can help retain people’s attention and transcend language barriers.
Know heart: With ‘know heart,’ the theme wants to empower individuals to take control of their well-being as knowledge about heart health is limited. So, when you know your heart more, you can take better care of it.
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Talking with ‘Asia Speaks’ Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Aijaz Mansoor said “In India nearly 50% of heart attacks occur under age 50, heart disease is global concern, responsible for more than 18 million deaths
year, India is the heart disease capital of the world. 80% of premature deaths due to heart disease are preventable and many are modifiable by identifying and correcting the risk factors,” he said.
On ‘World Heart Day’ Dr. Aijaz Mansoor added “as this year’s theme focuses on knowing your heart, here are a few factors that can help you know if you have a healthy heart,”
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HEALTHY LIFE SYTLE FOR RISK REDUCTION
> Stop Smoking
> As this year’s theme focuses on knowing your heart, here are a few factors that can help you know if you have a healthy heart.
> Diabetic Control, hbAlc<7
> As this year’s theme focuses on knowing your heart, here are a few factors that can help you know if you have a healthy heart.
> Control Blood Pressure .. 12/80 optimal
> As this year’s theme focuses on knowing your heart, here are a few factors that can help you know if you have a healthy heart.
> Cholesterol Reduction LDL< 100 mg%
> Waist Circumference
Males <94 CM (37 inch)
Female< 80 CM (31.5 inch)
> Avoid Sedentary Life Style
> At least 30 minutes walk daily 5 days a week
> Take plenty of fruits and vegetables
On world heart day, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) said air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks.
“Polluted air heightens your chances of having a heart attack,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
Dr Hassan said according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) people exposed to fine particulate air pollutants have an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack.
Fine particulate air pollutants, also known as PM2.5, are fine particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter which are emitted from vehicles, factories and fires.
The study found that PM2.5 exposure at a concentration between 12.0 and 13.9 micrograms per cubic meter was associated with a 10% increased risk of experiencing a heart attack and a 16% risk of dying from heart disease.
The DAK President said air quality in Kashmir has been constantly deteriorating for the past few years due to increasing number of vehicles, constructions, brick kilns, cement and other factors which emit pollutants and significantly pollute the air.
Overall, World Heart Day serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health and encourages people to make lifestyle choices that reduce their risk of heart disease and promote a longer, healthier life. The theme and specific activities for World Heart Day may vary from year to year, but the core message remains consistent: Take care of your heart for a healthier future.
