Pledge to live a healthier life, this World Heart Day

Show care and spread awareness, pledge to live a healthier life, this World Heart Day

New Delhi, September 29, 2018 :

World Heart Day on September 29 aims to combat the rising number of people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), by promoting the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle. The theme this year ‘My Heart, Your Heart,’ posed the question “What can I do right now to look after my heart and your heart?” for all stakeholders to walk the talk. The main call to action for this year’s campaign is to make a promise.

Cardiovascular diseases are a collective of various kinds of heart ailments, stroke and diseases of blood vessels. However coronary artery disease, also called ischemic heart disease – symptomised by the hardening of arteries – and strokes account for most deaths. It was presumed that ischemic heart disease and stroke afflicted only affluent people and it was thought that Indians would not bear the brunt. However it has been seen that India has a very high incidence of ischaemic heart disease. This is because of modernization with reduced physical activity, increased consumption of high calorie and refined food and genetic predisposition to develop heart disease. Indian patients are affected at a younger age and develop severe blockages. This disease affects people during a productive period in their lives and causes a great social and economic burden said : Dr. Pradeep Kumar D, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

On world heart day the emphasis is on preventing heart and stroke in the population. Various awareness camps and preventive health checks are done.  As per Dr.Pradeep Kumar D, Prevention of heart disease can be done by:

1)     Regular Physical activities – at least 30-45 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity everyday.

2)     Evaluating cholesterol levels and taking remedial measures through lifestyle changes and medication

3)     Strict control of hypertension and diabetes.

4)     Achieving ideal body weight

5)     Smoking Cessation.

6)     Consuming foods high in whole grain, protein, fruits and vegetables and low in fat and refined food.

“Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become one of the leading causes for mortality & impaired life. This trend is also being seen in India where the growing incidence of heart diseases is affecting a major proportion of the population, across the urban and rural demographic. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and lack of healthy nutrition especially in the low-income strata, has been linked to the rise in CVDs. The cost of treating cardio-vascular diseases is high enough to take a toll on the financial status of an average Indian. It is estimated that every year lakhs of people become impecunious due to out of pocket healthcare expenses. This is why the role of health insurance is critical today to make crucial treatments available at affordable costs. This World Heart Day, it is important to pledge to live a healthier life, and also to prepare for any health adversity by securing yourself financially,” said  Mr. Anuj Gulati, MD & CEO, Religare Health Insurance.