On Thursday, the whole world observed and celebrated World Heart Day 2022.
People all over the world observe World Heart Day on September 29 each year. It is a day intended to increase awareness and focus attention on the issues related to heart health. These include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and strokes, their management and control, the effects of excessive exercise on the heart, and how crucial it is to take care of the heart.
On the occasion of World Heart Day, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya appealed to the people to take a pledge to adopt healthy lifestyles to live a heart-healthy life.
Various platforms, including forums, talk shows, podcasts, posters, and more, were used to disseminate information and discuss cardiovascular diseases. These will encourage people to hold walks, fundraisers, free health checks, concerts, sporting events, and other events. Medical societies hosted scientific conferences and events focusing on cardiovascular research.
Events on World Heart Day 2022
On the occasion of World Heart Day, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya appealed to the people to take a pledge to adopt healthy lifestyles to live a heart-healthy life.
Various platforms, including forums, talk shows, podcasts, posters, and more, were used to disseminate information and discuss cardiovascular diseases. These will encourage people to hold walks, fundraisers, free health checks, concerts, sporting events, and other events.
Medical societies hosted scientific conferences and events focusing on cardiovascular research.
The theme of World Heart Day 2022
This year, the theme is “Use heart for every heart”. Every year, the World Heart Federation (WHF) sponsors the international event and declares a theme for the day. The theme aims to show how to use one’s heart for the benefit of other people, the environment, and oneself globally. It highlights the goal of bringing together people from across the globe to fight against cardiovascular diseases.
What is the need to celebrate this day?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year 17.9 million people die due to heart diseases or CVDs globally. Due to the rising number of heart attacks and other CVD-related cases that have gained attention and for those people who are suffering from these cardiovascular issues, the discussion surrounding World Heart Day is of the utmost importance. Raising awareness is also essential for people of all ages who have habits of unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle.
Medical professionals in Madurai, Tamil Nadu estimate that 80% of heart attacks and strokes can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle, regular examinations, and early treatment, despite an alarming 200% increase in cardiovascular diseases among people in the 20–50 age range in India over the previous 20 years.
In 2022, on the eve of World Heart Day, experts stated at a press conference that they had noticed that cardiovascular diseases had become the leading cause of death in recent years.
Stress, both acute and chronic, is one of the major but modifiable risk factors, according to reports from recent research studies.
Dr. R. M. Krishnan, senior consultant and HoD for cardiothoracic surgery, said in an interview with the Times of India that the average Indian has a three times higher risk of having a heart attack than the average European, a six times higher risk than the average Chinese, and a twenty times higher risk than the average Japanese.
The Significance of the Day
The main goal of World Heart Day is to raise awareness of the behaviors that can prevent people from developing a propensity for cardiovascular diseases. It also aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage any risks associated with such a significant body organ.
Side effects of Covid
According to a recent study, even a minor COVID infection increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular problems for at least a year after diagnosis. Covid-19 survivors experienced a variety of heart damage, and not all of them had pre-existing heart conditions prior to getting the illness. People who already had heart issues have seen their conditions get worse as a result of COVID.
History related to the Day
WHF and WHO jointly established World Heart Day on September 29, 1999. The former president of the WHF, Antoni Bayés de Luna, had conceived this idea. Since its inception on September 24, 2000, World Heart Day has been observed on the last Sunday in September. From 2001 to 2011, this date was changed to September 24. It was later decided that September 29th would be the precise date when more than 90 countries would observe World Heart Day.
