Healthy Heart (short read)

Everyone would benefit by maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

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Hi,

I had written this article as a part of my work around 5 years back. Sharing on my blog today…

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The World Heart Federation organizes World Heart Day every year on September 29 to make people aware about heart diseases. It informs people that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year. The organization promotes measures to prevent such diseases. It was first observed in the year 2000.

What is a heart disease?

Any type of disorder that affects the structure and functions of the heart is a heart disease. It refers to only heart. It also means cardiac disease but not cardiovascular disease. A cardiovascular disease refers to the disorders of blood vessels and heart.

Causes, Types and Risk factors: It has many root causes and is of various types as,

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Arrhythmia
• Peripheral artery disease, etc.

Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque develops in the arteries and blood vessels that lead to the heart. This leads to blocking of nutrients and oxygen that have to reach your heart. Plaque is a wax-like substance made up of cholesterol, minerals and fatty molecules. Plaque accumulates over a period of time when the inner lining of an artery is damaged by high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, or increased level of cholesterol or triglycerides.

Events: Various government and non-government organizations in all parts of the world organize the World Heart Day. In more than 100 countries the World Heart Federation organizes events like,

• Health Checks
• Sporting events like marathons, sprints etc.
• Awareness rally with posters and placards
• Stage shows and concerts
• Exhibitions
• Signature campaigns

World Health Organization (WHO), which is United Nation’s directing and coordinating authority for health, partners with such organizations to hold the activities.

Healthy-heart steps: These are some easy steps that can be followed to prevent heart diseases:

• Be smoke free
• Be physically active
• Reduce stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Know and control your blood pressure
• Limit the use of alcohol

Visit your doctor regularly and follow his/her advice.