World Heart Day 2017: Why is it observed — importance and significance

Started in the year 1999, World Heart Day is observed on the last Sunday of September every year. (Source: File Photo)

The World Heart Foundation organises World Heart Day on September 29 every year to emphasise on the importance of being active and staying informed about cardiovascular health and diseases. The day promotes preventative measures and steps that people should inculcate in their lifestyle to keep heart attacks at bay.

On the occasion of World Heart Day, started way back in 1999, we bring you the importance and significance of this observance.

What are Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVD)?

Cardio-Vascular Diseases include heart conditions consisting of blood clots, diseased vessels and structural problems of the heart, like stroke, congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, etc. The risk factors that lead to cardio-vascular diseases include sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, heightened levels of glucose, bad cholesterol and blood pressure in the body.

This year, the worldheartday.org has decided to bring into perspective four important dimensions of how one can take care of one’s heart — Know your heart, fuel your heart, move your heart and love your heart.

KNOW YOUR HEART 

The website emphasises on how knowing one’s heart is essential and that it requires understanding the risks you are prone to. This would involve getting back on track, visiting the doctor and knowing where you stand.

FUEL YOUR HEART 

Eating healthy is one of the most important steps towards ensuring that the heart is fuelled with clean energy. Omega-3 rich fish, nuts, berries, oats and legumes are some of the easily available foods that one can consume to ensure the heart’s good health.

MOVE YOUR HEART

This is another pivotal measure required to ensure that the heart stays healthy and hale. Remaining active, breaking a sweat and staying fit through exercises and yoga is another way one can ensure good health.

LOVE YOUR HEART

While it is next to impossible to stay away from fast food, mostly because of the erratic work timings and schedules one follow, it is important to eat healthy, quit smoking and drinking because of the adverse effects these have on the lungs and the liver.