World Heart Day | 29 Sep 2022

Why in News?

World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September, every year. Maharashtra’s STEMI project helps detect over 2,000 heart attacks in a year.

What is World Heart Day?

  • About:
    • It was first observed in the year 2000 after the World Heart Federation collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO).
    • It is a global campaign through which the federation unites people in the fight against the Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) burden as well as inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living.
  • Theme:
    • The theme for World Heart Day 2022 is, “Use Heart For Every Heart”.

What are Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs)?

  • About:
    • CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions.
  • Global Scenario:
    • CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives in 2019 according to WHO.
    • More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.
  • Indian Scenario:
    • As per WHO, India reported 63% of total deaths in 2016 due to NCDs, of which 27% were attributed to CVDs.
    • CVDs also account for 45% of deaths in the 40–69-year age group.
  • Risk Factors:
    • The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
    • The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in individuals as intermediate risk factors such as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and obesity.
  • Indian Initiative:
    • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM).
    • Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been opened at 159 Institutions/Hospitals with an objective to make available Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases drugs and implants at discounted prices to the patients.
    • Jan Aushadhi stores are set up by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide generic medicines at affordable prices.
    • ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Project: The Maharashtra government launched the STEMI programme recognised by NHM in 2021 to enable rapid diagnosis of heart disease.
      • ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a condition wherein one of the heart’s major arteries, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, gets completely blocked.

Way Forward

  • Cessation of tobacco use, reduction of salt in the diet, eating more fruit and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding alcohol consumption have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Health policies that create conducive environments for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviours.
  • Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths.
  • Access to noncommunicable disease medicines and basic health technologies in all primary health care facilities is essential to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling.

Source: IE