WORLD HEART DAY
Monday, September 22, 2008
World Heart Day, held annually on the last Sunday in September, aims at increasing public awareness and promoting preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. These are the leading cause of death globally, killing more than million every year. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in men and women, greater than the next five causes of death combined!
Here our aim is to spread awareness about taking care of the heart, thus rest of body
Cardiovascular diseases include Coronary heart disease (heart attacks), Cerebro-vascular disease, raised Blood pressure (hypertension), Peripheral Artery disease, Rheumatic heart disease, Congenital heart disease and Heart failure or Myocardial infarction. There are many risk factors and predispositions which may lead to heart problems. Hence, Heart problems are multifactorial in origin. Contrary, women are more prone to heart problems. The major risk factors of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, physical inactivity, Diabetes, high Blood Pressure, poor nutrition, Birth control pills, increasing age, hereditary, drug addicts, stress, both physical and mental and an unhealthy diet (fat rich diet).
Heart attacks and strokes are mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or the brain. The most common cause is a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or brain. The blood vessels become narrower and less flexible, also known as atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries). The blood vessels are then more likely to become blocked by blood clots. When this happens, the blocked vessels cannot supply blood to the heart and brain, because of loss of flexibility which then become damaged. Symptoms of a Heart attack include: pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest; pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back because of same neural supply. May have difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; feeling sick or vomiting; feeling light-headed or faint; breaking into a cold sweat; and becoming pale. The most common symptom of a Stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg, most often on one side of the body. Other symptoms include sudden onset of: numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause; and fainting or unconsciousness. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately
Key messages to protect heart health:
Fortunately, there are various ways which significantly lower the chances of developing the heart disease and its complications like stroke, TIA’s and myocardial infarction or heart attack
- Cessation of tobacco use reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It includes any mode of consumption varying from cigar, cigarette, bidi or simply chewing it.
- Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day of the week will help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. A simple activity like use of stair cases than elevator can contribute in daily exercise or a brisk morning and evening walk. Both Aerobic (like walking, cycling and jogging) and anaerobic exercises (weight or resistance training or sprinting) can be done.
- Reduce down the stress level. In this competitive world this seems to be hard but this is one of the factor, if under controlled reduces the risk of Heart Attacks. Sometimes, self counselling or counsellors may help. Give some time for body to relax like a day out, massage or a good sleep J
- Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, also helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Healthy diet should contain whole grains, skimmed milk, pulses, lean meat and low fried food. Food should be cooked, baked or boiled than deep fried. Cut down the saturated fats. Use of vegetable oils is recommended like olive, mustard, sunflower or ground nut oil. Increase the fiber content in the diet by adding fruits and salads and raw vegetables.
- If you are diagnosed with High blood pressure, keep a check on your blood pressure and have proper medications.
- Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Diabetic patients should control their blood pressure and blood sugar to minimize the risk. You can remember these major points by ABC…(A for Blood sugar, B for Blood Pressure and C for Cholesterol)
- Being overweight double fold the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Have a check on body lipids and cholesterol. To maintain an ideal body weight, take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Eat smaller portions and Avoid second helpings and fat by staying away from fried foods, rich desserts, and chocolate candy. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Quit smoking as excessive nicotine consumption increases the risk of heart problems.
- Get prompt treatment for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Early treatment for TIAs, sometimes called mini-strokes, may help prevent or delay a future stroke. Signs of a TIA are sudden weakness, loss of balance, numbness, confusion, blindness in one or both eyes, double vision, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.
Stroke
A stroke results when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, which can occur when a blood vessel in the brain or neck is blocked or bursts. Brain cells are then deprived of oxygen and die. A stroke can result in problems with speech or vision or can cause weakness or paralysis. Most strokes are caused by fatty deposits or blood clots—jelly-like clumps of blood cells—that narrow or blocks one of the blood vessels in the brain or neck. A blood clot may stay where it formed or can travel within the body. People with diabetes are at increased risk for strokes caused by blood clots. The other type of stroke may also be caused by a bleeding blood vessel in the brain. Called an aneurysm, a break in a blood vessel can occur as a result of high blood pressure or a weak spot in a blood vessel wall.
Some time minor attack does not leave any residual effects but if there is delay in treatment or a major attack leads to disabled ie Paralysis one side or some part of body or even can cause death. Stroke is second major cause of disability in young and elderly people after accidents.
Treatment for heart disease includes meal planning to ensure a heart-healthy diet and physical activity. In addition, you may need medications to treat heart damage or to lower your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. If you are not already taking a low dose of aspirin every day, your doctor may suggest it. You also may need surgery or some other medical procedure.
Posted byNeeti at 10:19 PM
Labels: awareness