September 29 is World Heart Day, an initiative by the World Heart Federation, which was born in the year 2000 to draw more attention and awareness to the issues of cardiovascular diseases and specifically heart disease and stroke.
Why we need to have more heart for our heart health
Each year, 18 million people die of cardiovascular diseases according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This amounts to 31% of all deaths and are therefore the leading cause of death worldwide.
Cardiovascular diseases are for example: :
- Coronary heart disease
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
The biggest and often avoidable contributors to persistent high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – and consequently to heart attacks and stroke are:
- smoking
- unhealthy diets und obesity
- not enough physical activity
- excessive alcohol consumption
- diabetes
Furthermore, according to the WHO, family background and life circumstances are also risk factors for developing heart attack or stroke. People in poor countries experience cardiovascular diseases more often due to lack of resources for early detection and financial means for the necessary treatment.
Heart Heroes
The focus of this year’s World Heart Day were Heart Heroes – people who are taking action and are committed to their own heart health by making a promise to themselves and inspire others to do the same. These heroes are not just physicians or health care professionals but also people who are survivors of heart attacks or even students who want to alert their peers to the dangers of alcohol and tobacco use. Check out these Heart Heroes!
Make a promise to yourself: for the sake of your heart! Promise yourself to:
- eat healthier – less salt, more fruits and vegetables
- be more physically active
- stop smoking
- tell your children about the dangers of smoking and alcohol consumption
- get your blood pressure checked regularly
- pay particular attention to your physician’s advice in case of diabetes
- reduce stress
AMOMED‘s Offer for Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine
AMOMED offers medical products which can be used in cases of cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction or sepsis. Learn more or contact us at office@amomed.com or +43 1 545 01 130.
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