World Heart Day Special: Facts You Should Know
World Heart Day was founded in 2000 to enlighten people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death, taking 17.3 million lives each year. It is an annual event which takes place on 29 September every year with a different theme, which reflects key issues and topics related to heart health. This year’s theme is creating a heart-healthy environments.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death globally and kills 17.3 million people each year. Contrary to common belief, it’s not just a man’s disease. According to facts, half of all deaths occur in women, and CVD kills more women than cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
Exercise your way to a healthy heart. Doing just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, even in 10 minute chunks, can help to reduce your risk of developing a stroke. Fitness experts say it is best to have a mix of cardio and strength training.
When it comes to heart disease, South Asians need to be twice as vigilant. The statistics show that the risk of heart diseases among South Asians is four times greater than others. 30% heart disease-related deaths among South Asians occur before age 65.
You probably know that cigarette smoking can cause breathing problems and cancer. But did you know smoking regularly can make you more prone to heart attacks? As per the stats, it is expected that about 20% of all deaths from heart diseases are directly related to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smokecan also cause heart disease. It is estimated that around 35,000 nonsmokers die from heart disease each year as a result of exposure to second hand smoke.
The precious asset of our nation is its young population; ironically, it is becoming more vulnerable to CAD. According to stats, four people die of heart attack every minute in India and the age group is mainly between 30 and 50. Twenty-five percent of heart attack deaths occur in people less than 40 and nine hundred people under 30 die due to heart disease in India every day. With these alarming statistics India will be soon a ‘heart disease capital of world.’
Congenital heart defects are America’s and every country’s #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD. Each year over 1,000,000 babies are born worldwide with a congenital heart defect.
Do you know by the year 2015, how will India be compared to the United States when it comes to the number of Heart Patients? India: 62 million heart patients by 2015 US: 16 million heart patients by 2015
Indians around the world have the highest rate of heart diseases and four people die of heart attack every minute in India. With this alarming rate, it is believed that by 2016, about 60% of world’s cardiac patients would be Indians.
