World Heart Day — Caring for Life

World Heart Day — Caring for Life

Every year on September 29, we celebrate World Heart Day, a day that reminds us that The health of the cardiovascular system is the basis of a quality and long life.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but many of them can be prevented by timely prevention and a healthy lifestyle.

The most significant cardiovascular diseases

• Arterial hypertension

• Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction

• Stroke

• Heart failure

Many of the risk factors for CVD are related to our lifestyle. While family burdens cannot be changed, factors such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking and immobilization are all subject to control. Despite the efforts of millions of people around the world to reduce the risk, many others do not even suspect that they are in a risk group.

Preventive measures

1. Healthy eating

• Mediterranean type diet — more vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, nuts, olive oil.

• Restriction of saturated fats and trans fats (margarine, fried foods).

2. Movement and physical activity

• Minimum 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — brisk walking, swimming, cycling.

• Extra 2 times a week strength exercises.

• Avoid prolonged sitting — move every 1 hour.

3. Control of risk factors

• Regular measurement and control of blood pressure (target — values below 140/90 mmHg; individualized approach according to age and concomitant diseases).

• Blood sugar control — diabetes and prediabetes are independent risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

• Cholesterol control — a prolonged decrease in low-density lipoproteins is associated with a lower risk.

• Preventive examinations by the general practitioner and cardiologist and individual risk assessment.

4. Refusal of harmful habits

• Smoking cessation — one of the most important measures to prevent heart attack and stroke.

The risk of cardiovascular disease in smokers under 50 years of age is 5 times higher than in non-smokers.

• Restriction of alcohol.

5. Stress management

• Relaxation techniques — meditation, yoga, nature walks.

• Balance between work and rest.

6. Body weight

• Maintaining BMI < 25 kg/m² and waist circumference <94 cm in men and <80 cm in women.

• Even a 5— 10% weight reduction in overweight significantly improves blood pressure.

Conclusion

World Heart Day is an occasion to remind ourselves that heart health depends on our daily choices. With small but consistent steps — healthy eating, exercise, giving up bad habits and regular preventive checkups — we can reduce the risk of the most significant cardiovascular diseases.

Caring for the heart is caring for life!