Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)

World Heart Day is celebrated on 29^th September every year.

• It was first observed in the year 2000, following a collaboration between the World Heart Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• It is a global campaign in which the federation unites people in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to promote heart-healthy living.

Theme: "Use Heart For Every Heart" is the theme for World Heart Day 2022.

What are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)?

• CVDs are a group of heart and blood vessel disorders that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions.
• Global Scenario: According to WHO, CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives in 2019.
• Heart attacks and strokes account for more than four out of every five CVD deaths, and one-third of these deaths occur in people under the age of 70.
• Indian Scenario: According to WHO, NCDs accounted for 63% of total deaths in India in 2016, with CVDs accounting for 27%.
• CVDs are also responsible for 45% of deaths in the 40-69 age group.
• Risk Factors: The most important behavioural risk factors for heart disease and stroke are an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• Individuals may experience the effects of behavioural risk factors as intermediate risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood lipids, and obesity.

Initiative for Indians:

• Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented .
• Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have opened in 159 institutions/hospitals with the goal of providing cancer and cardiovascular disease patients with discounted drugs and implants.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals established Jan Aushadhi stores to provide generic medicines at reasonable prices.
• Project on ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): In 2021, the Maharashtra government launched the STEMI programme, which is recognised by NHM, to enable rapid diagnosis of heart disease.

(ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a heart condition in which one of the major arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle becomes completely blocked.)

The Way Forward

• Tobacco cessation, salt reduction in the diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and abstaining from alcohol consumption have all been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Health policies that foster environments that make healthy choices affordable and accessible are critical for motivating people to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours.
• Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can save lives.
• Noncommunicable disease medicines and basic health technologies must be available in all primary health care facilities to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling.

Read also: DNA