WORLD HEART DAY

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world's leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD.

World Heart Day is observed each year on September 29, with the aim of increasing awareness of cardiovascular diseases and how to control them. The president of the World Heart Federation from 1997 to 1999, Antoni Bayés de Luna, had conceived this idea. The first celebration of the annual event took place on September 24, 2000. Until 2011, World Heart Day was observed on the last Sunday in September.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. They include- coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Heart attacks and strokes are usually acute events and are mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or brain.

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart. These include- Blood vessel disease, such as coronary artery disease; Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias); Heart problems you're born with (congenital heart defects); Disease of the heart muscle; Heart valve disease. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.

Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina); Shortness of breath; Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back; Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those body areas are narrowed.

The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Heart arrhythmia symptoms can include- Chest pain or discomfort; Dizziness; Fainting (syncope) or near fainting; Fluttering in the chest; Lightheadedness; Racing heartbeat (tachycardia); Shortness of breath Slow heartbeat (bradycardia).

Serious congenital heart defects usually are noticed soon after birth. Symptoms include- Pale gray or blue skin or lips (cyanosis); Swelling in the legs, belly area or areas around the eyes; In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain. Less-serious congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood or during adulthood. Symptoms include- Easily getting short of breath during exercise or activity; Easily tiring during exercise or activity; Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet.

Early stages of cardiomyopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include- Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting; Fatigue; Feeling short of breath during activity or at rest; Feeling short of breath at night when trying to sleep or waking up short of breath; Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering Swollen legs, ankles or feet.

Valvular heart disease is also called heart valve disease. Depending on which valve isn't working properly, Symptoms generally include- Chest pain; Fainting (syncope); Fatigue; Irregular heartbeat; Shortness of breath; Swollen feet or ankles. Endocarditis is an infection that affects the heart valves and inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium). Symptoms can include- Dry or persistent cough; Fever; Heartbeat changes; Shortness of breath; Skin rashes or unusual spots; Swelling of the legs or belly area; Weakness or fatigue.