IHI observes World Heart Day
Healthy living stressed for a healthy heart
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 29 2022:
As observed in different parts of the world, the World Heart Day was observed at Imphal Heart Institute (IHI), Sagolband Moirang Leirak today.
Reports say that 17.9 million people die of cardiovascular diseases every year across the world.
Of all the deaths caused by different diseases, cardiovascular diseases constitute 32 per cent.
Of all the deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases, heart attack and stroke constitute 85 per cent.
With the primary objective of reducing deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Heart Federation (WHF) started observing the World Heart Day on September 29 since 1999 .
This year's theme for World Heart Day is 'Use heart for every heart' .
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The observation of World Heart Day is basically about creating awareness about cardiovascular diseases across the world and timely diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases so as to save precious lives.
Over 75 people who made prior bookings through telephone were given free OPD consultation by IHI's Chief Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kh Jelen and Chief Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon Dr Arambam Athouba at the hospital today.
Facilities like free ECG, free random blood sugar test and free 2D Echo screening were also given as a part of observing the World Heart Day.
Dr Arambam Athouba said that 80 per cent of the around 18 million people killed by cardiovascular diseases every year across the world can be saved if they are given necessary treatment in time and by changing personal habits to some extent. The World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to create such awareness among the masses, he said.
If people are aware of the importance of eating healthy food mostly comprising of vegetables, minimising oily foods and doing exercise regularly for 30 minutes to one hour daily, 80 per cent of all the deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases can be prevented, Dr Athouba said.
As tobacco severely and quickly affects heart, people need to give up tobacco products, he said.
Because of the changing life style and food habits, heart attacks are now very common among people who are just 40 to 50 years old.
Earlier heart attacks happened to mostly aged people, Dr Athouba said.
The number of youngsters who suffer heart attacks is also rising.
Nonetheless, heart attacks can be avoided by simply changing one's habit, he said.
If any one suffers heart attack, he/she must be taken to a hospital immediately.
Even if one has suffered heart attack, he/she can be saved if necessary treatment is given within six hours.
If one suffers chest pain for over 20 minutes and he/she feels like a heavy weight is exerted upon them, it is essential to check their hearts, he said.
An ECG can detect whether one has suffered heart attack or not, Athouba added.