On this auspicious World Health Day, we pause to honor the most vital rhythm of life the heartbeat. The heart is more than just a muscular organ; it is a symbol of love, strength, and endurance. It beats tirelessly, sustaining us through every joy and challenge. As we come together to celebrate global health, it is essential to place heart health at the forefront of our priorities.
The Global Burden of Heart Disease
Despite the advances in medicine, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Alarming as it may be, there is hope the majority of these conditions are preventable. Heart health isn’t a distant goal; it is a daily commitment. It’s found in the food we eat, the steps we take, the sleep we cherish, and the peace we nurture in our minds.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people die each year from CVDs. Yet 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by addressing key risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
The Power of Preventive Cardiology
Preventive cardiology is not just a medical approach; it’s a philosophy a proactive practice that focuses on identifying and managing risk factors before heart disease develops. It’s about stopping heart problems before they even start.
At Poona Preventive Cardiologist Centre, we are committed to transforming the way heart disease is treated. We offer non-surgical, evidence-based treatments that not only prevent the progression of cardiovascular conditions but also support healing and recovery. Our treatments include:
- EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) – A non-invasive therapy that improves circulation and heart function.
- ESMR (Extracorporeal Shockwave Myocardial Revascularization) – Stimulates blood vessel growth in the heart.
- Arterial Clearance Therapy (Chelation) – Aims to remove arterial plaque and improve blood flow.
- HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) – Enhances oxygen delivery to heart tissue.
- Comprehensive Lifestyle Management – Including diet, stress management, exercise, and sleep optimization.
These therapies help many patients avoid angioplasty and bypass surgery, and are also highly beneficial for post-procedure symptoms like angina, breathlessness, and general fatigue.
Through our Heart Failure Clinic, we are able to offer specialized treatment for patients with low ejection fraction (low EF) individuals whose hearts struggle to pump effectively. With an integrated approach, we help improve quality of life and slow the progression of heart failure.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Caring for the heart is not just a personal responsibility it’s a collective mission. Whether it’s by:
- Reducing salt and sugar intake
- Quitting smoking and tobacco
- Walking 30 minutes a day
- Managing stress with mindfulness, meditation, or therapy
- Getting regular health check-ups
each small decision has a cumulative impact. Heart health begins with awareness and thrives on action.
The Heart: Engine and Emotion
Our hearts are not just engines pumping life into our bodies. They are also vessels of emotion, joy, connection, and empathy. Every heartbeat resonates with the moments we share, the love we give, and the compassion we show.
As we observe World Health Day, let’s renew our commitment to choices that strengthen our hearts and protect those of our loved ones. Let us shift from reactive treatments to preventive care, and from short-term fixes to long-lasting wellbeing.
Adding Years to Life and Life to Years
Preventive cardiology is more than saving lives it’s about enriching lives. It’s about ensuring that the extra years we live are filled with vitality, energy, and purpose.
This World Health Day, let us pledge to listen to our hearts not just metaphorically, but literally. Let’s nurture them, fuel them with nutrition, let them rest, let them move, and most importantly let them thrive.
Because a healthy heart isn’t just about living longer it’s about living better.