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Today is World Heart Day (WHD), an initiative started by the World Heart Federation (WHF) to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Many countries around the world are partaking in the initiative to raise awareness about risks and preventative measures.

Did you know?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death around the world. Each year, it’s responsible for 17.5 million premature deaths, and by 2030 this is expected to rise to 23 million.

CVD includes a number of different kinds of heart conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease, which is caused by a certain type of bacteria; hypertensive heart disease, which includes hypertension, aneurysms, and atherosclerosis; ischemic heart disease, which includes heart attacks, anginas, coronary heart disease, and even sudden death; cerebrovascular heart disease, which includes strokes, and inflammatory heart diseases (source: WHF.org).

Anyone, including children, can develop heart disease. It occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in your arteries. When this happens, your arteries can narrow over time, reducing blood flow to the heart (source: cdc.gov). This particular condition and the most common form of CVD is known as coronary heart disease.

Fuel, move, love your heart

As daunting and frightening as the numbers sound, it’s very easy to decrease the risks of CVD by simply watching how you eat and making sure that you maintain a fit and athletic lifestyle. Smoking is very dangerous for your heart and severely increases the risks of developing a CVD. Cutting out smoking alone, even for a day, reduces your chances of CVD significantly.

Smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough exercise all increase your risk for having heart disease, which is why WHF’s campaign promotes fueling your heart, by eating healthy, moving your heart, by staying active, and loving your heart, by treating it well and not abusing it with smoking. By implementing these routines into our lives we’re definitely making a difference in reducing our risks, no matter how big or small they may be.

It’s also very important to monitor your body, particularly your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and Body Mass Index (BMI). Schedule regular check ups with your doctor in order to know how your body is doing.

Qatar’s participation in WHD

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently launched a new campaign targeted specifically at awareness on maintaining heart health. HMC also covers many of the risks involved in developing CVD, as well as how to detect signs or symptoms of a heart attack. HMC specialists advise anyone who experiences any of the symptoms they have listed to call 999 immediately for medical assistance.


HMC hosted an event yesterday in honor of WHD to shed light on the importance of knowing the risks of heart disease and maintaining a healthy heart. Support HMC's campaign by visiting their website and following their social media:

Site- https://www.hamad.qa/en/your%20health/heart-health/pages/default.aspx
Twitter- @HMC_Qatar

You can also “Take a Healthy Heart Selfie!” You can celebrate World Heart Day today and show the world you’re powering your life by tweeting a Healthy Heart Selfie, it will be shared on the WHF social media accounts and their photo wall! Make sure to use these hashtags: #poweryourlife #worldheartday.

You can also participate by changing your lifestyle! A healthier lifestyle is a happier lifestyle. Your heart is so important, it literally keeps your body functioning. I lost both of my grandparents to heart disease, so I know firsthand how terrible the ordeal is. Share this campaign with your loved ones. Awareness is the first step towards taking action.

How will you be participating in WHD today? Comment below!

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AngelPolacco

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