Senapati, September 29: The world unites to observe World Heart Day, following the global theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”, a message that underscores the urgency of heart health and the reality that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally. On this day, health organizations, governments, medical professionals, and citizens across India and beyond are called to recommit to prevention, early detection, improved care, and lifestyle changes that ensure every heartbeat is valued and preserved.
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for more than 20.5 million deaths annually and accounts for over one‑third of global mortality. What makes this burden especially tragic is that up to 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable with early screening, timely care, and healthy lifestyle interventions. In India, the risk is compounded by rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary behaviour, often aggravated by urban stress, poor diet, air pollution, and inequities in health access. This year’s “Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign is not just symbolic. It is built on concrete calls to action. The World Heart Federation has launched the Keep the Beat challenge, inviting people everywhere to commit to 25 minutes of movement for 25 days in September. The aim is to translate global awareness into everyday habits—walking, cycling, dancing, or any activity that gets the heart pumping. At a policy level, the campaign urges governments to prioritize National CVD plans and to expand access to essential hypertension and heart disease treatments.
In India, institutions are aligning with the message. Apollo Hospitals, for example, has urged every citizen to “not miss a beat,” emphasizing that waiting for symptoms is too late and promoting regular screening, especially among younger adults who often carry silent risk factors like fatty liver, sleep apnea, and early hypertension. The campaign also shines light on silent risks—conditions that remain undetected until crisis strikes.
The challenge is especially urgent for younger people. Recent studies and anecdotal reports show an alarming trend: increasing heart events among those under 40. Stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and unrecognized medical conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol are contributing to this rise. Doctors warn that many in this age group do not perceive themselves to be at risk and thus delay preventive steps.
To make a real difference, a multipronged approach is needed:
1. Prevention & Lifestyle Change: Incorporate cardiovascular‑friendly habits—eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, less salt and processed food; stay physically active; avoid tobacco; moderate alcohol; manage stress and get adequate sleep.
2. Regular Screening & Early Detection: Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index, and family history. Many CVDs develop silently before symptoms appear.
3. Access to Care and Health Infrastructure: Strengthen health systems so that diagnostics, medications, and cardiac care reach even remote and underserved areas. Expand facilities (ECGs, echocardiography, basic cardiology) and ensure they are affordable.
4. Public Education & Policy Support: Use media, health camps, school curriculums, community programs to raise awareness. Push for urban designs and public policies that support heart health—safe walking paths, green spaces, restriction of trans fats, clean air initiatives.
5. Government & Institutional Commitment: National and regional governments must adopt comprehensive cardiovascular strategies, increase health funding, and ensure equitable distribution of heart care services.
As we observe World Heart Day 2025, the slogan “Don’t Miss a Beat” is more than a slogan—it is a summons. It reminds us that every moment counts, that each heartbeat is precious, and that delayed action means lost lives. In every city and village in India, including Manipur and the Northeast, we must together build a culture of heart health. Let us move more, screen early, demand access, and safeguard the pulse of our nation—so that no heartbeat is missed.
(This article is published in observance of ethical journalism standards: accuracy, fairness, attribution, and public interest. All data and quotes are based on public sources and expert commentary.)
Quotes: (World Heart Federation), (ETHealthworld.com), (MediaBrief), (The Times of India), (royalcarehospital.in)
