Guwahati: Cardiologists and health organisations in Assam are stepping up awareness efforts ahead of World Heart Day, to be observed on Tuesday under the theme ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’, amid growing concern over heart disease among young people, congenital heart disease in children and often-overlooked symptoms in women.Heart Care Society of Assam president Dr Nirmal K Bhattacharjee said the message “Don’t Miss a Beat” is a collective call to avoid complacency and recognise early warning signs.Bhattacharjee said too often, subtle symptoms such as mild breathlessness, unusual fatigue or vague chest discomfort are dismissed as mere indigestion or stress. “In cardiology, we know that these hidden signs are the heart’s quiet plea for help. Missing these signs means missing the window to save a life,” he said.Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s biggest health threat, accounting for nearly one in three deaths — more than any other medical condition.Professor of cardiology at GMCH Dr Pranab Jyoti Bhattacharyya said cardiovascular disease could affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or lifestyle.“Medical professionals are particularly concerned about rising instances of congenital heart disease in youth, overlooked symptoms in women, and the prevalence of coronary artery disease and heart attacks among young individuals in Assam and the northeast during their most productive years, often driven by uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking and use of tobacco products,” Bhattacharyya said.He said most cardiovascular deaths are preventable, with health professionals stressing that risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes, including controlling blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding tobacco, exercising regularly, eating on time, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress through yoga and meditation.For World Heart Day, district health authorities have directed health facilities to undertake a district-wide heart-health campaign focused on early detection, timely treatment and healthy lifestyles. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), primary health centres and urban AAMs have been asked to conduct blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, particularly among people aged 30 and above and those at risk of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Health teams have also been instructed to raise awareness about warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, unusual sweating, sudden weakness or dizziness and pain in the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw, and stress the need for immediate medical attention. Health facilities have been asked to display IEC materials and use official social media platforms for awareness campaigns.The cardiology department of GMCH will serve heart-healthy meals to indoor patients to mark the day. Cardiologists and medical organisations across the region are organising walkathons, cycle rallies, health camps, public interactions, panel discussions and CPR demonstrations to promote heart health and life-saving skills.
