Each year on World Heart Day (29 September), the World Heart Federation brings together its global network of members to unite and raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The aim is to prevent millions of premature deaths linked to CVD, encouraging individuals to take care of their heart and make heart health a priority.
This year’s campaign will continue the momentum of ʻDonʼt Miss a Beatʼ, raising awareness of the
worldʼs number one killer and highlighting the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of CVD.
Heart disease kills around 1 in 3 of us - more than any other condition – with too many symptoms
missed. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or lifestyle.
Most heart disease is preventable. Most CVD deaths are caused by risk factors that can be prevented or managed. By making small, consistent changes, people can significantly improve their heart health over time.
Raj Nath, a colleague of ours at Middlesex Cricket, works in the MITC team on its coach education and pitch support and, more recently, as the groundsman at QEII Ground. He is a former CVD patient and wanted to share his story.
My name is Raj Nath. I’m a 54-year-old proud father of two, and this World Heart Day, I want to share my story with heart disease.
When I was 46, despite living an active lifestyle and playing cricket regularly, I suffered a heart attack. My diet hadn’t been perfect, but I believed my lifestyle was enough to keep me healthy. Following chest pains, I found out that two of my arteries were blocked, and my heart even stopped for 2 minutes while I was in the hospital awaiting further tests. Thankfully, treatment saved my life, but it was a serious wake-up call.
The doctor explained to me that I had high cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease, which my diet had impacted. Since then, I’ve made real changes to my diet and lifestyle. I am lucky to have survived – a heart attack should not be what had to happen for me to pay attention to my health.
Simple preventative measures, like checking your blood pressure and cholesterol, could save your life. That’s why, this World Heart Day, I want to share my story as a warning. Everyone, everywhere, deserves access to treatment, and awareness is the first step. Check these things early, even if you don’t think you need to. It could save your life.
DON’T MISS A BEAT THIS WORLD HEART DAY: SEE THE SIGNS, PROTECT YOUR HEART
Download the World Heart Day App today. You can track your physical activities, get instant advice, and keep your heart healthy every day.
