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On World Heart Day, experts stress early recognition of heart attack symptoms, preventive care, and lifestyle choices to protect every heartbeat.
On this World Heart Day, we all agree on one truth: awareness and preparedness are powerful shields
Every year, World Heart Day serves as a global reminder that cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death yet much of the loss it causes is preventable. Early recognition, timely action, and a lifelong commitment to heart health can dramatically change outcomes.
Dr Anil Mishra, Cardiologist, BM Birla Heart Hospital, stresses that the greatest danger is often not the disease itself, but the delay in recognising it. “A heart attack does not always begin with dramatic chest pain,” he explains. In many cases, the earliest signs are vague, a heaviness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest that may be brushed off as acidity or indigestion. Sometimes the discomfort spreads to the left arm, jaw, back, or stomach, and occasionally appears at these sites only, with no chest symptoms at all.
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The signs can also be subtle: breathlessness, dizziness, unexplained sweating, fatigue, or nausea. “For women, the elderly, and people with diabetes, these symptoms are often even more misleading, resembling flu or simple indigestion,” notes Dr Mishra. “But the body rarely shouts at the start; it whispers. Listening to those whispers can save a life.”
Immediate action, he emphasizes, is critical. If symptoms do not ease within 15–20 minutes, calling emergency services is vital and patients should never attempt to drive themselves. Remaining calm and chewing a standard aspirin, unless contraindicated, can help while waiting for help to arrive. “Every passing minute without treatment increases heart muscle damage,” warns Dr Mishra. His message on World Heart Day is clear: avoid delays, avoid denial, and treat every suspicion of a heart attack as an emergency until proven otherwise.
While early recognition saves lives, prevention is just as crucial. Dr Sanjeeb Roy, Director, Cardiology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, highlights that heart health is built on conscious daily choices. “A healthy heart is not the result of chance, but of a balanced lifestyle,” he says. Nourishing food, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and avoiding tobacco are the foundation.
Equally important is awareness. “Listening to your body, recognising early warning signs like chest pressure, unusual breathlessness, or sudden fatigue, and seeking immediate help can change the course of survival,” explains Dr Roy. Beyond this, he believes that heart care should be seen as a lifelong journey rather than a one-time intervention. “Each person’s heart is unique, and it’s necessary to create a personalised care plan ensuring better prevention, timely treatment, and healthier outcomes,” he adds.
On this World Heart Day, both experts agree on one truth: awareness and preparedness are powerful shields. From individuals staying alert to families and workplaces learning basic CPR, small steps can bridge the gap between life and loss. Together, these actions move us closer to a future where every heartbeat is stronger, safer, and longer.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 29, 2025, 10:01 IST
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