World Heart Day Amazing on the subject of heart

World Heart Day calls for thought

30.09.2013

The heart is the engine of our life. A healthy heart beats about 100,000 times a day, pumping around 8,000 liters of blood through our bodies. At the beginning of the millennium, cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death in Germany. Many people believe that the heart attack is a men's business. But even among women, it is the most common single cause of death. Every year in September, the World Heart Day takes place, to draw our attention to the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise and to sensitize ourselves to this topic. This year it took place on the 29th of September.

facts and figures
More than 100,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac death. In particular, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke are among the cardiovascular diseases to emphasize. Especially the elderly are affected by cardiovascular death. 90 percent are over 65 years old. In the World Health Organization (WHO) forecast, cardiovascular disease will be the number one cause of death by 2015, replacing the infectious diseases.

The more active a person is, the lower the risk
Our well-being depends to a large extent on our diet. The alpha and omega of prevention is healthy food intake. One should completely abstain from smoking, limit alcohol consumption and keep weight to a minimum. This does not mean that only an ascetic life guarantees a healthy life and one should completely renounce the beautiful things. When it comes to nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids make a valuable contribution to our heart function and should be adequately supplied to the body via the diet. Fish are the most nutritious. But also the daily exercise should not be neglected.

The more active a person is, the lower the risk. Physical activity and the risk of heart disease are directly related. One can say that the more active a person is, the lower the risk. You do not have to become a top athlete. A quick walk for about 30 minutes several times a week is enough. Of course, endurance sports such as swimming, running or Nordic walking are also well suited. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and go shopping instead of driving. These are only minor changes, but they can have a good effect. (Fr)

Image: Steffi fur