World Heart Day 2025: Warning signs, myths, diet tips and key heart health facts
By recognising early warning signs, busting myths, eating wisely, and understanding difference between heart emergencies, we can take charge of our heart health!
PTC Web Desk: Every year, World Heart Day is observed on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage preventive care. Heart diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, but many cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, awareness, and timely medical help.
Here is a detailed guide on warning signs, myths, diet choices, and essential clarifications to safeguard your heart.
Warning Signs of Heart Problems
Recognising early symptoms can save lives. Some warning signs include:
Chest discomfort or pain: Pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest is a classic symptom.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, even without exertion, may signal heart trouble.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness not linked to physical activity can indicate reduced heart function.
Radiating pain: Pain in the arm, back, jaw, or stomach may accompany a heart attack.
Cold sweats and dizziness: These can signal reduced blood flow to the brain.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if these signs appear, as early intervention reduces complications.
Common Myths About Heart Disease
Heart health is surrounded by myths that often delay treatment or prevention:
“Heart disease affects only the elderly”: In reality, unhealthy lifestyles put even young adults at risk.
“Women don’t get heart attacks”: Women are equally prone, but symptoms may present differently, such as nausea or back pain.
“If I’m fit, I can’t get heart disease”: Regular exercise helps, but poor diet, stress, smoking, or genetics can still increase risk.
“Chest pain always means a heart attack”: While chest pain is common, heart issues can occur without it.
What to Eat for a Healthy Heart
Diet plays a crucial role in heart care. Experts recommend:
Fruits and vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and quinoa support cholesterol control.
Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish (salmon, sardines) provide omega-3 fatty acids.
Legumes and pulses: Plant-based proteins reduce dependence on red meat.
Low-fat dairy: Calcium and protein support overall cardiovascular health.
A balanced plate with fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats reduces risk factors like high cholesterol and hypertension.
What to Avoid for a Healthy Heart
Certain foods and habits increase cardiovascular risk:
Processed and fried foods: High in trans fats and unhealthy oils.
Sugary drinks and snacks: Excess sugar promotes obesity and diabetes, major heart risk factors.
Red and processed meat: Can raise cholesterol levels.
Excess salt: Leads to high blood pressure.
Excessive alcohol and smoking: Both weaken blood vessels and increase the chance of heart attacks.
Clearing Doubts: Can Exercise Trigger a Heart Attack?
A common concern is whether working out can cause a heart attack. In truth, regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces cholesterol. However, in rare cases, people with undiagnosed heart conditions may face issues during intense workouts.
Precaution: Always get a health check-up before starting a rigorous gym routine, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
Listen to your body: Stop exercising if you feel chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
These two conditions are often confused, but they are different:
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked due to a clot. Symptoms develop gradually like pain, fatigue, nausea. The heart usually continues beating.
Cardiac Arrest: A sudden electrical malfunction in the heart stops it from pumping blood. The person collapses, loses consciousness, and breathing stops. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are needed.