Don’t miss a beat

"In Bangladesh, the situation is even more alarming: on average, a person suffers a first heart attack nine years earlier than someone in the West."

Start saving your heart today

Today is World Heart Day, a global reminder of the urgent need to fight cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world's leading cause of death. Every year, over 6.5 million people die prematurely from heart disease, and 75% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In Bangladesh, the situation is even more alarming: on average, a person suffers a first heart attack nine years earlier than someone in the West.

Why it matters

Globally, one in three heart attacks occurs in people under 70. In just the last decade, heart disease has doubled, overtaking cancer in long-term mortality and morbidity. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are often silent but deadly. This is quietly fueling this crisis. Shockingly, only one in five people with hypertension is aware and controlled through treatment. Raising that to even one in two could prevent 130 million early deaths.

The good news? Up to 80% of these deaths are preventable through healthy choices, early screening, and better access to healthcare.

This year's World Heart Day theme, "Don't Miss a Beat," calls us to act:

1. As individuals, we can make heart-smart lifestyle choices.

2. As governments, by ensuring equitable access and policy support.

3. As a global community, by demanding action at the UN's High-Level Meeting this year to prioritise CVD.

What causes heart attacks?

The most common and devastating form of heart disease is a heart attack (myocardial infarction). It occurs when fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) block an artery, cutting off oxygen and killing heart cells.

Key risk factors include:

• Diabetes – poorly controlled blood sugar accelerates artery blockage.

•  High blood pressure – damages artery walls and speeds up plaque buildup.

•High cholesterol – excess LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides raise risk, while HDL ("good" cholesterol) protects the heart.

•Obesity – linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol.

•Sedentary lifestyle – lack of activity worsens weight, sugar, and fat control.

•Family history – early heart disease in close relatives increases risk.

•Metabolic syndrome – a dangerous mix of a large waistline, high blood sugar, low HDL, high triglycerides, and borderline high blood pressure.

•Stress and substance abuse – chronic mental strain and recreational drugs can trigger heart attacks.

How to protect your heart

Prevention is simple but powerful. Small daily changes add up to long-term protection.

1. Eat smart – Choose fresh, unprocessed foods, five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, whole grains, nuts, and meals low in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

2. Stay active – Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week. Take the stairs, walk short distances, and move more throughout your day.

3. Maintain healthy weight – Keep your BMI at 24 or below and avoid central obesity.

4. Quit tobacco and alcohol – Even second-hand smoke is dangerous. The risk of heart disease halves within a year of quitting. Ideally, avoid alcohol altogether.

5. Manage stress – Chronic stress harms the heart, especially in women. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and leisure help.

6.  Know your numbers – Track blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. Awareness is the first step to prevention.

The bottom line

Heart disease is not inevitable. In fact, it is preventable. By adopting healthier habits and staying vigilant through regular screenings, we can save millions of lives.

Your heart is your life's rhythm. Don't miss a beat. Start protecting it today.

The writer is Prof. Dr. Moeen Uddin Ahmed, MBBS, MD (Cardiology), Senior Consultant in Clinical & Interventional Cardiology at Unico Hospitals PLC.