“Up to 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease can be prevented through financially affordable access to care, timely control and more opportunities for healthy diet choices to stay active,” the Hellenic Cardiology Society (CSR) said on the occasion of today’s World.

This year the powerful message “Don’t Miss a Beat” emerges, which acts as a timely reminder that every heartbeat is important, urging individuals to remain alert about heart health, not to delay their cardiological control and pay attention to the signs.

This message is based on the broader vision of the campaign for 2024-2026 in the context of “Use the Heart for Action”, seeking global cooperation, personal responsibility and defense to improve cardiovascular health and influence heart health policies.

The Hellenic Cardiology Society participates every year in the celebration of World Heart Day by organizing major social activities such as the “Athens Heart Festival” in collaboration with social institutions and patients.

How to maintain a healthy heart

A strong heart is based on healthy daily habits. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve overall well -being, as CSR reports, giving tips on maintaining a healthy heart:

Adopt a heart -friendly diet

Include plenty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Limit salt, sugar and saturated fats by reducing processed and fried foods. Choose cooking oils rich in unsaturated fats.

Stay physically active

Target at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as fast walking, cycling, swimming or yoga, most days of the week.

Manage stress effectively

Ensure adequate sleep to allow the heart and body to recover.

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol

Stop smoking is one of the most effective steps for heart health. Drastically reduce alcohol or avoid it completely.

The Role of Early Control and Medical Controls

Heart illnesses often develop silently, with symptoms occurring only after significant damage. Regular controls can detect risk factors such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, diabetes or irregular heart rate, before leading to serious complications.

Early detection through exams such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, fatigue tests and blood tests allow timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular emergency.

“Establishing preventive health tests as a routine in life, especially for people with a family history of heart disease or existing medical illnesses, is one of the most effective strategies to protect heart health,” CSR concludes.