Q: Why do we celebrate the World Heart Day?
World Heart Day (29th September 2023)
World Heart Day,
celebrated globally on September 29, provides us with a timely opportunity to
delve into the persistent challenges posed by heart disease in Seychelles. As a
leading cause of morbidity and mortality, heart disease casts a significant
shadow over the lives of individuals and communities, necessitating our
collective attention and immediate action.
The Heart Disease Challenge in Seychelles
Heart disease remains a grave concern
in this beautiful island nation, with recent data released by the Ministry of
Health painting a grim picture. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to top
the list of causes of death in the country, a trend that has persisted even
during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the year 2022, heart diseases
claimed the most lives, closely followed by cancer, respiratory diseases, and
remarkably, COVID-19 itself, which emerged as a notable contributor to
mortality.
A closer examination of cardiovascular diseases reveals a concerning trend. While there appeared to be a slight reduction in the percentage of deaths attributed to CVDs in 2021 and 2022, the absolute number of CVD-related fatalities steadily increased from 2020 through 2022.
.jpg "Combating Heart Disease in Seychelles: A Call to Action on World World Heart Day (29th September)")
An intriguing gender disparity emerges
from this data, with more men succumbing to CVDs at younger ages compared to
their female counterparts. In 2022, 27 deaths linked to myocardial infarctions
(heart attacks) were reported, with a notably higher prevalence among men
across all age groups.
Likewise, there were 46 deaths
associated with cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) in 2022, indicating a
significant uptick compared to previous years. The gender distribution for
strokes also skews toward men, particularly in the 55-64 age group.
The Fight Against Heart Diseases in Seychelles
In the face of this formidable
challenge, local initiatives are leading the charge against heart disease.
Committed individuals and organizations are working tirelessly to raise
awareness, educate the public, and promote heart-healthy lifestyles. Their
united efforts serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward a
healthier future.
In addition to these community-driven efforts, the Ministry of Health launched a critical training program on February 13. This initiative aims to equip doctors, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers with essential skills in basic and advanced life support. Importantly, these training sessions will continue into the year 2024.
The primary objective of this endeavor
is to ensure that all healthcare professionals, both in the public service and
private clinics, possess the competency required to facilitate the return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC) – the restart of the heart rhythm after cardiac
arrest. This, in turn, can significantly enhance the chances of survival and
reduce the risk of physical or neurological damage in patients following cardiac
arrest.
The Ministry of Health's unwavering
commitment to enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers represents a
significant stride toward a heart-healthier Seychelles.
Through these remarkable local initiatives, Seychelles is forging a path toward a future where fewer hearts bear the burden of disease, and more lives are safeguarded from the relentless grip of heart-related ailments.
As we approach World Heart Day, let us
remember that the battle against heart disease is not limited to the confines
of the healthcare system alone. It is a collective effort that requires each
one of us to be vigilant about our own heart health. By adopting heart-healthy
habits, staying physically active, maintaining a balanced diet, and quitting
smoking, we can contribute to a brighter and healthier future for
Seychelles one heartbeat at a time. Together, we can make every day a
heart-healthy day in Seychelles and across the globe.
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