LOVE YOUR HEART, IT’S THE ENGINE OF YOUR LIFE
World Heart Day, observed on 29 September, is a useful reminder to pay attention to one of the most important parts of your health: your heart.
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, many cardiovascular conditions can be prevented or better managed by addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, raised blood glucose and high cholesterol.
The good news is that protecting your heart does not always require major changes. Small, consistent habits can support better cardiovascular health.
1. Why Should You Know Your Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an important cardiovascular risk factor. It can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications, yet many people may have high blood pressure without obvious symptoms.
Regular checks can help you understand your numbers and discuss unusual readings with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have been advised to monitor your blood pressure at home, you can explore blood pressure monitors available at Wellcare Pharmacy.
2. Does Blood Sugar Affect Your Heart?
Yes. Raised blood glucose and diabetes are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
If you have diabetes, following your treatment plan is important. This may include taking medicines as prescribed, monitoring blood glucose when recommended, eating a balanced diet, staying active and attending regular medical reviews.
For people advised to monitor glucose at home, choosing a suitable device and understanding how to use it correctly are equally important. You can explore blood glucose monitoring options at Wellcare Pharmacy.
3. How Can Healthy Eating Support Your Heart?
Your everyday food choices matter.
A heart-conscious diet can include more:
- Vegetables and fruits
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Lean protein sources
- Foods prepared with less salt
At the same time, try to reduce highly processed foods, excessive salt, sugary drinks and foods high in saturated or trans fats.
For people living in Qatar, this does not mean completely changing the foods you enjoy. Portion size, frequency and preparation methods can make a meaningful difference.
4. How Much Physical Activity Does Your Heart Need?
Regular movement is an important part of cardiovascular health.
Walking, cycling, swimming and other forms of regular exercise can support overall heart health. Qatar's climate can make outdoor activity difficult during hotter months, so indoor walking, gyms and home exercise can help make physical activity easier to maintain.
If you already have cardiovascular disease or another medical condition, speak with your healthcare professional before starting a demanding exercise programme.
5. What Role Does Cholesterol Play in Heart Health?
High cholesterol and other abnormal blood lipids can contribute to cardiovascular risk.
You cannot know your cholesterol level simply from how you feel, so screening may be recommended depending on your age, medical history and other risk factors.
If your doctor has prescribed cholesterol-lowering medicine, take it as directed. Do not stop prescribed therapy simply because you feel well.
If you have questions about side effects, interactions or how your medicine should be taken, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
6. Can Supplements Be Part of a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle?
Some people choose nutritional supplements as part of their general wellness routine.
Wellcare offers a dedicated range of heart health supplements, including products containing ingredients such as omega fatty acids and CoQ10.
However, supplements should not replace prescribed cardiovascular medicines, a balanced diet, exercise or medical follow-up.
Before starting a supplement, particularly if you have a medical condition or take regular medicines, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
7. How Can Taking Your Medicines Correctly Protect Your Heart?
For people being treated for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, medication adherence is an important part of disease management.
To use your medicines safely:
- Follow the prescribed dose and schedule.
- Do not stop medicines without consulting your healthcare professional.
- Inform your pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC products and supplements you use.
- Ask what to do if you miss a dose.
- Discuss suspected side effects instead of simply stopping treatment.
- Keep an updated medication list.
Your community pharmacist can also help explain how medicines should be taken and identify possible medicine-related concerns that require further medical review.
What Heart Warning Signs Should You Never Ignore?
Possible warning signs of serious cardiovascular problems can include chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, or sudden neurological symptoms.
These symptoms should not be self-treated or ignored. Seek urgent medical attention when serious symptoms occur.
What Can You Do This World Heart Day?
World Heart Day can be a good opportunity to check where your heart health stands.
Start with practical actions: know your blood pressure, understand your blood sugar and cholesterol, stay active, make healthier food choices and take prescribed medicines correctly.
If you have been advised to monitor your health at home, Wellcare Pharmacy offers blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors and heart health supplements that can support your broader health-management routine.
This World Heart Day, do not wait for symptoms before thinking about your heart. Small, consistent actions can make heart health part of everyday life.
