Dr. Mervat El-Sayed, Director of the African Center for Women’s Health Services and Emergency and Trauma Medicine Consultant, affirmed that World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, is a global humanitarian and health message launched by the World Heart Federation in cooperation with the World Health Organization since 2000. It reminds us that the heart is the primary engine of life and that preserving it is both an individual and societal responsibility.

She explained that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, causing over 20 million deaths annually. Estimates in Egypt indicate that nearly half of deaths are related to heart problems such as heart attacks, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and complications from diabetes and obesity.

She pointed out that despite the severity of these numbers, they carry a message of hope, as most heart diseases can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, significantly reducing risks.

In a press statement released today, Monday, Dr. Mervat El-Sayed emphasized that a few minutes can save a life, citing practical cases from her work, including a 30-year-old man who came to the emergency room suffering from chest pain lasting hours. He was diagnosed with an acute heart attack and saved by an emergency cardiac catheterization.

She also mentioned an elderly woman who arrived at the emergency room with undiagnosed heart failure; early routine check-ups could have prevented these complications.

She confirmed that these examples are not meant to scare but to remind that the heart sends distress signals that should not be ignored.

She explained that this year’s slogan, “Use Your Heart… Know Your Heart,” reflects two essential aspects:

• First: To be more aware and compassionate towards ourselves and others, as our health choices today make a real difference tomorrow.
• Second: To get to know our hearts by monitoring health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and knowing family history of heart diseases.

At the end of her speech, she announced 7 golden commandments to protect the heart:

• Quit smoking as it doubles the risk of heart attacks.
• Engage in daily physical activity, even for half an hour.
• Maintain a healthy diet by increasing vegetables and reducing salt, sugars, and saturated fats.
• Monitor weight and blood pressure and perform simple regular measurements.
• Get good sleep, as lack of sleep is linked to increased risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and depression.
• Prevent infections, especially gum diseases that may increase heart disease risk.
• Regularly visit the doctor, especially if risk factors or family history of disease exist.

Dr. Mervat El-Sayed concluded by stressing that World Heart Day is not just an annual occasion but a renewed call to make our hearts beat with health and longer life, emphasizing that the heart that gives endlessly deserves our care and attention in return.