Heart Health Awareness Month: Protect Your Heart, Protect Your Life

12 February, 2026

The purpose of Heart Health Awareness Month is to draw attention to the significance of cardiovascular health and to motivate individuals to lead heart-healthy lives. The good news is that many heart conditions can be avoided with early detection, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical care. Heart disease is still one of the world's leading causes of illness and death.  At B. P. Poddar Hospital & Research Ltd., we think that prevention starts with raising awareness. This month is a chance to inform communities and patients about the importance of keeping the heart healthy throughout life.

Why Heart Health Matters

The heart is a vital organ that pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When the heart is not functioning properly, it can lead to serious conditions such as:

Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, smoking, stress, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Many people may not experience symptoms until a serious event occurs, making preventive care essential.

Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Understanding your risk factors can help you take timely action. The most common risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Diabetes
Smoking and tobacco use
Physical inactivity
Excess body weight
Family history of heart disease
Chronic stress

Regular heart health check-ups can help detect these risk factors early and reduce complications.

Signs and Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Heart problems may present differently in different individuals. Some common warning signs include:

Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Fatigue with minimal activity
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Tips for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Small, consistent changes can make a big difference in heart health:

Eat a Balanced Diet –Choose foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake.
Stay Physically Active –Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming on most days of the week.
Quit Smoking –Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting is one of the best decisions for your heart.
Manage Stress –Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to keep stress levels under control.
Get Regular Health Check-ups –Routine heart screenings help identify potential problems early and allow timely treatment.

Heart Care Services

We offer comprehensive cardiac care services, including:

Preventive heart health check-ups
Advanced diagnostic tests
Management of hypertension and cholesterol
Treatment for heart disease and cardiac emergencies
Lifestyle counseling and rehabilitation support

Our experienced cardiology team is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care for every patient. A Commitment to a Healthier Heart
We are reminded during Heart Health Awareness Month that heart health is a lifelong responsibility. You can greatly lower your risk of heart disease and have a healthier future by making educated decisions and getting medical attention when you need it.  Take a step this month to improve your heart health and that of your loved ones

Schedule a heart check-up at B. P. Poddar Hospital & Research Ltd. and let us help you keep your heart strong.

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