16 September is observed as the International Day for Interventional Cardiology. The day was declared by UN General Assembly (September 2022) to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), related procedures, prevention, and care. Marks the anniversary of the first coronary angioplasty performed by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig (Switzerland) on 16 September 1977.
UN Observance Background
- UN General Assembly Resolution (Sept 2022): Officially recognized 16 September as the International Day for Interventional Cardiology.
- Aims: Public awareness, education, and promotion of interventional cardiology in health systems.
Significance of Interventional Cardiology
- Focuses on minimally invasive, catheter-based treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
- Has significantly increased life expectancy and improved the quality of life globally.
- Angioplasty remains the most widely used life-saving procedure, preventing major myocardial damage.
Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- NCDs (heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease) = 70% of global deaths.
- Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs):
- Leading cause of death globally.
- 17.9 million deaths in 2019 → 32% of all deaths worldwide.
- 85% due to heart attacks & strokes.
- Rising incidence of NCDs → major social and economic burden worldwide.
Cardiovascular Disease Management
- Requires integration into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) packages.
- Needs investment in:
- Early detection, prevention, and treatment.
- Access to essential medicines and technologies.
- Surgical & interventional procedures include:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG).
- Balloon Angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty – PTCA).
- Valve repair/replacement.
- Heart transplantation.
- Artificial heart operations.
Coronary Angioplasty
- First performed: 16 September 1977 by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Procedure: A balloon catheter is inserted into blocked coronary arteries to restore blood flow.
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) in India
- India accounts for one-fifth of global deaths due to CVDs.
- Average age for first heart attack in India: around 50 years, nearly a decade earlier than in Western populations.
- Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and lifestyle factors are key contributors.
Global & National Initiatives
- WHO Global Action Plan (2013–2030): Target to reduce premature NCD deaths by one-third by 2030 (aligned with SDG 3.4).
- Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (India): Include screening and management of CVDs.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS): Operational in India since 2010.
Contribution to Global Health
- Awareness days like 16 September help integrate preventive healthcare into global dialogue.
- Encourage research, access to advanced technologies, and adoption of affordable treatment models in developing countries.
- Strengthen health diplomacy by uniting nations in tackling cardiovascular health challenges.