Marengo CIMS Hospital’s World Heart Day Marathon Embodies ‘Use Heart for Action,’ Igniting a Movement for Better Heart Health
- The event attracted an incredible turnout, with over 2,000 participants making their mark in the MCIMS Marathon, united in the mission to raise awareness about heart health.
- Promoting Heart Health Awareness*: The event emphasized the importance of heart health and encouraged individuals to prioritize their well-being.
- Supporting Organ Donation*: The marathon helped raise awareness about the crucial need for organ donation and its life-saving impact.
- Empowering a Healthier Community*: By promoting physical activity and healthy habits, the event contributed to building a healthier community.
- Marengo CIMS Hospital has long been at the forefront of cardiac care, with its cardiac sciences team having conducted 53 heart transplants and recognized as one of the largest and most experienced in India
Ahmedabad: 30th September 2024: Marengo CIMS Hospital, emerging as one of India’s largest and most experienced Centers of Excellence for Cardiac Sciences, commemorated World Heart Day on 29th September 2024 by organizing a large-scale marathon. The event, aimed at promoting heart health awareness, and support the vital cause of organ donation.drew enthusiastic participation from over 2,000 individuals across three marathon categories—5 km, 10 km, and 21 km. This initiative was designed to encourage the community to take proactive steps towards cardiovascular well-being, united by the shared goal of protecting their hearts. The flag-off ceremony was graced by Mr. Jagat Karani, a Guinness World Record-holding marathon runner, along with Ms. Neeta Desai, IPS, Traffic, Ahmedabad, and Mr. Nirav Barot, Police Inspector, Ahmedabad. Their presence elevated the event’s profile and emphasized the collective commitment to raising awareness about heart health and inspiring the community to engage in physical fitness. Marengo CIMS Hospital is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its first-ever marathon, held on World Heart Day.
The marathon was part of Marengo CIMS Hospital’s broader efforts to promote heart health awareness, especially as the incidence of heart disease continues to rise. The hospital’s reputed cardiac sciences team, recognized for its highest levels of clinical excellence in handling complex heart conditions, interacted with participants, providing valuable advice on heart health throughout the event. The event included a vibrant Zumba session, encouraging participants to embrace fun with fitness. The program also included a special heart health awareness session titled ‘Dil se Dil tak’, led by prominent cardiologists from Marengo CIMS Hospital. These insightful sessions offered vital information on heart disease prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to educating the public about heart health. Marengo CIMS Hospital also spearheaded an organ donation awareness campaign, underscoring the life-saving potential of organ transplants and the growing need for donors and promote both heart health and a culture of giving that could profoundly impact lives.
Dr Dhiren Shah, Director Heart – Lung Transplant Program & MCS Program says, “This year’s World Heart Day theme ’Use Heart for Action’ is all about taking immediate steps towards a healthier heart, whether through exercise, regular check-ups, or lifestyle changes. Our Marengo CIMS Marathon initiative symbolizes this action, encouraging individuals to actively prioritize their heart health. At Marengo CIMS Hospital, we are committed to not only treating heart conditions but also inspiring communities to take proactive measures to prevent them. The overwhelming response to today’s event shows that together, we can make heart health a priority for all.”
Dr Anish Chandarana, Interventional Cardiologist, Marengo CIMS Hospital, says, “As we celebrate World Heart Day with this marathon, it is important to remember that heart health is not just a concern for older generations. Increasingly, we are seeing heart disease impact younger individuals due to lifestyle choices. Through events like this, we hope to raise awareness and encourage the youth to adopt heart-healthy habits early—because prevention is truly the best cure.”
Dr Dhiren Shah added, “I am so proud that six heart transplant patients participated in the marathon, including distances of 5 km,10 km, and 21 km. More than 2,000 people joined in this event. What could be more satisfying than witnessing our post-heart transplant patients leading normal lives and participating in marathons? Individuals who might not have anticipated living beyond two more years due to heart failure are now enjoying vibrant and fulfilling lives after their heart transplants. Heart transplantation is a definitive procedure for patients with heart failure, offering them a new lease on life filled with health and vitality”.
Mr Gaurav Rekhi, Regional Director-West, Marengo CIMS Hospital says, “At Marengo CIMS Hospital, our goal is simple: to help people take control of their heart health. The response to today’s marathon reflects the trust people place in our cardiac team and the importance of raising awareness about heart disease. We are committed to providing the most advanced cardiac care and encouraging healthier lifestyles.”
Dr Raajiv Singhal, Managing Director & Group CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals, says, “World Heart Day serves as a powerful reminder that heart health is a collective responsibility. At Marengo CIMS Hospital we are reputed to have brought in one of the most advanced techniques for heart transplant, not just in India but in Asia. This underscores our commitment to raising awareness and providing comprehensive care to prevent cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Our doctors call on individuals to make conscious choices—embrace a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and undergo routine health screenings. By taking these proactive steps, we can significantly reduce the burden of heart disease and improve the quality of life for countless people. Let’s work together to build a heart-healthy future for ourselves and for generations to come.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, claim approximately 17.9 million lives each year, accounting for 32% of global deaths. These numbers reflect both developed and developing countries, with key risk factors being high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and poor lifestyle choices. With India facing an alarming rise in heart-related illnesses, the need for preventive care has never been more crucial. India’s younger demographic faces rising heart disease cases, largely attributed to stress, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. The Indian Heart Association predicts that by 2030, India will contribute significantly to the global burden of CVDs, with 1 in 4 deaths caused by heart-related issues. Efforts like public health campaigns, lifestyle changes, early screening, and access to affordable healthcare, along with events like World Heart Day, are vital in spreading awareness and prevention.
