National Coronary Heart Disease Day is on 14 February, a date set by the Portuguese Cardiology Foundation to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease prevention, early recognition of the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
The Order of Physiotherapists joins this event, emphasising the importance of cardiovascular prevention and the contribution of physiotherapy in promoting health throughout the life cycle.
Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in Portugal, accounting for around 29% of deaths.
The main risk factors include high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and diabetes - largely modifiable conditions that require a structured and sustained preventive approach.
Scientific evidence shows that a significant proportion of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. Regular physical activity, body weight control, smoking cessation and appropriate clinical monitoring are essential pillars in reducing cardiovascular risk.
In this context, physiotherapy plays an important role in promoting safe and individualised physical activity, assessing functional fitness and empowering people to manage their risk factors. Physiotherapy intervention, particularly in primary healthcare and in structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes, helps to improve physical fitness, reduce the likelihood of new cardiovascular events and promote greater autonomy and quality of life.
After a coronary event, physiotherapy integrated into multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes, with intervention based on scientific evidence and aimed at functional recovery, physical reconditioning and reintegration into active life, can be decisive in reducing disability and improving health outcomes.
On this National Coronary Heart Disease Day, the Order of Physiotherapists recalls that investing in prevention means investing in more years of life with functionality, autonomy and active participation, and that physiotherapy is an essential element in building a healthier society.