World Heart Day is observed annually on 29 September to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the importance of maintaining heart health. It highlights the preventable nature of most heart-related ailments and promotes proactive lifestyle choices.
Global Impact of Cardiovascular Diseases:
- CVDs claim more lives than cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined.
- Approximately 1.7 crore (17 million) people die annually due to CVDs, accounting for ~31% of global deaths.
- Heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease are the most common causes, responsible for 85% of CVD-related deaths.
- Up to 80% of heart disease and stroke cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection, and timely medical intervention.
World Heart Day 2025
- Marks the 25th anniversary of World Heart Day.
- Theme: “Don’t Miss a Beat” – emphasizes continuous vigilance, recognizing warning signs, maintaining healthy habits, regular check-ups, and timely medical attention.
- Encourages individuals and communities to take proactive steps to prevent cardiovascular disease-related deaths.
History of World Heart Day
- Concept introduced by Dr. Antoni Baie de Luna, former President of the World Heart Federation.
- First observed on 24 September 2000, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Initially held on the last Sunday of September until 2011.
- In 2012, the day was moved to 29 September to align with the global goal of reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025.
- Over 90 countries now participate with awareness campaigns and educational activities.
Significance
- Raises public awareness about the prevalence and risks of cardiovascular diseases.
- Promotes preventive measures, including physical activity, healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and managing stress.
- Encourages early detection through routine health check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Reinforces global commitment to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being).
World Heart Federation (WHF):
- Global NGO for heart health, working with WHO and national heart foundations.
- Promotes heart health policies, prevention programs, and campaigns worldwide.
CVD Facts:
- Cardiovascular diseases include heart attacks, strokes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
- Risk factors: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity.