All we need to know about World Heart Day
More than 17 million people die of heart disease every year. To counter this, the World Heart Federation created this day. It is an event that takes place every year on September 29th.
People around the world can find events that raise awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD): the warning signs, the steps you can take to combat them, and how you can help those who may be suffering around you.
World Heart Day is observed and celebrated annually on September 29 with the aim of raising awareness and controlling cardiovascular diseases to reverse their global impact. The international holiday was created by the World Heart Federation in cooperation with the WHO. The president of the World Heart Federation from 1997 to 1999, Antoni Bayés de Luna, developed this idea. The first celebration of the annual event took place on September 24, 2000 and until 2011 the last Sunday of September was World Heart Day.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death worldwide. An estimated 17 million people die from CVD each year. Coronary heart disease or stroke were the main causes of these deaths. A common misconception about cardiovascular disease is that it affects more people in developed countries who are more dependent on technology and lead a sedentary lifestyle. But more than 80% of deaths occur in middle- and low-income countries. Fortunately, the main causes of cardiovascular disease are modifiable factors, including lack of exercise, smoking and poor diet. Countries’ economies are also severely affected by cardiovascular diseases – treatment costs are high and failure to treat diseases in time results in lost productivity and long absences from work.
More than 90 countries participate each year in this international observation. As a result, World Heart Day has proven to be an effective vehicle for disseminating information about cardiovascular disease. The high level of commitment from governments and organizations is particularly important for developing countries, which are seriously affected by these diseases.
This particular day informs people around the world that cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming 18.6 million deaths each year, and commemorates the actions individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. The goal is to take action to educate people that controlling risk factors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise could prevent at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and to cerebrovascular accidents.
World Heart Day is a global campaign that brings together individuals, families, communities and governments on a global level to participate in activities to take care of their heart health and that of others. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and walks of life in the fight against the burden of cardiovascular disease, inspiring and advancing international action to promote heart healthy living globally. We and our members believe in a world where heart health is a basic human right for all and an essential part of global health justice.
Doctors and medical experts opine that unhealthy diets, a sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels and fast-paced social obligations are the biggest contributors to heart problems in younger people #WorldHeartDay #heartattack https://t.co/7JlBOCVYxI
— Firstpost (@firstpost) September 29, 2022
