Every year on September 29, people around the world come together to observe World Heart Day. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
According to the World Heart Federation, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. It includes heart-related issues like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failures, which collectively claim the lives of over 20.5 million people each year. Sadly, most of these deaths occur in countries with lower and middle incomes.
The good news is that about 80 percent of these premature deaths due to CVD can be prevented. We can achieve this by making small changes to our daily routines. This involves improving our diet and what we drink, increasing physical activity, and adopting better ways to handle stress. These changes can help us take better care of our hearts and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
History of World Heart Day
World Heart Day was first observed in the year 2000, following its creation by the World Heart Federation (WHF), an organisation that works to combat heart disease and stroke on a global scale. The WHF initiated this annual event to tackle the rising rates of heart disease and stroke worldwide.
Over the years, World Heart Day has gained momentum, with various organisations, governments and individuals joining forces to spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases and promote heart-healthy habits. It has become a crucial platform for addressing the pressing issue of heart health on a global scale.
Significance of World Heart Day
World Heart Day serves several essential purposes:
It raises awareness about heart diseases and stroke, emphasising their preventability and management through lifestyle changes.
The day provides a platform for educating people about the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
It encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle to reduce their risk of heart disease, such as adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active and quitting smoking.
World Heart Day enables organisations and health professionals to advocate for policies and measures that promote heart health on a global level.
It offers support to individuals living with heart disease and their families, emphasising the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The Theme of World Heart Day 2023:
Each year, World Heart Day is centred around a specific theme to guide its activities and messages. The theme for World Heart Day 2023 is ‘Use Heart, Know Heart.’
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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