World Heart Day

World Heart Day - Sunday, September 29, 2024

Health

Every year, over 17 million people die from heart disease. As a way to fight this, the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day. It’s an event held every year on September 29.

People around the world can find events that raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) — its warning signs, the steps you can take to fight it, and how to help those around you who may be suffering. So on September 29, fight CVD by getting involved with a World Heart Day event near you.

Heart Day is part of an international campaign to spread awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention. This is the perfect day to quit smoking, get exercising and start eating healthy – all in the name of keeping your ticker in good working order, and improving the health and well being of people the world over.

Learn about World Heart Day

The World Heart Federation have found that heart disease and strokes are the world’s leading cause of death, killing 17.1 million people every year – that’s more than victims of cancer, HIV and AIDS and malaria.

Overeating, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets and high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels are all factors which can trigger heart disease and threaten our own lives, and those of loved ones. Heart Day was set up to drive home the message that heart problems can be prevented.

History of World Heart Day

The aim is to improve health globally by encouraging people to make lifestyle changes and promoting education internationally about ways to be good to your heart. This lesson is becoming increasingly relevant as reports of obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity in children and young people become more and more common.

Events take place to promote healthy hearts. Charities and other organisations coordinate walks and runs, health checks, public talks, shows and exhibitions to name a few of the interesting and informative  events which mark the day. So on Heart Day, get involved, eat your fruit and veg and get outside; both you and your heart will feel the benefits.

World Heart Day is celebrated every year. It was created by the World Heart Federation. The first World Heart Day took place back in 2000. Since then, in 2012, leaders from around the globe committed to the reduction of worldwide mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25 percent by 2025.

Did you know that almost half of the NCD deaths happen because of cardiovascular disease? This makes it the biggest killer across the world. Therefore, World Heart Day is the perfect platform for the community to come together in the battle against cardiovascular disease and lower the worldwide disease burden. 

How to observe World Heart Day

As World Heart Day is all about drawing people’s attention to heart diseases and illnesses, as well as the range of health issues that are associated with this, it makes sense to raise awareness and also improve your own understanding. We would recommend taking some time to do a bit of research about heart conditions and risk factors. You can then use your online platforms and your social groups in order to raise awareness. 

There are both non-governmental and governmental organizations that take part in this date around the world. They do this through the organization of science fairs, exhibitions, fitness sessions, public talks, walks, and marathons. Some famous buildings, monuments, and landmarks opt to go red on this date so that they can show their support for cardiovascular disease awareness.

If you are opting to celebrate this day, it is important to try and be more attentive to your own heart health. There are a number of different ways that you can do this. This includes following a healthy diet, quitting alcohol, stopping smoking, and getting involved in physical exercises. It is also important to have your cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart checked on a regular basis. 

It is a good idea to take a look online to see if there are any events that are going on in your local area. If there are not, how about organizing an event yourself? All you need is an idea that is going to get the community involved and raise awareness for heart disease. This could be anything from a fun run to a community fair. It is up to you.

You don’t need to do an event on such a big scale either. You could gather your friends and family members and host a fun event, educating them on the issues and asking them to make a donation. Other ways to fundraise include making crafts and then donating the proceeds to a heart foundation or charity. 

There are a lot of different charities and organizations that are doing great work when it comes to raising awareness and finding cures for different heart problems. We are sure that they would appreciate a donation, whether this is a donation of your time, money, or both! After all, anything that you can do can make a difference to someone’s life, so do not underestimate the role that you can play. 

World Heart Day timeline

September 2017

Public Health England's online app

This online test measures "heart age," which shows how many years we can expect to live in good health without a heart attack or stroke.

November 2016

"A Healthy Heart Your Goal"

It's a British program designed to promote heart health and encourage people to lead an active lifestyle — and take up sports to help keep their hearts healthy.

November 2016

Hundreds of children screened

Over 200 children (and adults) were screened for rheumatic heart disease in Asmarat, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt.

2000

World Heart Day established

​The World Heart Federation created a very important event — World Heart Day.

4 Crucial Facts About Heart Disease

  1. ​Heart disease costs all of us

    ​Each year, the U.S. spends approximately $200 billion in health care services, medication, and lost productivity due to heart disease.

  2. ​There are 3 common risk factors

    ​Smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (specifically LDL), are the key risk factors for heart disease. Half of all Americans suffer from at least one of these.

  3. ​Sodium intake is putting kids at risk

    Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. have high blood pressure due to the consumption of too much sodium.

  4. ​Early warning signs are crucial

    ​Approximately 47 percent of cardiac-related deaths take place outside of a hospital — demonstrating that people don't take early warning signs seriously enough.

How to Observe World Heart Day

  1. Designate the day for a checkup

    You may even be able to find a World Heart Day event near you that’s offering health check services. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

  2. Get your heart rate up with fitness events

    Maintaining a healthy weight and low Body Mass Index (BMI) can help decrease your chances of developing heart disease. Whether you decide to attend a gym or fitness class — or prefer to get involved at a World Heart Day event — try to make being active a priority.

  3. Schedule life-changing seminars

    Most cardiac emergencies occur near someone who could potentially help — so setting up a CPR class and learning how to resuscitate a person could save lives. Cooking demonstrations, health lectures, and fitness lessons are also great events to plan for World Heart Day.

Why World Heart Day is Important

  1. It’s for your heart — and all our hearts

    As the World Heart Federation says, September 29 is all about asking yourself: “What can I do right now to look after my heart…and your heart?”

  2. It highlights worldwide events

    World Heart Day is a universal platform that has the capability to focus attention on the millions who die from heart disease each year. Through worldwide events, the day offers health and fitness tips so people can lead a life free of cardiovascular ailments.

  3. It encourages people to take action

    By offering a variety of fun, healthy events — walks, runs, public talks, concerts, etc. — the day can inspire you to fight cardiovascular disease and live a longer, healthier life.

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