World Heart Day which is celebrated every year on 29th September was created by World Heart Federation. It was aimed at informing people around the world about cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is a global campaign through which the federation unites people in the fight against the CVD burden as well as inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living.
Data |
Day |
Celebrated
in |
29
September 2024 |
Sunday |
Worldwide |
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 18 million people die
each year from heart-related issues. About 85% of these deaths are due to heart
attack and stroke.
Heart attacks and strokes are caused by blockage preventing blood from flowing to the brain or heart. One of the most common types of obstruction is fatty deposits in the blood vessels.
The following risk factors
increase the chance of having a heart attack or stroke:
- Tobacco use
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Hypertension
- Harmful use of alcohol
Why do we celebrate Heart Day?
The main aim of celebrating this day is to raise awareness
about cardiovascular disease, its prevention and the impact it on people across
the world. CVD including heart disease and stroke claims 17.9 million lives
every year. Given this fact, the day highlights the actions that individuals
can take to prevent and control CVD. The day is celebrated every year with a
theme.
Current Year Theme
World Heart Day 2024: Use Heart for Every Heart
This year’s theme is ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’. As per World
Heart Federation, it means:
Use Heart means to think differently. To make the right
decisions. To act with courage. To help others. To engage with this important
cause. The heart is the only organ you can hear and feel. It is the first and
last sign of life. It is one of the few things with the potential to unite all
of us as people.
For Every Heart involves the use of “FOR” and swings the
focus from the actions themselves to the beneficiaries of the actions, allowing
for wider application of the campaign while also making it more personal. We
want World Heart Day messages to reach as many individuals as possible to help
achieve cardiovascular health for every heart.
History of World Heart Day
World Heart Day was first observed in the year 1999 after
World Heart Federation collaborated with World Health Organization. The idea of
celebrating the day was conceived by Antoni Baye de Luna, who was the former
president of World Health Federation. Till 2011, the day was observed on the
last Sunday of September. However, with world leaders committing to reduce
global mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25 percent come 2025 in
2012, the day has come to be observed on 29 September every year.
Celebrations of World Heart Day
As part of World Heart Day celebrations, public talks, sporting events, and concerts are organized by government and non-government organizations to create awareness among people regarding CVD.
About World Heart Federation
World Heart Federation is a non-governmental organisation and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was formed in 1972 as International Society of Cardiology. In 1978, it merged with the International Cardiology Federation to form the International Society and Federation of Cardiology. This body changed its name to World Heart Federation in 1998. It is the principal representative body for the global cardiovascular community and represents more than 200 heart foundations, scientific societies, civil society and patient organizations from over 100 countries.
By The Numbers- 115,000 – the number of times our heart beats in a day.
- 2,000 – the number of gallons of blood pumped by the heart every day.
- 1893 – the year in which the first open-heart surgery occurred.
- 3,500 – the age in years of an Egyptian mummy in which the earliest-known case of heart disease was identified.
- 1,200 – the fastest heartbeat per minute — that of the pygmy shrew.
- 1 pound – the weight of the human heart.
- 60,000 – the number of miles our blood vessel system can extend to.
- 1,500 pounds – the weight of a blue whale’s heart.
- 1.5 gallons – the amount of blood pumped by our heart each minute.
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.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.
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.
Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. have high blood pressure due to the consumption of too much sodium.
Approximately 47 percent of cardiac-related deaths take place outside of a hospital — demonstrating that people don't take early warning signs seriously enough.
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?”
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.
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.
WORLD HEART DAY DATES
Year |
Date |
Day |
2022 |
September
29 |
Thursday |
2023 |
September
29 |
Friday |
2024 |
September
29 |
Sunday |
2025 |
September
29 |
Monday |
2026 |
September
29 |
Tuesday |
WORLD HEART DAY FAQS
Why do we celebrate World Heart Day?
Created by the World Heart Federation, the aim of World Heart Day is to inform people around the globe that heart diseases are the world’s leading cause of death and highlight the actions that need to be taken for prevention and control.
What is the theme for World Heart Day 2022?
The theme of World Heart Day 2022 was ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’
How do we celebrate World Heart Day?
World Heart Day is celebrated with fundraisers, awareness events, and activities such as concerts, sporting events, and marathon runs.
Source: General Internet Research
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