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World Heart Day is annually observed on 29th September to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their prevention and global impact. The theme for this year’s WHD is ‘Use Heart, For Heart,’ which means to give an opportunity to think and work for the betterment of humanity, nature and self.
Did you know that more than 523 million people in the world are affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVD)? Out of these, 30% of people die because of CVD-related diseases, mostly people in the age group of 70 or plus. Through this day, the WHF encourages cardiologists and heart specialists to promote ideas of healthy living. Read more to know about this day.
| Event | World Health Day |
| Date | 29th September |
| Organised By | World Heart Federation |
| Theme | Use Heart, Know Heart |
| Objective | To increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, their prevention and global impact |
| Official Website | https://world-heart-federation.org/ |
Table of Contents
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Background
In 1999, the World Heart Federation (WHF) announced the establishment of World Heart Day (WHD) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The president of the WHF, Antoni Bayés de Luna, conceived the idea for this annual health event. Till 2011, the WHD was observed on the last Sunday of September every year, with the first observance taking place on 4th September 2000.
According to the reports released by the World Health Organisation in 2000, around 17 million people suffered from cardiovascular or related diseases. Out of these, one in three suffered chronic conditions, leading to heart failure and death. In this aspect and to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, the World Health Federation annually launches programs and activities in which professionals encourage people to participate in these activities.
Initially, the WHF reports stated that most of the people with CVD belong to underdeveloped and developing nations. The major causes of CVD are poor physical and mental health, poor diet, addictions like smoking and drinking, etc. Moreover, these countries lacked the proper medical and healthcare facilities required for the prevention of CVD-related diseases.
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Theme
The theme for this year’s World Heart Day is ‘Use Heart, For Heart.’ With this theme, the World Health Federation aims to enhance awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their prevention and root causes. The Word Heart Federation is the sole body responsible for implementing themes for WHD and encouraging people to participate in related activities conducted on this day.
The theme for the first WHD was ‘Physical Activity,’ through which the WHF encouraged people to participate in outdoor activities for a life free of heart diseases.
Importance of World Heart Day
Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases involving heart or blood vessels. These diseases affect the functioning of the CVD system, such as irregular blood pumping throughout the body to supply oxygen and other nutrients to various organs. Deaths related to CVD are very common as they include various conditions, some of which are listed below:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) or Ischemic Heart Disease occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen and nutrients to heart muscles are blocked due to fatty deposits, resulting in chest pain or heart attack
- A stroke can office when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced or interrupted, usually due to a blocked artery. Strokes can result in brain damage or neurological impairment
- Heart failure is a condition under which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively or at a regular rate, either because it has weakened or has become too stiff
- Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, such as fast heartbeat, slow heartbeat or irregular heartbeats. Sometimes arrhythmias can be life-threatening
- High blood pressure, or hypertension is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. It can damage both blood vessels and the heart and can lead to heart attack, stroke and heart failure
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FAQs
A. The WHD is annually observed on 29th September under the guidance of the World Heart Federation.
A. The theme for this year’s WHD is ‘Use Hear, For Heart,’ meaning people should take good care of their hearts and live a life free of cardiovascular diseases.
A. The WHD was declared by the World Heart Federation in 1999 and the first celebration took place on 4th September 2000.
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