The day is celebrated every year
on September 29 to increase awareness about the heart related cardiovascular
disease. It includes heart diseases and brain strokes. The day aims at
promoting a healthy lifestyle among people and also to make them aware of the
seriousness of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
According to the World Heart
Federation, cardiovascular diseases are accountable for nearly half of all
non-communicable diseases which make it the leading cause of loss of lives
every year. There are several causes for it like smoking, diabetes, high blood
pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and rare and neglected conditions such
as Chagas Disease and cardiac amyloidosis.
Significance
World Heart Day is to inform
people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke. It is the
world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.9 million lives each year. The day
also throws light upon actions that individuals can take to prevent themselves
from CVDs and also get it under control.
The day also aims at educating people to lead a healthy lifestyle by avoiding consumption of tobacco products, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. If these precautions are taken, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided. The World Heart Federation tries to unite people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD. World Heart Day is a step towards inspiring and driving international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.