World Heart Day

World Heart Day History

World Heart Day is a global observance that aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death worldwide. The primary objective of this important annual event is to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, improve their heart health, and promote preventive measures against heart-related ailments. Emphasizing the importance of timely interventions, World Heart Day focuses on creating healthy environments for individuals and communities, thus reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.

The World Heart Federation, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), initiated World Heart Day in 2000 to address the surge in heart disease and stroke cases globally. The situation in India is particularly alarming, as it is estimated that 17.8 million people in the country died from cardiovascular diseases in 2017, accounting for over 30% of all deaths. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, unhealthy food choices, and high stress levels, coupled with a genetic predisposition for heart diseases among Indians, underline the vital need for increased awareness and timely preventive measures.

Various public and private organizations in India actively observe World Heart Day. Health check-up camps, marathons, cycling campaigns, and seminars are organized to raise awareness and promote heart-healthy living. Central to these events is emphasizing physical activity, balanced diets, regular health screenings, and stress management techniques as crucial aspects of maintaining overall well-being. As a yearly observance, World Heart Day is celebrated on the 29th of September across India, providing an opportunity for citizens to prioritize their heart health and make informed choices for a healthier future.

World Heart Day facts

• The major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. The impact of these factors on your health can be modified by managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Cardiovascular disease can also be hereditary. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has had heart disease or a stroke, you may be at higher risk.
• Risk factors start building early in life, and research has shown that children and adolescents can have early forms of CVD risk, such as abnormal cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.
• India has one of the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) globally, caused by untreated streptococcal infections. RHD affects approximately 1.17 per 1000 children in India and remains a major public health issue.
• The onset of CVDs in the Indian population is seen to be at a younger age compared to western countries. Nearly half of CVD-deaths in India occur in individuals under 70 years of age.

In the News and Trending in India for World Heart Day

Top things to do in India for World Heart Day

• Look for books, articles, and research papers written by experts in the field of cardiovascular disease in India. This will give you an in-depth understanding of the topic.
• Look for webinars or virtual conferences organized by healthcare professionals or organizations focusing on cardiovascular health in India. These events often feature expert speakers who present the latest research and advancements in the field.