World Heart Day
The
World Heart Foundation organizes World Heart Day, an international
campaign held on September 29 to inform people about cardiovascular
diseases, which are the biggest cause of death. The day promotes
preventative measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What happens on World Heart Day?
Governments and non-government organizations celebrate and promote
World Heart Day with activities such as fun runs, public talks,
concerts, and sporting events. The World Heart Federation organizes
awareness events in more than 100 countries. They include:
- Health checks.
- Sports events, including walks, runs and fitness sessions.
- Public talks and science forums
- Stage shows and concerts.
- Exhibitions.
These activities are done in partnership with organizations such as
the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the UN’s directing and
coordinating authority for health.
About World Heart Day
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death worldwide
and this is projected to remain so, according to WHO. About 17.5 million
people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005, representing 30
percent of all global deaths. Risk factors that may lead to heart
disease and stroke include:
- Raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.
- Smoking.
- Inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables.
- Obesity.
World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that
heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death.
Together with organizations such as WHO, the World Heart Federation
spreads the news that at least 80 percent of premature deaths from heart
disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors – which
are tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity – are controlled.
World Heart Day started in 1999 and is held on the last Sunday of
September every year.
