World Heart Day (वर्ल्ड हार्ट डे or विश्व हृदय दिवस in Hindi) is commemorated every year on September 29th. It is a global campaign created by the World Heart Federation (WHF), which is a nongovernmental organization working towards achieving heart health for everyone.
World Heart Day was first celebrated in 2000, with the collaboration of WHF and WHO (World Health Organization).
Why is World Heart Day Celebrated?
WHF observes World Heart Day annually to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, promote individual actions to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases and educate people about controlling its risk factors.
What Are Cardiovascular Diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It is generally associated with an accumulation (build-up) of fatty deposits inside the arteries (by a process called atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of developing blood clots.
Cardiovascular diseases may not present any symptoms. A heart attack or stroke may be the first sign of an underlying problem with heart health.
The exact cause of cardiovascular diseases is unclear. However, certain risk factors increase the chances of getting cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Over 500 million individuals worldwide still grapple with cardiovascular diseases, contributing to approximately 20.5 million fatalities in 2021. This staggering figure represents nearly one-third of all global deaths, marking a significant rise compared to the previously estimated 121 million CVD-related deaths (1).
World Heart Day is observed to highlight this alarming fact and educate people that by controlling the risk factors, at least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease can be avoided (2).
What is the Theme of World Heart Day 2023?
This year's World Heart Day theme, 'Use Heart, Know Heart,' serves as a global reminder to prioritize heart health. The campaign emphasizes the crucial initial step of understanding our heart's needs, as our ability to love and protect something is directly linked to our knowledge about it. In a world where information about heart health is often limited, and policies may be inadequate, our mission is to break down these barriers and empower individuals to proactively manage their well-being. By increasing our knowledge, we can enhance our ability to care for our hearts effectively.
What Can You Do?
To observe World Heart Day 2023, you can:
Spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases, their risk factors, and preventive measures among your family and friends.
Use the resources available on the WHF website to learn more about the World Heart Day 2023 campaign and the various ways in which you can get involved in the cause.
Create your own poster on World Heart Day and share it with your community or on social media.
Take part remotely in World Heart Day events happening around the world to show support and solidarity.
Share your story to motivate others to take care of their heart.
Get yourself and your loved ones checked to ensure optimum heart health.
This World Heart Day, do your bit to make sure you, your loved ones, and your communities have the best chance to live heart-healthy lives.
Reference:
1) (No date) World heart report 2023 - world heart federation. Available at: https://world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/World-Heart-Report-2023.pdf (Accessed: 21 September 2023).
2) Cardiovascular diseases: Avoiding heart attacks and strokes (no date) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cardiovascular-diseases-avoiding-heart-attacks-and-strokes (Accessed: 21 September 2023).
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