Every year, September 29 is observed as World Heart Day to make individuals aware of the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The day focuses on spreading awareness of the cardiovascular disease, heart disease and stroke.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 17 million people die from heart disease worldwide every year. Coronary heart disease or strokes are the main cause of these fatalities.
In 2016, over 17.9 million people died from CVDs, representing 31 per cent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85 per cent of deaths were due to heart attack and stroke. When it comes to India, 27 per cent of deaths were attributed to CVDs. CVDs also account for 45 per cent of deaths in the 40-69-year age group.
The theme of World Heart Day 2021 is ‘harnessing the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention and management of CVD globally’.
In 2020, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the World Heart Federation observed September 24 as World Heart Day. The idea of World Heart Day came from Antoni Baye de Luna, the former president of the World Health Federation. Back then, the day used to be observed on the last Sunday in September till 2011.
However, from 2012 onwards, it was observed on September 29 after world leaders pledged to reduce global mortality rates from these non-communicable illnesses by 25% by 2025.
