Every year, on September 29, the world celebrates World Heart Day, with the aim of raising awareness of the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and ways to prevent them. It also encourages individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Official Date: September 29

Key Focus Areas

• Encourage people to adopt healthy habits and avoid risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and lack of exercise.
• Raise awareness of the importance of healthy food, exercise, and adequate sleep.
• Raise awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure and cholesterol and how to prevent them.

Top Facts

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, according to WHO.
• Over three-quarters of CVD deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries.
• According to the World Health Organization’s report, physical activity for 30 minutes a day, eating fruits and vegetables, and reducing salt intake can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Adopting a healthy diet helps protect the heart, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.