World Heart Day 2022 is annually observed across the globe on 29 September to raise awareness about the rising concerns of heart health and, cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- The day also highlights the importance of the prevention of CVDs and their global impacts.
- CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year.
- The theme for World Heart Day 2022 is “Use Heart For Every Heart’’. It is based on the three key beneficiaries i.e Use heart for humanity, Use Heart for Nature, and Use heart for you.
The day aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.
Background:
i.The idea of World Heart Day was proposed by Antoni Bayés de Luna, former President of the World Heart Federation (WHF) (1997-1999).
ii.In 1999, the WHF and the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated to the establishment of World Heart Day and proclaimed the last Sunday of September as World Heart Day.
iii.Since 2011, World Heart Day has been observed annually on 29th September.
- The first-ever World Heart Day was observed on 24th September 2000.
Significance:
i.World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.
ii.The WHF unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD):
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
- The Risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke include, High blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, Smoking, Improper diet, and Obesity.
About World Heart Federation (WHF):
President- Prof Fausto Pinto
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
