World Heart Day: ‘Don’t miss a beat’

World Heart Day falls on 29 September each year. This day is a new opportunity to reflect on how to best use the heart for the benefit of humanity and nature.

- DR. MOHAN JAYATILAKE

Defeating cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke) is something that concerns all hearts in the world.

This year’s campaign is “Don’t Miss a Beat” and this official theme is announced and approved by the World Heart Federation (WHF) for 2025.

WHF which was founded in 1978, is a nongovernmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. The goal of this theme is to encourage people to take care of their hearts.

Heart disease and strokes are the leading cause of death, claiming 20.5 million deaths every year.

Many of them are premature and preventable.

According to WHO (World Heart Organisation) statistics, 82% of all deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries due to lack of resources.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death and disability in the world today.

According to WHF, up to 80% of premature deaths from heart attacks and strokes can be prevented with access to care, early screening, and healthier lifestyle changes.

Every year on 29th September, people all over the world celebrate Heart Day as a way to draw attention to cardiovascular illnesses and their management.

Global leaders have recognised the urgency to give priority to prevention and control of heart disease with other noncommunicable diseases (NCD) which include diabetes, cancer, and chronic lung disease.

Several ways to participate in World Heart Day:

@ Get Active — Physical activities such as walking, running or cycling and encourage others to join you.

e@ Events — Local health fairs, walks, public talks, podcasts, fundraisers and sporting events, cardiovascular screenings or seminars that focus on cardiovascular health and preventive strategies.

Why Action is Urgently Needed —

e Cardiovascular disease is a combination of diseases in heart and blood vessels.

e The following risk factors should be avoided: