In 2000, World Heart Day was founded to inform people around the globe that Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s leading cause of death and is the biggest global awareness-raising platform for CVD, celebrated every year on 29 September.

In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. CVD is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. World Heart Day is, therefore, the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden. Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.5 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It 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. 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. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation 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. In 2026, World Heart Day will continue the momentum of ʻDonʼt Miss a Beatʼ, raising awareness of the worldʼs number one killer and highlighting the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of CVD.

Links:
World Heart Day

Dress Red Day